Catania's biggest challenge over the summer of 2012 was to convince Vincenzo Montella - one of the most talented young managers in the world - to stay on for another season. Unfortunately the call of Fiorentina proved too tempting for Montella and the vultures began to surround the Sicilian club. Rolando Maran looked an uninspired choice to take over the reigns as he'd never before coached in the top flight and many were predicting that Catania would struggle near the relegation zone this season. So just how did the unheralded Maran manage to not only defy those critics but to actually surpass what Montella had achieved before him? A huge part of Catania's success this season was based on the fact that, whilst they lost their manager, they were able to keep most of the stars of the show from last season. Francesco Lodi remained consistent in midfield with his set-pieces continuing to prove fruitful this campaign. Gonzalo Bergessio had a prolific season as the main goal threat whilst his link-up with fellow forwards, Pablo Barrientos and the excellent Alejandro Gomez, were as fluid and dangerous as ever. However, it wasn't all about the much vaunted front-three, the defence was also a more solid unit as they conceded fewer goals than last season whilst Lucas Castro proved a shrewd piece of business in the transfer market to add to the side's Argentine contingent. Once again the Elefanti were excellent at home whilst not quite so dynamic away from home. Nevertheless, Catania were able to finish in eight position, ahead of Inter Milan, whilst also smashing the club record for the total number of points in a Serie A season. It would be quite easy to say that Maran just came in and took over Montella's side who were already a well-oiled machine. However, when one looks throughout the history of football, how often has it been the case that a new man falls flat on his face when tasked with the job of maintaining what a beloved predecessor had achieved? Maran not only maintained it but he eclipsed it and he deserves a tremendous amount of credit for that. He will face harder tests in the summer though with player of the year Gomez looking set to join Atletico Madrid and others may join him looking for moves to bigger clubs. Meanwhile, the overall squad will need to be strengthened anyway as injuries could expose a lack of strength in depth. Maran has already proved he can defy the expectations in the face of several doubters this season so he will surely be up for the job of doing it again.
