With an outstanding first half, in line with the performance delivered a few days earlier against a direct rival, Catania Women secured their ninth consecutive win, their fifteenth of the season. At Nesima, the Rossazzurre defeated Academy Abatese 3–1, who drop to third place following Salernitana’s victory today.
The Etnee opened the scoring thanks to Alessandra Panarello’s tap-in after a well-taken free kick by Giulia Martinelli, then doubled their lead with fine goals from Mari Liis Lillemäe and Irene Di Vittorio. Late on, the visitors pulled one back through a penalty converted by Rachele Nicoletti.
Coached by Silvestro Reitano, the team now sits top with 45 points, holding a six-point lead over second place and nine over third with three rounds remaining in the regular season. They boast both the best attack and the best defense in Group D.
On Thursday, March 26 at 2:30 PM, Matera Città dei Sassi vs Catania will take place, a rescheduled match from the sixteenth round.
Serie C Women
Group D, Matchday 19
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Nesima Sports Ground, Catania
Catania–Academy Abatese 3–1
Goals: 16’ Panarello, 26’ Lillemäe, 37’ Di Vittorio; 74’ Nicoletti (AA) pen.
Catania: 71 Macera; 7 Basilotta (VC) (85’ Sciuto), 10 Cammarata (C), 11 Martinelli (81’ Sgambato), 13 Teern, 22 Panarello, 23 Palts, 30 Vacchino (81’ Suvitra), 66 Fuggle, 72 Lillemäe, 77 Di Vittorio.
Subs: 1 Orlando; 4 Lanteri, 8 Barbarino, 12 Fiorella, 14 Russo, 91 Romano.
Coach: Silvestro Reitano.
Academy Abatese: 25 Pascale (VC); 2 Panzeri, 7 Catalano (C) (90+1’ D’Urzo), 14 Battimelli (60’ Piccolo), 19 D’Orso, 26 Calvanese (90+1’ Donnarumma), 33 Vigiani, 44 Pellecchia (85’ Martino), 57 Penna, 77 Nicoletti, 92 Papaleo (85’ Zoubida).
Subs: 99 De Santis; 9 Ferrara, 23 Cozzolino.
Coach: Antonio De Sarno.
Bookings: Panarello (C); Catalano, Calvanese (AA).
Added time: 1’ first half; 5’ second half.
Referee: Umberto Forti (Caltanissetta).
Assistants: Leonardo Zervasi and Luca Antonio Turco (Caltanissetta).
