Unbeaten run extended, but two more dropped points in draw with Cosenza

Undefeated in the league since October 28th, that’s really the only good takeaway in Cittadella’s 1-1 draw with Cosenza.

A great chance has once again gone begging for Cittadella, as they fail to jump back into playoff position with their game in hand against Cosenza. It’s now two weeks in a row where a winnable game is not fully met with a win by Edoardo Gorini’s men.

It all starts from the beginning of the match. Once again, captain and center back Davide Adorni was not present due to an injury, according to the club. It meant we got to see Vincenzo Ciriello for the second straight game, after impressing in his debut at Vicenza.

The youngster played a fairly well first half, but was caught flat-footed just as Cosenza got the opening goal. With a long ball over the top, Ciriello was out paced by Giuseppe Caso, who made no mistake lobbing it over Elhan Kastrati.

Not the ideal start for any Granata fan. For 75 minutes, Cittadella were chasing the match, and never at one point took the lead. Cosenza defended well, and was well organized, which made it hard for Cittadella’s attack to penetrate.

Gorini had an interesting choice at the start of the game: not starting Enrico Baldini. It may have dedicated the match entirely, as the second half was in need of fresh attacking play that could’ve been brought by Baldini. For three league matches straight, Gorini has not started his playmaker.

Cittadella lacked a threat going for them for much after Cosenza broken the deadlock. But in the 41st minute, Giacomo Beretta broke free behind the Cosenza defense, and set up a perfect pass in the stride of Orji Okwonkwo. The forward slotted the equalizer, giving the Granata a much needed lifeline entering halftime.

Throughout the second half, both sides had great looks on goal, but neither could get the winning goal. Alessio Vita missed the chance of the match thanks to a heroic effort by defender Daniele Liotti to poke the ball away. For Cosenza, Caso caused headaches for the Cittadella backline all game long. Two great opportunities wasted by Cosenza, which could’ve given them a much needed three points.

Once again for the second time in back-to-back weekends, a red card was given to a Cittadella player. This time it was Elhan Kastrati to receive his marching orders. Though controversial, Kastrati made a good argument as he got the ball after a breakaway chance for Cosenza. In the process, he also clipped the leg of Caso. The red will see the Albanian miss next weekend’s trip to Crotone.

Cittadella were in two minds for the last ten minutes: keep pushing for the winning goal as Cosenza were on their heels, or stay put and take the draw with a player less. The result was the second option, a point apiece on Sunday afternoon.

It’s a point that does neither team any good. Cittadella must view this as another two points dropped in a game that looked destined for them to win. Cosenza on the other hand gets their fourth road point of the season, but still cling onto the last relegation playoff position.

It’s possible that the absence of key players–like Adorni, Branca, and Baldini–played an impact in Sunday’s draw. A result that puts them closer to the playoffs, but not in position. Either way, it’s a game Cittadella should feel three points got away, again.

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