Catania 0 : 0 Hellas Verona - Catania remain rock-bottom

Posted Sunday, December 15, 2013 by PA

Catania remain rooted to the foot of Serie A after being held at home to a 0-0 draw by Hellas Verona, who missed the opportunity to break into the top five.

In a tight and tense game at the Stadio Massimino, the hosts carved out the better chances but a blend of bad finishing and bad luck denied them what would have been only their third win of the season.

Hellas, who could have moved level with fourth-placed Inter Milan with a win, only managed to test Alberto Frison in the Catania goal once as they drew for only the second time this season.

Catania were full of life as an initiative offering a free additional ticket to all season ticket holders ensured a larger than usual crowd at the Cibali.

Pablo Barrientos created a glorious opportunity for Sebastian Leto in the 18th minute, but with only Rafael to beat, he shot too close to the Hellas goalkeeper.

The ball fell out for Gino Peruzzi, but he contrived to miss the target from close range.

A Barrientos free-kick was then flicked by Alvarez towards goal, but Rafael reacted well to the slight deviation to keep the header out.

Emil Hallfredsson tried his luck from 25 yards early in the second half, but Frison appeared to get his fingertips to the ball to touch it over the crossbar, even if only a goal kick was given.

It was the first time the Catania goalkeeper had been called into action, and it was practically the last too.

He raced off his line to reach a ball which was slightly overhit by Juan Iturbe in the dying minutes of a game which remained deadlocked at 0-0 in spite of five minutes of stoppage time being played.

Catania tried right to the very end, but there was no way through as Hellas frustrated them right up to the final whistle, which was met with more whistles from the fans.