Reactions After Fixture Release
On July 24, 2021 by Jake IovineWe now know the dates and opponents for the 2021/22 Serie B season. The ceremony in Ferrara, projected every matchday of the season, and we can now start to plan.
Here is the official schedule:
Cittadella v Vicenza | August 21/December 29
Cittadella v Crotone | August 28/January 15
Cremonese v Cittadella | September 11/January 22
Benevento v Cittadella | September 21/February 12
Cittadella v Lecce | September 25/February 19
Frosinone v Cittadella | October 2/February 26
Cittadella v SPAL | October 16/March 1
Monza v Cittadella | October 23/March 5
Cittadella v Parma | October 28/March 12
Reggina v Cittadella | November 1/March 15
Cittadella v Pisa | November 6/March 19
Ternana v Cittadella | November 20/April 2
Perugia v Cittadella | November 27/April 5
Cittadella v Como | November 30/April 9
Alessandria v Cittadella | December 4/April 18
Cittadella v Ascoli | December 11/April 25
Brescia v Cittadella | December 18/April 30
Cittadella v TBD | December 26/May 6
We will host Vicenza on August 21, an already tasty fixture. With the ongoing situation at Chievo, it’s unclear if they will be part of this season. Here are my initial reactions from these games.
Difficult Start
There is no doubt that Cittadella got one of the hardest draws to begin the season. Starting with Vicenza, who is investing a lot this offseason, we then host Crotone. Having been relegated last year, Crotone are once again one of the favorites to be promoted. A short trip to Cremonese follows, after we will travel south to Benevento, then at home to Lecce.
In the first five matches, we will be playing teams that are competing for Serie A, and some are favorites to be promoted. Not to mention after those five games we then have Frosinone, SPAL, Monza, and Parma. A slow start to the season? Maybe. We should never doubt Cittadella as they can always serve a surprise.
The most important point, however, is that we must have a good stretch for the other half of games. Though the first 10 seem hard, the final stretch is incredibly important, even if we manage to win against some of the giants. It will once again come down to the final day, and it could mean traveling away to the Bentegodi.
Derby To Start
Vicenza, who has bought Cittadella star Federico Proia last week, is the first opponent of this season.
This match could set the tone for both teams. A win against our near town rivals could give us a spark going into a tough stretch. In contrast, a loss or a poor performance could lower our moral going into the Crotone match. As of now, we don’t know if fans will be in attendance. Cittadella supporters could give the team a favorable boost of energy that can help defeat the Biancorossi.
This derby will also be the first game after the winter break. This time, however, will be in Vicenza’s ground. Once again, it is important to get a good start early, so we can have confidence going into the hard patch of games.
Chievo away for Matchday 38?
Traveling to Verona has not be memorable to the granata. Having not won a game there in over 20 years, Cittadella could end the season there, assuming they get their situation figured out. If we need a win or need a result going into Matchday 38, it might be difficult for us to travel away and get the result we need.
Assuming we need a win to secure playoffs, against a playoff contention team as well, it can cause trouble for us. The history at the stadium is there. It’ll work in Chievo’s way, and we could end up losing the match.
It’s important that we win the games we are supposed to win. If we don’t, we could end up with a difficult task in Verona.
These are exciting times for Cittadella, as the season is officially underway. The team is traveling to Lavarone, and matches are on its way!