Video Catania 2 - 1 Chievo Verona

Sergio Almiron's second-half double earned Catania a 2-1 victory over Chievo in the Serie A at the Stadio Angelo Massimino on Sunday.

Almiron opened the scoring six minutes into the second half and curled home a crucial second goal five minutes from time before Marco Andreolli's stoppage-time consolation.

The result was the Rossazzurri's fifth win in the league this term and lifted them to sixth in the standings, while Chievo remained precariously placed just above the relegation zone.

Catania had much the better of the first-half chances but failed to test Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

Francesco Lodi first burst into the area and got the better of three defenders before firing wide. He then turned provider with a free-kick for an unmarked Alejandro Gomez, who controlled the ball on his chest before lashing high over the bar.

Gomez had an even better opportunity after 25 minutes when sloppy defending from the visitors saw him all alone with only Sorrentino to beat, but he again sent his effort sailing over the bar.

Chievo mustered their first shot on goal eight minutes before the break but it was hardly worth the wait - Andreolli driving a long-range blast over the bar.

Back at the other end, Gomez again should have given Catania the lead in the 43rd minute but could only shoot high and wide after a fine pass from Lodi.

The deadlock was deservedly broken within six minutes of the restart, though, when Almiron met Lodi's corner and powered his shot high into the net.

The one-way traffic continued as Catania pushed for a second goal, but they rarely troubled the keeper.

Pablo Alvarez fired over the bar, while substitute Souleymane Doukara headed inches wide from Lodi's cross and then just failed to connect with Gomez's pass following a dangerous counter-attack.

Almiron was then just off target with a right-footed effort in the 74th minute, but he did grab his and Catania's second 11 minutes later.

The Argentinian midfielder cut in from the wing and curled a superb shot past Sorrentino to give the Sicilian side breathing space.

It proved decisive, too, as Chievo burst into life in the final few minutes.

Sergio Pellissier saw his left-footed shot hit the post in the 90th minute and then, three minutes into stoppage time, Andreolli escaped the attentions of Nicolas Spolli to head home Cyril Thereau's free-kick.

But Chievo had left it too late and headed back to Verona with nothing to show for their efforts.


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