Catania optimistic in front of the new season
This is the third season in Serie A for the club from Sardinia, the last two had the same scenario. Catania went to a good start, great form at Massimino would even fly them up table, but as the season unfolds, all of their weaknesses would come to the surface. There is no sappiness at the island, coach is usually the one who pays the price. Last season, Sivio Baldini got sacked while former Inter's goalie got his chance. He had saved the team from relegation, in suspicious circumstances, since Roma seemed uninterested when they saw they were left without title chances. None the less, Zenga has automatically earned himself the contract, having saved the team, and now is expected to free his team off the relegation worries. The club sent a very clear message to their rivals with great transfer job, and now they peacefully wait for the kick off. Unlike some others Catania didn't roam through the market, they clearly knew what they needed and bought the players they can rely on. With the existing crew of good players for the line up, the team is well composed with good alternatives for each place in the team.
Midfield was crucial in transfer jobs
They have made two great moves during the summer, directly from Boca, where he was excellent, a real playmaker, Ledesma, has arrived to the club and will definitely be a center of the attention. Zenga's Romanian connection worked, since he led Steaua, he managed to capture experienced Dica, a Romanian cap. It is interesting that Catania managed to beat several Premiership players targeting the excellent midfielder, but his desire to work with Zenga again was crucial for his decision. Carboni and Polucci, interesting, promising players, have also arrived to Sicily. With a solid defense that was pretty good in the first half of the last season, and with the experienced goalie, Bizzari, it is evident this team has nothing to worry about. You know very well what Massimino does to weaker teams, especially with Martinez and Terlizzi who stayed on its turf despite numerous offers. The only one they had to sell was Vargas. Still, the club will live for a year off Peruvian player's transfer, and that was the sacrifice that simply had to be made. The entire game was based on him, but Zenga now has more attacking options.
In
Carboni (Red Bull), Ledesma (Boca Juniors), Paolucci(Atalanta), Dica(Steaua), Minelli(Triestina)
Out
Pia, Vargas
Our tip
According to transfer job and the number of arrivals, this should be very easier season for Catania than the last two. The fans are frenetic, mentioning even fight for Europe which would be a historic success, but they should cool their heads a bit, even the mid-table seat would be a success for them. As a paradox, we believe that the team's biggest weakness is Zenga. He was collecting knowledge in Romania, Serbia, Azia, but this is a step forward. His abilities should be measured by the last season's success. Catania weren't relegated thanks to only phlegmatic rivals, nothing more. The lack of a classic striker, someone who can bag 15 in a season, might be the problem for the team, since it makes the difference between the teams from middle and bottom. Still, home performances and the new arrivals are making us believe that Catania have bigger chances than at least five or six teams this season. They shouldn't have any relegation problems.
Our tip: Catania to finish in top half
Odds 4.00
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
