Orji Okwonkwo continues his fine form, Cittadella grind out a result in Frosinone

The job was done brilliantly Saturday afternoon at the Stadio Benito Stirpe. AS Cittadella are coming home with all three points.

Two losses in a row coming into the match, it was yet another test for Cittadella in the seventh league match of the season. A result from this match would’ve been the ideal circumstance given that the international break is right around the corner.

Cittadella head coach Edoardo Gorini put out the normal 4-3-1-2, and was pleased with the result taken from this match.

“I asked for more attention on the defense, I think the players have done a great match,” Gorini explained to trivenetogoal.

Frosinone certainly pushed Cittadella in this match. A slow start to the game saw both teams trying to find their rhythm and game style. Forward Orji Okwonkwo, who scored three in his last three matches coming into the match, got an early opportunity. Enrico Baldini used his electric speed to manage the ball towards the feet of Okwonkwo, who’s shot was comfortable for goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia.

The game finally started to pick up in the 39th minute. A Frosinone attack was started with a ball to the back post. Camillo Ciano did well lay the ball calmly across the 18 yard box. American striker Andrija Novakovich came forward unmarked, and completely scuffed his shot. It was a big let off for Cittadella, and the first big opportunity for Frosinone.

But just minutes later, it was Cittadella’s turn to miss an opportunity to break the dead lock. A through ball sprung Okwonkwo in behind the defense, 1 v 1 against Ravaglia. The Nigerian striker pushed the ball around the keeper, but couldn’t balance himself and pulled his shot wide against the open net.

After the halftime break, both teams were even and it seemed like the game could go either way. Another opportunity came for Okwonkwo early on. A poor pass from Ravaglia gave the ball straight to Alessio Vita. The midfielder’s quick thinking put Okwonkwo in behind again. Similar to Novakovich in the first half, Okwonkwo’s shot was scuffed and another opportunity went wasted.

You could say that after that, it seemed like it wouldn’t happen for Okwonkwo today.

But it did! Mirko Antonucci charged up the field, and played Okwonkwo to his feet and in on goal. Finally, Orji slotted it far post and got his well deserved goal. It was once again a great link up play between Antonucci and Okwonkwo.

Cittadella did well to lock it up on defense. The clean sheet was important to keep after six goals given up in the last two matches. In the 64th minute, the ball made its way to the six yard box. A dangerous play was quickly put out as Elhan Kastrati made himself big and prevented the equalizer.

With ten minutes to go, Frosinone, encouraged by their home crowd, mounted pressure on the Cittadella backline. The defense held firm, blocking another good chance from Camillo Ciano in the 80th minute.

Things started to get chippy, and even more intense after Frederico Gatti made a very reckless tackle on Daniele Donnarumma. The entire coaching staff and bench erupted and surrounded referee Francesco Meraviglia, begging for a red card. In a turn of events, the red was shown, but towards…Edoardo Gorini! Meraviglia must have heard something we couldn’t and sent Mister to the locker room.

In the final minutes, the Cittadella defense did exceptionally well to keep Frosinone from having great chances. It was Cittadella who had the best opportunities in stoppage time. Who was on the end of it? You guessed it, Orji Okwonkwo. Two chances to seal the match, Okwonkwo couldn’t get his brace as he miss-controlled a pass in behind as well as a volley that flew wide.

It didn’t matter in the end as Cittadella held on for 3 massive points. The first points on the road as well, and a great way to enter the international break. A much needed boost after two unfavorable results for Cittadella.

“I think today’s success is a well-deserved one, we are suffering in Frosinone, because we played a strong team,” Gorini continued in his post game interview.

“I hope something clicks in the boys’ heads and they understand that we are a strong team.”