Jeda force not enough to give Novara victory

02 October 2011 14:05

Alejandro Gomez scored an injury time equaliser to deny Novara victory in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Catania on Sunday.

Brazilian Jeda had looked to have snatched the three points for the hosts, who had twice trailed, when he headed home a rebound five minutes from time.

But Gomez stepped up to flick the ball with the outside of his right foot around goalkeeper Samir Ujkani.

Former Italy centre-back Nicola Legrottaglie had given Catania a 14th minute lead but Marco Rigoni equalised from the spot at the start of the second half.

Francesco Lodi restored the visitors' advantage before Japan forward Takayuki Morimoto established parity for a second time.

The result leaves newly-promoted Novara with the best attack in the league ahead of the afternoon games.

On Saturday Napoli moved to the top of the table after a stunning 3-0 win at 10-man Inter Milan.

Inter had Nigeria midfielder Joel Obi controversially sent-off in giving away a penalty at the end of the first half.

Television replays showed his foul was outside the box.

He was booked for bringing down Christian Maggio and received a second yellow card but TV replays also showed that his first was unjustified as he had clearly won the ball in a challenge with Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar saved Marek Hamsik's penalty but Hugo Campagnaro scored on the follow-up.

Maggio and Hamsik then added further goals against the 10 men in the second half.

Roma earned their second straight victory as they beat previously unbeaten Atalanta 3-1 in the capital.

The big game on Sunday evening sees Juventus, who were top until Napoli's victory, entertain champions AC Milan.

Source: AFP