Catania 0-0 Napoli: Honours Even Between Southerners In Sicily

Takayuki Morimoto - Catania (Getty Images)

Catania dominated for long spells of the game, and had the chances to win comfortably but they were unable to beat a solid Napoli in round 12 of Serie A on Saturday night. Neither side were particularly impressive, but Takuyuki Morimoto will feel like the guilty party after missing a plethora of chances.

Catania coach Gianluca Atzori came into the game knowing he was playing for his job as well as three points. Napoli were revitalized following their 3-2 win over Juventus last week and were looking to add to the 10 points in four games won since Walter Mazzarri took over.

As expected, it was the Partenopei who had the brighter start, until Catania settled into their stride. Ezequiel Lavezzi did well to shrug off Alessandro Potenza on the wing. He fed Marek Hamsik, but the Slovakian star decided to play the ball to Christian Maggio rather than shoot and the chance was wasted. Catania were ready for a slugging match though and Morimoto almost landed a knock-out punch down at the other end. Marco Biagianti teed up the Japanese hitman, but he dragged his shot wide of the mark after wriggling free from Salvatore Aronica.

Lavezzi was always at the center of the attacking play when Napoli went forward and he did well to win a free kick on the edge of the box. Luca Cigarini stepped up and curled a good effort around the wall, but it was just wide of Mariano Andujar's goal. The Etnei had been working hard in training this week and there was a feeling Atzori prepared this game with attention to detail. However, despite good attacking build up play, they were unable to dig the knife into their opponents.

Giuseppe Mascara should have done better when he was presented with a golden chance to break the deadlock. Christian Terlizzi did well to win back possession for his side. The defender played in Cristian Llama, who crossed in nicely from the wing, but Mascara headed downwards, only to see the ball bounce back up and spin narrowly over the bar. Chances continued to be worked by the Sicilians, but their finishing did no justice to their efforts.

The Elefanti continued to press and were resplendent in their movement. Potenza should have done better when he latched onto Llama's well delivered corner, but the defender's header was plucked out of the top corner by Morgan De Sanctis who was called into action again. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was watching in the stands. The film producer recently said this match would be his Christmas box office hit, but it was hard to see how as there was no showcase spectacle from his players. Mazzarri's men struggled to created any chances worthy of mention and looked a far cry from the team who stunned Juve seven days ago.

Catania grew in confidence and the lackluster performance from the Campania-based side was put through the hoops. Napoli risked running the gauntlet and should have been punished by Morimoto. The Japanese hitman found himself with time and space on the ball in front of De Sanctis. It was the classic one-on-one, but there would be no resplendent finish as he smashed the ball at the keeper from five yards out. Credit must go to De Sanctis who stood up as long as he could, but Morimoto ought to have scored.

The Sicilians started from where they left off for the second spell. Morimoto was having a horrid time in front of goal. Llama provided another pinpoint cross, but the number 15 headed wide from close range. It was easier to score.

Napoli's play, like their shooting, was hit and miss. Lavezzi was played in by Fabio Quagliarella. 'El Pocho' shrugged off the challenges, but he couldn't beat fellow South American Andujar as the goalkeeper beat the effort away from goal.

Quagliarella fared no better either. He was looking to score his first away goal of the season having struck three at the San Paolo. However, on form like this, he will be waiting for a little longer to break the mold. He was replaced by German Denis late in the game, but neither side were able to take maximum points.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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