Catania 3-1 Napoli

Napoli's dismal season continued as they lost at Catania with an embarassing 3-1 loss.

With his team having managed just one win in their last 18 league games, Partenopei coach Roberto Donadoni had demanded his side show more character before the match and Napoli did take a 28th minute lead thanks to a Mariano Bogliacino goal.

But the hosts hit back in style to claim all three points. Takayuki Morimoto equalised shortly before the break before Giuseppe Mascara put Catania in front from the penalty spot with three minutes remaining.

Substitute Vito Falconieri then capped a wonderful afternoon for Catania deep in stoppage time.

Napoli ended the game with 10 men with Daniele Mannini sent off for dissent.

Catania went into the game looking to make amends having lost their last four Serie A games, but the high temperatures in Catania hindered both sides.

It was the visitors, who welcomed back top scorer Ezequiel Lavezzi from a one-month injury lay-off, who enjoyed the first chance when Gianluca Grava fired high over the bar after eight minutes.

At the other end, Marcelo Zalayeta´s right-footed strike from the edge of the area was saved by Catania goalkeeper Tomas Kosicky.

Midway through the first half, Ciro Capuano's header went high over the bar for the hosts.

And Napoli took the lead soon after. Bogliacino's powerful strike from distance towards the far post stunned Kosicky.

Napoli continued to surge forward in the hope of extending their lead and they almost succeeded soon after.

Capuano was forced to make a crucial clearance to anticipate an unmarked Zalayeta inside the area from Pia´s deadly cross.

Just when Napoli looked in command, Catania levelled the scores. Capuano´s cross found Morimoto inside the area whose powerful header beat goalkeeper Nicolas Navarro.

Morimoto had a chance to give his team a 2-1 lead before the break but his close-range effort was met by a fine save from Navarro.

Both teams struggled to put a good move together early in the second half and it was not until the hour mark that they showed some signs of awakening.

Zalayeta´s header from Pia´s cross went wide while at the other end, Falconieri´s left footed strike from outside the box was saved by the keeper.

With eight minutes remaining, Lavezzi should have put Napoli in front but the striker´s close-range effort from Zalayeta´s assist was blocked by a defender.

With two minutes remaining, the referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot after Jorge Martinez was brought down inside the area by Fabiano Santacroce.

Giuseppe Mascara made no mistake and fired towards the near post where Navarro could not reach.

Napoli shot themselves in the foot one minute later with Mannini handed his marching orders after an exchange of words with the official.

Catania then secured the win as they struck one minute later. Falconieri´s superb strike from distance beat Navarro to make it 3-1.