Catanzaro 3-1 FC Paradiso: Preseason Friendly, July 29, 2026

Catanzaro kicked off their 2026-27 preseason campaign in emphatic style, securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Swiss side FC Paradiso in an international club friendly played on July 29. The Italian Serie B outfit showcased sharp attacking play and solid defensive organisation to dispatch their opponents at a neutral venue, offering an early glimpse of the squad’s preparation for the upcoming domestic season.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Catanzaro controlled the tempo, pressing high and moving the ball with intent. The home side—designated as the “home” team despite the neutral setting—took the lead inside the first half-hour through a well-worked team move. A swift transition from midfield released the right winger, whose low cross was turned in by an unmarked striker at the near post. Catanzaro doubled their advantage shortly before the break when a defensive lapse from Paradiso allowed a loose ball to be smashed into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

Paradiso, competing in the Swiss Challenge League, showed resilience and pulled one back just after the hour mark. A corner kick was flicked on at the near post, and a towering header from the centre-back gave the Catanzaro goalkeeper no chance. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished within ten minutes when Catanzaro restored their two-goal cushion with a clinical counter-attack, finished by a left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

Key Performances

• Catanzaro’s attacking trio looked lively throughout, combining well in tight spaces and exploiting FC Paradiso’s high defensive line.
• FC Paradiso’s centre-back who scored the consolation goal was a bright spot, but the Swiss side struggled to cope with Catanzaro’s physicality and tempo in midfield.
• The match also served as valuable minutes for several Catanzaro trialists and young talents, with the coaching staff rotating freely in the second half.

Preseason Context

For Catanzaro, this friendly represents an important step in building match fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of the 2026-27 Serie B season. The newly promoted side from southern Italy will be aiming to establish themselves in the second tier, and a strong preseason—including this victory—provides early momentum. FC Paradiso, meanwhile, used the fixture to test their squad against higher-level opposition from the Italian league system, gaining valuable European exposure.

The result gives Catanzaro fans reason for optimism, as their side showcased both defensive solidity and attacking flair. With further friendlies scheduled in the coming weeks, manager Vincenzo Vivarini will be pleased with the overall output of his team.