Catania Snatch Late Victory Over Ascoli in Serie C Thriller

Catania FC defeated Ascoli 2-1 in a pulsating Italian Serie C encounter on May 28, 2026. The match at the Stadio Angelo Massimino saw the home side come from behind to claim all three points, thanks to a dramatic winning goal in the closing stages.

Match Overview

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to impose their rhythm. Ascoli, playing away, looked to hit on the counter-attack, while Catania attempted to dominate possession. The deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute when Ascoli's striker, Federico Dionisi, pounced on a defensive error to slot home from close range. Catania went into the break trailing but came out with renewed intensity in the second half.

Key Moments

• 42' Goal (Ascoli): Federico Dionisi capitalises on a miscommunication in Catania's backline to make it 1-0.
• 67' Goal (Catania): A brilliant free-kick from Francesco Di Mariano curled over the wall and into the top corner, levelling the score.
• 84' Goal (Catania): Substitute Luca Moro met a cross from the right flank and powered a header past the goalkeeper to complete the comeback.
• 90+2' Save: Catania's goalkeeper, Andrea Seculin, denied a point-blank header from Ascoli's Manuel Ciccone to secure the win.

Tactical Analysis

Catania set up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to control the midfield through the creativity of Di Mariano. Ascoli, in a 3-5-2, attempted to exploit the flanks but were often pinned back by Catania's full-backs. After falling behind, Catania increased their pressing intensity, which led to the free-kick equaliser and eventually the winner. The home side finished the match with 62% possession and 11 shots to Ascoli's 6.

Standout Performers

• Francesco Di Mariano (Catania): The hero of the night, his free-kick was a thing of beauty, and he was a constant threat from set pieces.
• Luca Moro (Catania): Came off the bench to score the winner, showing excellent movement and aerial ability.
• Federico Dionisi (Ascoli): Took his goal well and led the line effectively, though ultimately on the losing side.

League Implications

The victory lifts Catania into the top half of the Serie C standings, providing a major boost for their playoff hopes. For Ascoli, the defeat is a setback, leaving them just above the relegation zone. The hard-fought nature of the match underscored the competitiveness of Italian third-tier football, where every point is fiercely contested.