AZ Picerno vs Catania - Serie C - Girone C

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings AZ Picerno and Catania together at the home ground on September 15, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Serie C - Girone C occasion. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

The standings paint a clear picture: AZ Picerno in 3rd, Catania in 17th, and both keen to climb. The hosts have been imperious, L in their last five underpinning an elite win rate of 75% that marks them out as genuine contenders. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, L in their last five reflecting a win rate of 25%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — AZ Picerno average 2.25 per game to Catania's 1.5, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Elsewhere, there was a useful win for Atletico Madrid to end Sevilla's unlikely winning run.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. AZ Picerno will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Catania will back themselves to cause problems on the break. That radar allows City to retain control, momentum and possession in games, pinning opponents back in the tempered style Guardiola favoured.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Ben White has attracted interest from the likes of Everton, but injuries to Jurrien Timber and William Saliba could impact Arsenal's willingness to let the England defender go.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Given the balance of the numbers, AZ Picerno should have enough to edge it — a 3-2 victory looks the most likely outcome. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Serie C - Girone C picture. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.