3.30pm 18 October 2023
Coppa Sicilia, First Round, First Leg
Noto Calcio 0 Real Belvedere 2 (att 170)
My fourth and final Sicilian game was another Wednesday afternoon cup tie. As far as I can tell, the Coppa Sicilia is for teams in the island’s six prima categoria leagues, which form part of Italy’s seventh tier, or ‘serie G’ if you prefer.
I assume the cup is regionalised, at least early on, as both these sides play league games in group E. Noto head the table with four wins from four matches, so defeat against mid-table Real Belvedere was a surprise.
To say the home side never got going would be an understatement. The visitors started on the front foot and looked much the better side. Perhaps Noto are concentrating on the league this season.
Goals after 38 and 55 minutes settled what was, in truth, a lacklustre game. Noto had a great chance reduce the arrears on 65 minutes, but their tame penalty was comfortably saved.
Noto’s stadium, part of a sporting complex that also caters for tennis, swimming and motorcross, is just beyond the edge of the town.
The pitch, the only grass surfance I saw a game on while on the island, is surrounded by a running track. A large but roofless stand runs the length of the touchline, while a disused pen for holding away fans is on the opposite side.
I believe the stadium had effectively been abandoned a few years ago, so while it could still do with a bit of TLC it’s good to see it in use.
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