La Spezia, February 23, 2025 – Catanzaro emerged victorious against Spezia with a decisive goal from Filippo Pittarello during their Serie B encounter at Stadio Alberto Picco. This match was pivotal for both teams as they sought to improve their standings in the competitive league.
The match kicked off with both sides displaying strong and aggressive tactics, but it was Catanzaro who capitalized first. After several near-misses and tense moments, Pittarello found the back of the net at the 75th minute, catching the Spezia defense off guard. His fantastic turn followed by a quick strike seemed to seal the fate for the home side.
This victory was significant not just for the points but for the rivalry itself; it marked Catanzaro's second consecutive win against Spezia, having previously triumphed 1-0 during their last meeting on December 21, 2024.
Both teams entered this match with much on the line. Spezia started the day third in the league with 50 points, aiming for direct promotion to Serie A, but they faced tough competition from Catanzaro, who were fourth with 42 points. The clash was intense from the outset, with high stakes driving both teams.
It was not without drama, as the match saw two red cards, one for each side, with Gianluca Lapadula of Spezia receiving his marching orders after VAR intervention for a foul on Petriccione. This incident shifted the momentum, leaving Spezia with ten men as they fought to equalize against Catanzaro’s organized defense.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Spezia had several opportunities to score, with players taking turns to challenge Catanzaro's goalkeeper, Lorenzo Pigliacelli. Hristov, Wisniewski, and especially Lapadula all had close calls, but the goalkeeping heroics of Pigliacelli ensured the clean sheet for Catanzaro.
Catanzaro had their own chances to extend the lead, with numerous counterattacks putting pressure on Spezia’s defense. Especially notable was Pompetti's attempt, which narrowly missed the target after exploiting the spaces left by Spezia’s desperate offensive play.
The match not only highlighted the tension between the two squads but also the growing stakes as the season progresses. With this win, Catanzaro jumped higher in the standings, inching closer to the promotion playoff spots.
Catanzaro's coach, Fabio Caserta, praised his team's performance and resilience after the match: "We played well, and the players executed the game plan perfectly. Winning away against such tough opponents strengthens our confidence moving forward."
For Spezia, the defeat was hard to digest, especially on home soil. Coach Luca D'Angelo expressed disappointment over the result but also recognized the need to regroup and focus on the upcoming fixtures. He remarked, "We need to bounce back quickly and focus on the next challenges. It’s not the end of our ambitions, just a setback we have to learn from."
The loss marked Spezia's first defeat on their home ground this season after 18 consecutive matches without losing at Picco. The last time they lost at home was on February 28, 2024, against Feralpisalò. They will need to reassess their strategies as they head to their next game against Sudtirol, where they hope to regain lost ground.
On the other hand, Catanzaro is riding high with confidence, preparing for their next encounter against Reggiana. With this victory, they continue to display their credentials as serious contenders for promotion.
The league remains competitive, with teams vying for every available point as the season nears its conclusion. The resilience showcased by Catanzaro combined with their tactical mastery under pressure may prove to be pivotal as they chase promotion.