Palermo Vs Catanzaro [2–0] – Serie B Playoff Semi-Final Second-Leg 2025/2026: Alberto Aquilani Tactics Survive Filippo Inzaghi Rally – Tactical Analysis

Palermo hosted Catanzaro at Stadio Renzo Barbera for the second leg of the Serie B playoff semi-finals.

The game ended in a 2-0 win for Palermo, which was not enough to reach the playoff final.

Catanzaro’s 3-0 win in the first leg meant that losing by two in this second leg would not change anything for Alberto Aquilani and his players.

On the other hand, Filippo Inzaghi had a complicated mission in this match, as it was difficult to score three goals against a tough Catanzaro team without conceding and while maintaining a strong defensive line.

In this tactical analysis, we explore Palermo’s attacking performance, the solutions they employed to score goals against Catanzaro, and Catanzaro's reaction to counterattacks.

Palermo Vs Catanzaro Lineups & Formation

Palermo Lineup Vs Catanzaro

Inzaghi relied on the 4-3-3 formation with Jesse Joronen as the goalkeeper and a back four consisting of Niccolò Pierozzi as a right-back, Patryk Peda and Pietro Ceccaroni as centre-backs, and Tommaso Augello as a left-back.

The midfield was composed of Antonio Palumbo, Jacopo Segre, and Filippo Ranocchia.

And the attacking line featured Jérémy Le Douaron and Dennis Johnsen as wingers, in support of the main striker, Joel Pohjanpalo.

Catanzaro Lineup Vs Palermo

On the other side, Aquilani opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mirko Pigliacelli as goalkeeper and a back three of Tommaso Cassandro, Matias Antonini, and Nicolò Brighenti.

The midfield was composed of Jacopo Petriccione and Simone Pontisso as central midfielders, Costantino Favasuli and Gabriele Alesi as wing-backs, Mattia Liberali and Pietro Iemmello as wide playmakers, with Filippo Pittarello being the main striker.

Palermo Set-Piece Tactics

The match started with high intensity from both teams, and especially from Palermo, who were behind.

Palermo’s determination to score was obvious from the start, and Catanzaro failed to limit their opponent's early attempts, resulting in a goal conceded from a free-kick.

Palermo’s first goal showed that the team can be very dangerous on set-pieces, as Palumbo proved that he is an efficient set-piece taker, providing a well-curved cross towards the box.

At the same time, Palermo exploited the weak defending of Catanzaro during this free-kick, as Catanzaro’s defenders failed to clear the ball away and allowed it to reach the far post, where Pohjanpalo was positioned.

Pohjanpalo was more reactive than his direct markers and was able to win a header that resulted in a goal for Palermo.

The action highlights Palermo’s determination and excellent set-piece taking, while confirming that Catanzaro’s defending in such situations represents a weakness.

Palermo Counterattacking Weaknesses