Draw with Catania sends Atalanta U23s into the Serie C Play-offs!

Atalanta U23 played out a 1–1 draw with Catania and secured 11th place in the regular-season standings to qualify for the play-offs for the third consecutive year.

It was an intense start at the Municipal Stadium in Caravaggio, with both sides looking to take the initiative. The Nerazzurri’s first chance came on 11 minutes, when Bonanomi was closed down just before getting his shot away inside the box. Catania responded, forcing Vismara into two key saves - first denying Cicerelli on 13 minutes, then reacting well to a set-piece on 29 minutes. Atalanta threatened again on 35 minutes, as Bonanomi picked out Ghislandi at the far post, but the winger couldn’t keep his header on target. Moments later, however, Ghislandi broke the deadlock, cutting into the box to meet Cassa’s pinpoint delivery and slotting home with composure.

The second half unfolded at a more measured tempo, with few clear-cut chances for either side. In the closing stages, Catania pushed for an equaliser and found it in the second minute of added time, as Caturano reacted quickest from a corner to make it 1–1.

ATALANTA U23 1-1 CATANIA

Scorers: Ghislandi 43 (A), Caturano 92 (C)

Atalanta U23s: Vismara (C), Plaia (Berto 19), Manzoni, Misitano (Cissè 57), Cassa, Guerini (Bergonzi 81), Ghislandi (Mencaraglia 81), Steffanoni, Navarro, Levak, Bonanomi (Idele 81). Unused bench: Zanchi, Anelli, Pounga, Cissè, Riccio, Bergonzi, Vavassori. Coach: Salvatore Bocchetti.

Catania: Dini, Celli, Allegretto, Jimenez, Cicerelli (C), Raimo (Bruzzaniti 67), Forte (Caturano 67), Di Noia, Ierardi, Pieraccini (Cargnelutti 67), D'Ausilio (Lunetta 46, Di Tacchio 85). Unused bench: Bethers. Coach: Domenico Toscano.

Referee: Marco Di Loreto from Terni.
Assistant referees: Andrea Romagnoli from Albano Laziale and Cristian Robilotta from Sala Consilina.
Fourth official: Michele Pasculli from Como.
FVS Operator: Ilario Montanelli from Lecco.

Notes: Pieraccini (C), Steffanoni (A) booked