Italy: Dorval returns to scoring after 14 months (video)

Nov 1, 2026

After a difficult period, Mehdi Dorval has found the back of the net just as he looks to revive his season. This goal could mark a turning point for the Catanzaro defender.

Mehdi Dorval scored during Saturday's match between Catanzaro and Padova in the 10th round of the Italian Serie B. The Algerian defender netted the only goal for his team in a match that ended in a draw (1-1), thus ending a streak of over fourteen months without a goal.

The Algerian international found the net in the 28th minute, giving his team the lead in a match that ultimately ended in a points share. His last goal dated back to August 24, 2025, when he scored for Bari against Venezia. This goal is therefore a positive sign for the player, who is striving to regain his form after a disappointing start to the season.

Despite this personal satisfaction, Dorval did not hide his disappointment at the end of the match. The defender believes Catanzaro could have achieved a better result against Padova. However, he highlighted the collective progress and the efforts made during recent training sessions.

The player also mentioned his relationship with Michele Mignani, his new coach, whom he had previously met at Bari. The coach notably accompanied him during his debut in Serie B, a memory that the Algerian cherishes. This reunion could ease his adaptation to the team's new tactical demands.

In the standings, Catanzaro remains at the bottom with six points, while Padova sits in seventh place with fourteen points. For Dorval and his teammates, the goal now will be to turn these signs of progress into more significant results.

DZfoot