Nicola Pavan

A player who grew up near Cittadella, Nicola Pavan is going into his third season with Cittadella. Signed in 2019, the Veneto born midfielder is one away from half a century appearances for Citta.

Pavan was born in Thiene on June 15, 1993. North of Vicenza, it was natural for Nicola to play for L.R Vicenza. He was an established starter in 2011 for the U19’s. Although Vicenza didn’t have the greatest season, Pavan played 29 games through the end of 2011 to 2012.

After a Serie D season at Valdagno, he signed for Real Vicenza, however, did not play until a year after he made the move. His pro debut came on September 15, 2014 against Pro Patria. A very good debut season for him, as he played 22 games and assisted once. Despite finishing 7th, the club withdrew that summer. Pavan left, and joined Pavia.

It was a difficult start for Nicola. He found his footing two months after joining, and was beginning to play more frequently. Pavia decided to loan the defensive midfielder to Renate that winter. Right away, Pavan got the start at the Tombolato against Cittadella. Renate were in a hole, and at risk of relegation. A string of great results got the club out of the drop zone, and an undefeated stretch at the end, where Pavan played in all of them, confirmed Renate were safe.

While at Renate, Pavan managed to score his first pro goal. Coming on as a sub, Pavan scored in the 79th minute against Feralpisalò, giving them the 1-0 win. It was the turning point, as Renate only lost once after that win. Pavan gave Renate life, and the club signed him on a permanent deal.

He got the starting spot he deserved. Playing 39 matches that season, it was by far the best season Pavan played at the moment. Renate stayed in the playoff zone for a large part of the season, and made the playoffs as a result. It wasn’t meant to be, as Pavan and Renate lost in the first round to Livorno.

The next season was once again a good one for the midfielder. A key player in the Renate midfield, the club were fighting for 1st place. A stretch of poor results at the ladder end of the season saw Renate drop out of contention for direct promotion. Pavan got injured on the 37th Matchday, and did not play for the remaining games. It proved to hurt Renate, as they lost in the first round once again.

Going into the 2018/19 season, Pavan was still injured, and once again Renate failed to cope. While Pavan was out, the club only had one win, and was towards the bottom of Serie C. As soon as Nicola returned to the field, Renate did better. They started picking up points, and were slowly climbing out. Many draws saw them not climb as much as they liked to, however.

It came to the final day. Rimini against Renate, with the winner being safe. Pavan, who played the full 90, fought for a 0-0 draw. It meant Renate were safe just by head to head record. His goal in the return match on Matchday 19, where Renate won 1-0, proved to be the relegation saving goal.

His three and a half seasons were up. Pavan was ready for the jump up. Cittadella bought Pavan after a great spell at Renate. His first Serie B season was decent, playing 20 matches was a great start. In a 3-0 away win against Trapani, he scored his first second division goal.

His second season at Cittadella was just as great. With 30 appearances, as well as 2 goals and assists, Pavan and Cittadella made playoffs. He played at least 20 minutes in each match of the playoffs, and although the granata lost their chance for Serie A promotion, Pavan is proving that he can add something to this Cittadella team. It took a long time, and a lot of patience, but he finally is starting in Serie B after many years in the lower tiers of Italian football. A midfielder to keep, Nicola has another great season upcoming.