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Luca Vigiani bagged a rare hat-trick to celebrate Reggina's second win of the season, but there was also a comedy moment from goalkeeper Nenad Novakovic.
The Calabrians were feeling the pressure after two straight 3-0 defeats and had not scored in three, while Emmanuel Cascione was suspended. Catania had been boosted by their 2-0 win over Udinese, but were without a goal on their travels in over a month. To make matters worse, strikers Gionatha Spinesi and Giuseppe Mascara both sat out bans.
Last term this southern clash ended with a 1-0 Catania victory courtesy of Giorgio Corona. Nicola Amoruso had the first attempt after 60 seconds, then play had to stop for a nasty clash of heads between Giuseppe Colucci and Valdez. Barreto's screamer was well dealt with by Catania goalkeeper Ciro Polito. Reggina finally broke their goal drought when Amoruso held up a Ciccio Cozza free kick for Luca Vigiani's splendid volley into the far corner. Amoruso almost made it 2-0 moments later, his strike from the edge of the box skimming the base of the upright. On the stroke of half-time Stovini was decisive as his perfectly-timed tackle prevented Ceravolo from going clear on goal from Barreto's assist. Polito had to tip an angled Francesco Modesto drive round the post, but Vigiani doubled Reggina's lead with a fierce daisy-cutter from the edge of the box. Catania got one back in comedy fashion, as a seemingly harmless Vargas attempt squirmed between the embarrassed Novakovic's legs. Reggina made the game safe anyway with Vigiani completing his hat-trick with a deflected strike. Catania ended up with 10 men following Gennaro Sardo's dismissal. |