To truly understand Catania, it is essential to understand Argentina, for the Sicilian team could just as easily be playing their football in the South American country’s Torneo Clausura. The story of Catania in recent years is inextricably linked with Argentine football, with the Rossozzurri boasting more players from that country than Italians, thanks in part to former sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco. And the formula is working as Catania’s Serie A placing, which sees the side battling for a Europa League spot, proves all too well.
When Catania faced Chievo in Verona on 7th April, spectators could observe eight Argentinians in the visitors’ first eleven – the Chievo faithful would have been forgiven for thinking they had been transported to Buenos Aires. The Rossozzurri are spoiled for South American stars. Juan Pablo Carrizo stands between the sticks, on loan at the club from Lazio, while centre back Nicolas Spolli is a wanted man due to a series of impressive displays. Midfielder Mariano Izco is a versatile performer, Adrian Ricchiuti found the back of the net against Juventus, but it is Sergio Almiron who is arguably the team’s most skillful player. Almiron previously turned out for Juventus, though failed to convince in Turin; at Catania he has found just the right role and is flourishing.
Up front though is where the Sicilian side have struck gold, with Gonzalo Bergessio, playing alongside another Argentine in Alejandro Gomez. Bergessio arrived at Catania last season on loan from French outfit Saint-Etienne, impressing enough for the Serie A side to turn that deal into a permanent transfer in the summer – and they have been richly rewarded. In total, Catania have ten Argentines in their first team squad, with a further three out on loan.
Catania’s impressive journey has been guided by not an Argentine though, but an Italian, who surely has a long career in the dugout to look forward to. Vincenzo Montella enjoyed a long successful playing career, most notably with Roma, and coached the Giallorossi on a caretaker basis last season. At Catania, the 37-year-old employs an aggressive 4-3-3 system, based around speed and a never-say-die attitude.
For any visiting team, a trip to Catania has always been a difficult task. Indeed, the mountain that must be climbed is summed up by the phrase “Clamoroso al Cibali”, which now adorns football programmes and books across Italy. Cibali was the old name of Catania’s ground, now renamed the Stadio Angelo Massimino in honour of the president who led the club in the 1970s and 1980s and who is an icon in the city. The phrase itself refers to a game which took place on 4th June 1961, when Catania beat Helenio Herrera’s legendary Inter side 2-0, leading the radio commentator to shout into the microphone “Clamoroso al Cibali, Catania have just beaten Internazionale!”
Last season the Sicilian outfit enjoyed a fine campaign, finishing mid-table, but this year the ante has been upped, especially at home. At the Angelo Massimino, Montella has led Catania to victory over Inter and Napoli, while points have been gained with Serie A title contenders AC Milan and Juventus. Against the Rossoneri at the end of March, Catania quickly conceded as Zlatan Ibrahimovic produced a moment of magic to play in Brazilian striker Robinho. But in the second period, Catania played with pure fury for 20 minutes. A goal was disallowed; Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati was called upon time and again, before Spolli scored the equaliser for the hosts. In the second half, Milan had been outplayed by the Rossozzurri, and could be thankful to leave town with a point.
But it is not just at home where Catania have produced the goods. Indeed, a lofty position of eighth at the time of writing, cannot be solely down to home form. Draws at the San Siro and San Paulo against Inter and Napoli respectively, both ended 2-2, saw the visitors play a fine brand of football. With six games left, a place in Europe is possible for Catania, something which would be a historic moment for the Sicilian outfit.
Against this backdrop, Lo Monaco, the principal creator of the current “Argentine Catania”, left the club due to a difference of opinion with president Pulvirenti, and now works for Inter, another Italian side with a strong history of Argentine player. On the pitch too there has been change, as Catania lost striker Maxi Lopez to Milan in the winter transfer window. The club’s fans were devastated, as the 28-year-old was a firm favourite.
Whatever happens in Sicily, Montella will be praised for a job well done. Catania will have to guard against the former striker’s departure as they bid to safeguard the “little Argentina” they have built which is powering the team to success.
