In a thrilling encounter at the Nicola Ceravolo stadium, Catanzaro and Sampdoria battled to a 2-2 draw on Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the 37th matchday of the Serie B championship. The match was crucial for both teams, with Catanzaro aiming to secure a mid-table finish and Sampdoria fighting to avoid relegation.
Catanzaro entered the match sitting in 7th place with 48 points, while Sampdoria was struggling in 17th place with just 36 points. Both teams needed a strong performance, and the stakes were high as the season neared its conclusion.
As the game kicked off, it was evident that both teams approached the match with caution. The first notable chance came from Sampdoria’s Venuti, whose long-range effort sailed just over the bar. However, it was Sampdoria who struck first in the 23rd minute when De Paoli headed in a precise cross from Vieira, sending the away fans into raptures with a 1-0 lead.
Despite the early setback, Catanzaro responded with determination. They intensified their pressing game, and their efforts paid off just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Brighenti equalized for Catanzaro, finishing from close range after a scramble in the box. The goal was confirmed by VAR, and the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
The second half began with Catanzaro taking the lead shortly after the restart. In the 47th minute, Biasci managed to sneak between the Sampdoria defenders, scoring to make it 2-1 for the home side. The momentum seemed to swing in favor of Catanzaro, and the home crowd erupted with excitement.
However, Sampdoria was not to be outdone. Just three minutes later, in the 50th minute, Coda capitalized on a defensive error from Catanzaro to level the score at 2-2. With this goal, Coda not only brought his team back into the match but also celebrated his 135th goal in Serie B, tying him with Stefan Schwoch for the all-time lead in the league’s scoring charts.
The match took a turn for the worse for Catanzaro in the 64th minute when Pompetti received a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten men for the remainder of the match. Despite being a man down, Catanzaro held firm, defending resolutely against a Sampdoria side that pressed for a winner.
As the game progressed, Sampdoria tried to exploit their numerical advantage, but Catanzaro's defense, led by Pigliacelli in goal, remained resilient. With the clock ticking down, both teams had opportunities, but neither could find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a draw.
Post-match, Sampdoria's coach, Evani, expressed mixed feelings about the result. "We needed to capitalize on our chances, especially in the second half, but we showed resilience to come back twice," he said. Meanwhile, Catanzaro’s coach, Caserta, praised his team's fighting spirit, stating, "We showed great character, especially after going down to ten men. This point could be vital for us moving forward."
The draw leaves Sampdoria still in a precarious position in the relegation zone, as they continue to fight for survival with only a few matches left in the season. Meanwhile, Catanzaro can take some confidence from the performance as they look to solidify their mid-table standing.
In terms of statistics, Catanzaro finished the match with 47% possession and 10 shots, while Sampdoria had 53% possession and 12 shots. The match was officiated by referee Giovanni Ayroldi, who issued several yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the encounter.
Fans looking to catch the next Catanzaro match can tune into DAZN, which broadcasts Serie B games live, ensuring they don’t miss any of the action as the season draws to a close. With the stakes higher than ever, every match will be critical for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the campaign.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to build on this result. Catanzaro will aim to secure their position in the league, while Sampdoria will need to find a way to turn draws into wins if they want to avoid relegation. The drama of Serie B continues, and fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.
