Three games that will decide Cittadella’s promotion hopes

We are down to ten games remaining in the 2021/22 Serie B season. With ten matchday’s waiting to be played, almost every team in the league has something to play for on this final stretch.

Cittadella, like in the seasons past, are in the hunt for promotion to the top flight. But unlike in previous years, the Granata finds themselves a little more behind the pack, playing catch-up as a result. As of today, Cittadella sit in 10th place, just one point off a playoff spot with still a lot to play for. With Matchday 28 done and dusted last weekend, this leaves Cittadella with five home games and five away games to finish out the campaign. Every point will matter, every goal scored and conceded will matter going forward.

But out of the ten remaining games, there are three of them that really catch the eye. Of course, every game is important to win, but these three are critical and will most definitely decide whether Cittadella will continue their hunt for promotion this year, or will come up short.

Game #1: Cittadella vs Perugia | Matchday 33

As of today, Cittadella and Perugia are tied on points at 42, and have their minds well set on making playoffs. They both played out to a 1-1 draw in November, and is now shaping up to be a “play-in” match for the real playoff show in May.

Since coming from Serie C last season, Perugia have done fantastic work and are looking to make a surprise in the playoffs. Manuel De Luca has been Perugia’s main man this year, scoring 10 goals and being their attacking star.

It’s worth noting that in Serie B, if two teams finish level on points, the first tiebreaker goes to the head-to-head record during the two games between the respective teams. This match that’s set to take place in early April will give Cittadella and Perugia a chance to get the all important tiebreaker above one another.

As long as both clubs continue to get results, then this match will be a big one to look out for playoff implications.

Game #2: Ascoli vs Cittadella | Matchday 36

Another team that’s currently neck and neck with the Granata. Ascoli as well has had an exceptional season under Andrea Sottil. Occupying the final playoff spot at the moment, Ascoli has a real chance on being with the five other teams in May, fighting for the last promotion ticket.

There’s still a long road ahead for I Picchi, as they still have to play Pisa, Monza, Cremonese, but more importantly, Cittadella. If Ascoli wants to make a promotion push, then this game on the weekend of April 23rd will be more than likely a must win.

Cittadella were victorious last December, beating Ascoli 2-0 and have kept pace with Sottil’s team. A win–or even a draw depending on other results–will be a huge result for the Granata. It would not only give the tiebreaker on Ascoli, but would also lift them closer, or even into a playoff spot.

It all depends on where both these teams stand entering the match. Should Cittadella be above the playoff line by a few points, a win at the Del Duca could see Cittadella clinch a spot. But a loss changes everything, and it would be the killer blow if Edoardo Gorini’s men were below the line and losing three points.

Game #3: Cittadella vs Brescia | Matchday 37

Immediately following the game in Ascoli, Cittadella return to the Tombolato for the final league home game. Depending on the previous results, and the outcome of the game against Ascoli, this match could definitely be the determining factor on whether Cittadella will make playoffs or not.

And Brescia is by no means an easy task for Gorini’s men. They themselves will be in the playoff mix, or even a direct promotion fight. Pippo Inzaghi’s side will be needing something from the match at the Tombolato for their ambitions, while Cittadella will be riding in a similar boat.

If Cittadella are just on the outside looking in, this match basically becomes a must win. After this match is over, it’ll be very clear on what the Granata will have to do on the final day in Cosenza to assure a playoff spot. There will be plenty of traveling Brescia supporters, but will we see a big turnout for a potentially huge clash in the home finale?

Without a doubt, every game is a must watch for Cittadella and for every supporter of every team in the league. This is where the fun starts, and despite only being in March, the games will quickly fade out, meaning a frantic finish to the season awaits. Cittadella have hit a rough patch in their season, and it’s up to them to somehow get their way into the playoff standings.