Controversy overshadows Cittadella draw with rock bottom Vicenza

Two points dropped by the Granata in their first match of 2022. Despite taking the lead twice, the talking points are shifted towards the referee decisions.

There was some great moments of football played by Cittadella throughout the 90 minutes at the Stadio Romeo Menti. In the end, however, a late penalty from Vicenza split the points between the two Veneto rivals.

Cittadella, having not played in five weeks, was slow to come out of their shell as Vicenza pressed early. Center back Vincenzo Ciriello started his first match in his Cittadella career alongside Domenico Frare, filling in for an injured Davide Adorni.

The young center back showed no hesitation in his debut match, but it didn’t stop the home side from grabbing a surprise lead with only ten minutes on the board. A looping header sent across goal was met by former Cittadella midfielder Federico Proia. In front of the Curva, the Lanerossi started their new year in some style.

It seemed like a wakeup call for the Granata. Only minutes later, Frare got his head on the out swinging Amedeo Benedetti corner, a bullet header tucked into the far post.

It got even better just 21 minutes into the match. A good effort from Simone Branca got parried to the side from Vicenza’s goalkeeper. Orji Okwonkwo, playing his first match since early December, was first to react in the penalty box. An easy tap in for the Nigerian, recording his first goal since October 2nd against Frosinone.

Now Cittadella started to gain control of the match. Despite playmaker Mirko Antonucci starting on the bench, midfielder Christian D’Urso played a big role in Cittadella’s draw. It wasn’t a perfect night for star man Enrico Baldini, however. A clever assist man and goalscorer, Baldini failed to really show up in this match and struggled to create any dangerous opportunities.

Cittadella, up 2-1 with seconds away from halftime. Now here’s where the controversy started.

A clear push from Branca to deny a Vicenza attacker from connecting with a cross was a no brainer for referee Valerio Marini for a spot kick. But Elhan Kastrati denied Polish striker Lukas Teodorczyk the equalizer, allowing Cittadella to go into halftime with a precious lead.

Or so we thought. Upon a VAR review, Marini concluded encroachment was detected by three Cittadella players, making the penalty retaken. Kastrati was on his line, and it was a hard one to take for Granata fans. Alessio Da Cruz made no mistake this time with the retake.

Tied up in the second half, a lovely combination play with Okwonkwo and Branca set the midfielder up perfectly for a hit. And what a hit it was, as it rattled the bottom corner. Cittadella back in front, and for the moment back into the playoff picture.

With just minutes remaining, ex-Cittadella striker Davide Diaw, reached for the loose ball following a cross. Slight contact with Kastrati made Marini point to the spot for the second time. Protests from Cittadella were ignored, as Meggiorini slotted it home.

Things were getting heated on the touchline. Moments after the tying goal, Stefano Giacomelli and Simeone Branca got into a tussle, which saw Branca throw an hand to the face, causing Marini to show him a second yellow. Cittadella were again shown a red card minutes later as Mamadou Tounkara received his marching orders following a high boot.

Arguments from Cittadella’s staff and players made no difference as the match finished 3-3. A solid team performance canceled out by questionable referee decisions.

It’s two points dropped by the Granata, no matter how you look at it. Taking the lead twice this game, Edoardo Gorini’s men failed to secure all three points that would’ve been helpful in the standings. Not to mention the missed chances to seal the game, including misses from D’Urso, Baldini, and Okwonkwo. This result puts Cittadella out of the playoff zone in 9th, but have a game in hand.

There’s no doubt the referee made a mess of this match, but regardless, Cittadella should feel like this game got away. The good news is they have two opportunities to grab some “easy” three points in the upcoming weeks against Cosenza and Crotone.

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