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David Di Michele gave Torino a potentially decisive away victory in Sicily to take them away from the danger zone.
This was a six-pointer between two teams in dire straits who had hoped for mid-table security by now. Toro had lost three on the bounce without scoring a goal and Catania aimed to defend their solid home record which included only three defeats. Lorenzo Stovini sat out a ban, while the visitors had Gianluca Comotto, Simone Barone and Matteo Sereni injured.
The Granata hadn't won here in the top flight since May 1966 and it took just two minutes and 30 seconds for Catania to take the lead. A Giuseppe Mascara corner kick was whipped in for the head of Gionatha Spinesi from six yards, as he had got away from marker Marco Motta.
It was a blistering start at the Stadio Massimino, as a minute later Toro equalised! Alvaro Recoba got a rare start and rolled across for the totally unmarked Aimo Diana to drill low from the edge of the box. The Catania defence was evidently still celebrating and was caught out.
Ciro Polito had his palms stung by a trademark Recoba left-foot screamer, while Alessandro Rosina skipped past Gennaro Sardo to prod the ball just past the upright.
Polito was forced into another tough save from Recoba's powerful left foot from 25 metres and from the resulting corner Motta nodded wide.
Toro failed to make the most of their chances and were almost punished, as Spinesi incredibly turned a free header over the bar from six yards.
Alberto Maria Fontana completely missed a Sardo cross and Giacomo Tedesco couldn't get the final touch from point-blank range.
Polito got a touch to Paolo Zanetti's lob, which allowed the defence to get back for a goalline clearance. After the restart Motta was halted for an incorrect offside flag when clear on goal, then Colucci skipped past Pisano at the byeline and his cross-shot was inches off target.
Mascara deflected teammate Colucci's long-range effort wide, but Toro took the lead with substitute David Di Michele. He had only just replaced a not 100 per cent fit Recoba and escaped the offside trap on Rosina's lifted pass over the defence for a fantastic first touch to go round the goalkeeper.
Jorge Vargas came off the bench and almost scored the goal of the season with a stunning volley from 30 metres that skimmed the woodwork.
Mascara's low drive on the spin from Davide Baiocco's pass was well held by Fontana, while soon after Spinesi was clear on goal and fired straight at the goalkeeper.
Motta's strike from distance skimmed the crossbar, but Catania wanted a penalty for Pisano's tackle on Mascara.
Deep into stoppages Mascara had a good penalty shout for Motta's tug, but once again the referee did not award a spot-kick.
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