Crotone vs Cittadella | All you need to know
On February 4, 2022 by Jake IovineLooking for their first win of the new year, Cittadella travel south in search of a victory against a Crotone team that’s fighting for survival.
Two successful draws for Cittadella have extended their unbeaten run in Serie B, stretching that number to ten league games without defeat. But the Granata have only turned four of those into three points. With Crotone on the horizon, it makes way for an important game not only for Cittadella, but for hosts.
Since dropping down from Serie A, Crotone have been underwhelming since the start of the league. Francesco Modesto’s men have been riding 18th place since Matchday 9, and are in search of their first win of 2022.
Last time these teams met was an eventful 4-2 win for Granata, as Enrico Baldini’s brace lifted Cittadella to their second win of the season. Despite Crotone’s fall this season, light at the end of the tunnel could be seen, as Gli Squali have picked up five points in their last three games.
Here’s all you need to know about both these teams.
Cittadella
Despite being on this great run of form, many Granata fans are eager to finally claim all three points, something not done since December 11th. Two great opportunities arose these past weekends, including draws to Vicenza and Cosenza.
But yet again, here is a great chance to put pressure on the teams above them in the table. On the road, Crotone won’t be easy, but it’s another game where Cittadella enter as favorites. It’s once again a game where Cittadella must win if they want to prove themselves as legit promotion contenders.
They’ll be without important players though. Elhan Kastrati will sit out after receiving a red card last match at the Tombolato. Midfielder Nicola Pavan has been out since December with an injury alongside Simone Icardi. These absences mean Luca Maniero will most likely start in goal for only the third time this season. Meanwhile, Andrea Danzi will have to continue to prove his worthy in the center.
This match will also have the probability of new signings like Dario Dal Fabro, Santiago Visentin, and Karim Laribi to make their debut for Cittadella. Head coach Edoardo Gorini will have to decide when to let them play.
Looking ahead, Crotone will be the first of six games scheduled for the Granata in February. This month also includes the likes of Frosinone, Benevento, and Lecce having to be played in a short time frame. It’s no doubt the start of a hard month, and three points in Crotone could go a long way.
Crotone
Crotone’s fall from grace has seemed surprising for many. Similar to Parma, Crotone were expected to challenge for promotion once again after having a dismal Serie A season. It hasn’t turned out like that, as they currently sit in the direct relegation zone to Serie C.
A busy winter transfer window is maybe what Gli Squali needs, but their escape from relegation must start now. Their faith in Serie B will also be heavily influenced by the goals from Samuele Mulattieri and Mirko Maric, both having a combined goal tally of 11 goals this season.
Coming off a 1-1 draw against Parma, Crotone have started to pick themselves off from the ground in the last three matches. Racking up five points, any point on Saturday will have the team believing that survival is possible. With Vicenza and Pordenone below them winning in their last games, it puts pressure on Crotone to do the same.
One point that concerns fans is the defense. Crotone’s backline have the 3rd worst goals conceded per match, averaging 1.7 goals against a game. They’ll have to be very organized and well equipped as they face the likes of Orji Okwonkwo, Enrico Baldini, and Mirko Antonucci.