Catanzaro 2-2 Modena: Serie B 2025-26 match report

The Stadio Nicola Ceravolo played host to a high-intensity Serie B encounter on Wednesday evening, as Catanzaro and Modena played out a 2-2 draw. In a match defined by fluctuating momentum and tactical adjustments, both sides demonstrated significant attacking intent, though defensive lapses ultimately dictated the final scoreline.

The opening exchanges

Alberto Aquilani’s Catanzaro side, lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, signaled their intent immediately. The hosts were rewarded for their proactive start in the 5th minute when F. Pittarello found the back of the net. The strike was subjected to a brief VAR review, but the officiating team confirmed the goal after two minutes of deliberation, handing Catanzaro an early advantage.

Modena, operating under Andrea Sottil in a 3-5-2 system, initially struggled to contain the hosts' movement in the final third. However, the visitors demonstrated resilience, settling into the game as the first half progressed. Their persistence was rewarded in the 28th minute. Following an assist from M. Cotali, D. Adorni leveled the score, silencing the home crowd and steadying the visitors' rhythm.

The game remained physical throughout the opening half, with T. Cassandro and S. Pontisso both receiving yellow cards for Catanzaro as they attempted to disrupt Modena’s build-up play. Despite the pressure, Catanzaro regained the lead shortly before the interval. In the 40th minute, Fabio Rispoli capitalized on a delivery from M. Liberali to put the hosts 2-1 ahead heading into the break.

The decisive moment

The second half saw a flurry of tactical changes from both benches as the managers sought to control the midfield battle and manage player fatigue. Modena coach Andrea Sottil was particularly active, introducing fresh personnel early in the half, including the introduction of D. Adorni and later G. Ambrosino and Fabio Gerli. Aquilani responded by rotating his attacking options, bringing on P. Iemmello and C. Favasuli to maintain the pressure on the Modena backline.

As the match entered the final ten minutes, Catanzaro appeared to be managing the game effectively, making defensive substitutions to preserve their narrow lead. However, Modena’s persistence in the closing stages proved critical. With the match deep into the final minutes, Pedro Mendes found the equalizer in the 90th minute, securing a point for the visitors and denying Catanzaro a victory that had seemed within their grasp for the majority of the second half.

Looking ahead

The draw leaves both sides reflecting on a missed opportunity to claim all three points in a tightly contested Serie B campaign. For Catanzaro, the inability to protect a lead in the dying moments will be a point of frustration for Aquilani as he looks to solidify his side’s defensive structure heading into the final stretch of the season.

Modena, meanwhile, will take confidence from their late-game tenacity. The result keeps them in the mix for their respective objectives, proving that they possess the necessary resolve to salvage points even when trailing away from home.