Super challenge for overtaking. Cremonese, alibis finished

While waiting to make the leap in quality, the Cremonese has lost certainties, solidity and points. So it finds itself in fifth place with 42 points and having to chase the Catanzaro with the aim of overtaking it starting from direct confrontation this afternoon at home. And escape the much feared preliminary playoffThere are no alibis or justifications for the inconsistent performance: only one victory in the last six games for the grey-red team, 9 goals scored and as many conceded.

It's the same technical to not mince words when describing the delicate moment: "It is clear that we need to bring out a bit of "ignorance", improving in what we do such as dribbling and attacking the goal, in addition to attention in the defensive phase". The numbers, if compared to those of last season, are eloquent: at this time the Lombard club was second in the standings with 53 points, six points behind the leaders Parma. A difference that according to the coach is partly attributable to the offensive department that has not particularly benefited from the contribution of the new interpreters (Nasti, Bonazzoli, De Luca). "The attack that scores less is our trend - he acknowledges Strop –, because this year too we are the team that creates the most, maybe last year we worked better".

In his analysis he did not forget the errors of the rearguard: "The defensive aspect is certainly important, if not decisive". The last topic touched on contains the real problem of a season that has been in chiaroscuro up to now: 27 goals conceded against the 20 of the previous year. To try to find a new jolt he will not be able to rely on the player with the highest technical level, the "Mudo" Vazquez (in the photo), who after the operation to reduce a facial fracture caused by an aerial collision in the challenge with Carrarese, should be available again in the match with Palermo.

On the other hand the Catanzaro coach Fabio Caserta will try to respond blow for blow without losing ground with a team that flies on the wings of enthusiasm: no defeats in 2025 and 10 consecutive useful results in the championship.

Probable formation (3-5-2): Fulignati; Antov, Ceccherini, Bianchetti; Barbieri, pickel, Castagnetti, Vandeputte, Azzi; Johnsen, Nasti. All Stroppa.