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The top 5 moments of 2021 for Cittadella

On December 30, 2021 by Jake Iovine

Throughout 2021, every Cittadella fan had experienced high moments to the lowest moments you can imagine. There were heartbreaks, there were rejoices, and it was truly a year to remember.

As we enter the new year, it’s once again another chance for the Granata’s breakthrough goal: Serie A promotion. But before we jump into 2022, lets take a look at the top 5 moments of the 2021 calendar year for Cittadella.

#5: Ogunseye/Vita bizzarre goal | January 9th, 2021

A makeup game in the thick fog of Reggio Emilia. In a tight contest between Cittadella and Reggiana, it was us who had the slight 1-0 advantage. An important match for both sides; as Cittadella had a golden opportunity to make up ground in the playoff standings, while Reggiana were needing to escape relegation.

Federico Proia’s goal in the 9th minute paved way for what would be the most interesting goal we have seen in Cittadella history.

As Roberto Ogunseye fought for a loose ball inside the eighteen yard box, an oncoming Alessio Vita saw the opportunity to score. Ogunseye, not aware of Vita’s presence, found space to have a hit. Both players hit the ball at the same time, as it rattled the far corner to lift Cittadella into a two goal lead.

Ogunseye claimed the goal, but to this day, many supporters are still scratching their heads on the most bizarre goal of the season.

#4: 3-0 comeback at Brescia | February 6th, 2021

In the hunt for promotion, Cittadella traveled to Lombardy knowing three points would boost them closer to the top 2 of Serie B. A slip in form was needed to be picked right back up, as Brescia had a sluggish season at that point.

Caught off guard, Cittadella fell behind 3-0 at halftime. Alarm bells were ringing off, as the Granata were staring at their third loss in four games.

With some words from Roberto Venturato at halftime, Cittadella started the second half strong looking to create something out of nothing. A rocket from Mario Gargiulo gave Cittadella life with 28 minutes remaining. With extra substitutions from Venturato, Cittadella sensed a comeback with fresh legs on the pitch.

Brescia’s defense held on, but then were caught out as Domenico Frare, out of all people, smashed his first Cittadella goal to make it 3-2. Offside appeals from Brescia did not do the trick, as with ten minutes remaining, Venturato’s men were within one goal.

The pressure payed off, as a cross from Amedeo Benedetti was met by newly signed Enrico Baldini, equalizing the game as the ball rattled the back of the net.

The result proved to be a critical point at the end of the season. Cittadella finished one point ahead of Brescia, and it made the difference from playing at home on the opening round of the playoffs.

#3: The signing of Enrico Baldini | Jan 18th, 2021

While not even at the club for a whole year, midfielder Enrico Baldini has proved to be one of Cittadella’s key players. Signed early this year, Baldini has already played in 38 matches for the Granata, scoring 12 goals in total.

At the start of the 2020/21 season, Baldini was unheard of, playing the the third tier of Italian football with Fano. The club struggled throughout the first half of the campaign, registering two wins in their first 19 matches. Baldini started 15 matches, tallying one goal as Fano sunk down the table, facing relegation.

But Cittadella sporting director Stefano Marchetti discovered Baldini’s potential, and saw what he can produce. After playing for a struggling third division club, Baldini went to playing for a team fighting for Serie A in a blink of an eye.

It turned out to be arguably the best signing Cittadella has made in 2021. Baldini shined from January to May, but really made his name heard in the promotion playoffs. In the first leg of the semi finals against star-studded Monza, Baldini bagged a hat trick, paving the way towards the final.

Continuing his form to this season, Baldini is Cittadella’s highest scoring player, and playing the best football of his career so far. Cittadella fans hope Baldini can continue to produce as the club marches towards Serie A promotion.

#2: New era begins | Summer of 2021

A painful defeat over two legs in the promotion finals hurt the entirety of Cittadella. It was now two final defeats in the last three years, although some may say this one hurt more than 2019 against Hellas Verona. One goal needed and up a man, it was Venezia who prevailed at the expense of Cittadella.

The defeat marked the end of the road for Maneul Iori.

At 39 years old, the Granata‘s captain gave it one more go on May 27th. Iori played his heart out, as well as giving the assist to Federico Proia to give Cittadella hope. It wasn’t meant to be, however. As the final whistle blew, photos of a despaired Iori even gave Venezia fans a sad taste. He gave it his all, but came up short once again.

Perhaps the best and most loyal player Cittadella has ever seen, Iori confirmed his retirement days after the defeat in Venice. A farewell was given at the Tombolato with close friends of the enteral captain. In July, Cittadella announced Iori will be the coach of the Primavera squad for the upcoming season, with intentions of one day becoming the head coach of the senior team.

After 6 years of Roberto Venturato at the helm, the Australian-born coach departed in late June, following the final loss. Venturato came into the club in 2015, after relegation to Serie C. Needing to bring new life, Venturato turned the ship around, claiming 1st place in Serie C, as well as a new playing style within the club.

With six seasons at Cittadella, Venturato tallied 124 wins in 270 matches, with five straight playoff appearances to his name. His departure, along with Iori’s farewell, marked a new beginning within Cittadella. Fans hope to see more of the same under Edoardo Gorini, and hope to see magical moments with the likes of Mirko Antonucci, Enrico Baldini, Orji Okwonkwo, and Davide Adorni.

#1: Playoff run | May 2021

Going into the playoffs in May, the Granata had only won 5 times during the second half of the season. Crawling into 6th in the league, it set up a juicy matchup against Brescia. In a one off tie, Federico Proia’s header proved to be the only difference between the two clubs. Cittadella were in the semi finals, and Monza were on collision course.

Silvio Berlusconi’s side had been promotion favorites ever since the league began. With Mario Ballotelli, Kevin Prince Boateng, Dany Mota, and Carlos Augusto, Monza climbed up to third, narrowly missing out on direct promotion to Salernitana.

The first leg was held at the Tombolato, days after the Brescia win. Enrico Baldini wasted no time, and scored the opening goal within the first 13 minutes. Nine minutes later, off a free kick from Elhan Kastrati, Baldini brought down the ball superbly, slotting the second goal of the day. Cittadella held off Monza’s attack, and Baldini sealed his hat trick at the end of the match.

Just one more match until the final. Monza, knowing a 3-0 win would be enough, pounded Cittadella from the start. With Davide Adorni suspended, Cittadella were led by Romano Perticone, as they managed to keep Monza from scoring in the first half.

A cause for concern happened just 13 minutes into the second half. Mario Ballotelli found the end of a Carlos Augusto cross, bringing Monza within two goals. Pressure mounted, and Marco D’Alessandro found Monza’s second, with a thrilling finale finish.

Despite a flurry of Monza attack, Cittadella held on by the skin of their teeth, and were set to meet Venezia for a chance at Serie A.

A tense first leg saw Venezia prevail 1-0, with Cittadella not producing any attack. With one game to save the season, Cittadella entered knowing a two goal win was needed. Led one more time by Manuel Iori, he delivered for Proia, smashing a brilliant pass into the corner. Cittadella were one goal away from promotion.

Venezia’s defense was unbreakable, and it frustrated the Granata as they couldn’t find the needed goal. In despair, another opportunity went out the window.

Though it didn’t have a happy ending, this playoff run reminded us how cruel football could be. You can have the greatest emotions one week, then the next could be the lowest. It was a beautiful moment, and it showed us again why Cittadella are on the rise, as it’s only a matter of time were the breakthrough will be broken.