Not enough created for Cittadella in defeat to Parma

Gianluigi Buffon saved a first half penalty to keep the game at 0-0. Parma went on to secure three points at the Tombolato.

Against another big test in the league, Cittadella once again fall short to Parma on Thursday night. A first half penalty save by no other than Gianluigi Buffon paved the way for the visitors to win 2-1 on the night.

There was not enough to get the engine going front of 3,000 supporters, the most since February 2020. Unlike in previous matches, Cittadella didn’t create enough pressure on Buffon to get the equalizing goal.

Though every Granata fan will think to themselves: what if.

There was no time to waste in the opening ten minutes. Midfielder Davide Mazzocco was put out onto the starting 11 for the first time this season. The newcomer took no time to get the first real opportunity for both sides. A glancing header was put on frame, but diving to his left was Gigi Buffon.

Minutes later though, Mazzocco was in on the action again. Orji Okwonkwo’s pass was squared right to Mazzocco, who was tripped up in the process. The referee made no hesitation and called for a spot kick just ten minutes into the match.

Usual penalty taker Enrico Baldini stood from the bench, so up-stepped Mirko Antonucci. Looking for his first Cittadella goal, the ex-Roma midfielder was denied by Buffon. The ball was shanked by Giacomo Beretta on the follow up, and Antonucci was in shock.

The roar of the Parma section gave the visitors life. They got their goal through a set piece. A looping header by Franco Vázquez beyond the reach of Elhan Kastrati.

Cittadella head coach Edoardo Gorini believes it happens too many times for Cittadella: where a bad moment in the match happened and the heads go down. He also takes the blame.

“When there is a negative moment it almost seems that we drop our pants.” Gorini discussed post match. “It is a time when something turns us wrong we almost give up. And this is probably also my fault, because I should be the one to convey hope.”

Possession in this match varied, but it was clear that Cittadella needed more chances to be able to break down Parma’s defense.

Seemly out of nowhere, a cross from the outside wing met an unmarked Adrian Benedyczak. The Polish striker tapped it in, and gave a 2-0 cushion for the away team.

In addition to the scoreline, the game was approaching an unwanted statistic for the Granata. The match was heading for 300 minutes since Cittadella last scored a goal. The attack needed some action and goals, and the pressure finally came through. Davide Mazzocco met the ball in the air, where it appeared to hit a hand of the defender.

After a long look at VAR, the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. This time Citta found the back of the net through Enrico Baldini. It was Baldini’s third goal of the season, and his first since August 29th.

With this goal, Cittadella had new life and still had time for the game-tying goal. Despite trailing, the Granata‘s attack in the final minutes weren’t threatening enough. The ball moved from side to side within the backline, but never penetrated the goal. Buffon, comfortable with the result, should be content with how the match ended.

There was no real opportunities in the final stages of the match, but in all honesty, throughout the entire match. But Gorini does feel the early chances would’ve changed the match, had they gone into the net.

“In the offensive phase, we could have done something better, we probably didn’t position ourselves well with the forwards.” Gorini continued. “Then it’s the chances that make the difference: there was Mazzocco’s chance at the start of the game and the missed penalty immediately afterwards. And those are decisive results.”

However, the match did show us that Davide Mazzocco could perhaps get more minutes on the pitch. After all, he earned the two penalties on the day, and had a great chance eight minutes in.

Though the offenses’ machine was not working well, we did see Enrico Baldini score for the first time in two months. Baldini finally breaks his scoring drought and adds to his goal tally in the season.

Cittadella shift gears and focus on Monday’s match against Reggina. The match is set for Monday at 10am EST.

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