ROME, Oct. 22 -- Catania twice fought back to stun Fiorentina on home turf, earning a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Stadio Franchi on Saturday.
The Viola broke the deadlock with their first real scoring opportunity. Riccardo Montolivo tackled Catellani in midfield and immediately threaded through for Stevan Jovetic, who curled a sensational finish from the edge of the box into the far bottom corner. However, Catania argued it was a foul on Catellani to start the move.
Alessio Cerci dribbled past Marchese to test Mariano Andujar, while Santiago Silva's lob was over the bar under pressure from Nicola Legrottaglie.
Montolivo was booked for a mistimed tackle and will therefore be suspended for the midweek round against Juventus.
Jovetic and Manuel Pasqual went on a lightning counter-attack from Catania's own corner, but Marchese got back for a crucial block on the Montenegro talent's shot.
Andujar needed two tricky saves on powerful Jovetic and Montolivo efforts. Marchese was again decisive as he anticipated Alessio Cerci from seven yards on a Pasqual cross from the left.
Catania really should've equalised on 40 minutes when Catellani was allowed a free header at the back post, but he incredibly nodded wide from seven yards!
They did draw level moments later from a corner. Gennaro Delvecchio's header was charged down from point-blank range, but he was quick to pounce on the loose ball to prod home.
In first half stoppages there were Fiorentina complaints for a Francesco Lodi handling offence in the box. It seemed to strike his shoulder, but he also moved his arm towards the ball.
After the break Catania complained to the referee for a shirt-tug on Delvecchio as the corner was whipped into the box.
Catellani blasted just over the bar when controlling Marchese's low cross from the left. At the other end, Cesare Natali's smart volley from a Jovetic chipped pass flashed just wide of the target.
Fiorentina restored their advantage with another fantastic Jovetic finish. He unleashed a curling right-foot screamer from outside the D that flew into the far top corner, leaving Andujar with no chance.
Jovetic almost had a hat-trick moments later on the counter, but opted to pass instead of shoot and was intercepted.
Delvecchio's header from a corner was beaten off the line by Artur Boruc, while substitute Gonzalo Bergessio chested down the Davide Lanzafame pass over the top and his finish was deflected wide of the near post.
Catania equalised in chaotic circumstances. Barrientos thought he had already scored with a header at the back post that was cleared off the line by Pasqual - over the line - but play continued and Maxi Lopez tapped in the loose ball from six yards. Enditem