Catanzaro are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1, with the excellent Pietro Iemmello leading the line and last season's top scorer Filippo Pittarello also in the mix. That is a front line with real pedigree at this level. The wing-backs — likely Candela and D'Alessandro — will provide the width, while Pafundi operates in the half-spaces between the lines. This is a side built to stretch opponents and create overloads out wide. Sudtirol, by contrast, are expected to sit in a back four, with Casiraghi supporting Merkaj up top. That is a more conservative shape, designed to stay compact and hit on the break.

The midfield battle will be crucial. Catanzaro's double pivot of Alesi and Petriccione will look to control possession and dictate tempo, while Sudtirol will try to disrupt and spring quick transitions. The key question is whether Sudtirol can handle the width Catanzaro will throw at them. If the wing-backs get forward and the front three rotate, the visitors' back four could get stretched. Set pieces could also be a factor — Catanzaro's height and physicality in the box, with Antonini and Ruggero in the back three, gives them a threat from dead balls. Sudtirol will need to be disciplined and clinical on the counter, but they may not get many chances.