Cittadella vs Perugia | All you need to know.
On April 5, 2022 by Jake IovineIt’s do or die time for Cittadella. They’re gonna need every single bit of their energy to defeat Perugia, and to bring life into their promotion charge.
Perhaps the make-or-break game for both teams, Cittadella and Perugia face off midweek at the Tombolato.
The equation is pretty simple for Edoardo Gorini’s Cittadella: they must stop losing games and strive for maximum points in these last six games. Perugia can also put the final nail in the coffin for the Granata‘s playoff ambitions with an away win.
Perugia are dreaming of an improbable playoff birth after coming up from Serie C last year, and have been impressive on the road. They have the capability to win another road match and inch them closer to the playoffs.
Here’s a guide on how each team is doing.
Cittadella
So here we are, Cittadella’s hunt for a sixth straight playoff appearance is quickly evaporating, as the Granata‘s form has dipped since February.
Head coach Edoardo Gorini has nearly had a full season as head coach with this group since taking over last summer. The season objective of getting this team into a playoff spot may not come true, as they now risk qualification with six games remaining.
With time and games running out, Cittadella can give themselves hope if they can defeat Perugia on Wednesday night. But once again, one doubt remains in this squad: who will score the goals?
Just one goal from open play has been scored in the last six games. Ever since the suspension of Orji Okwonkwo and injury to Mamadou Tounkara–both whom are vital strikers to this team–the team performances and results have dropped.
It was only a month ago when Cittadella were right in the mix of the playoff battle. But fast forward to present day, and the promotion dream could all but end with a loss to Perugia.
If there’s a time to turn the ship around and make a dramatic comeback, it starts Wednesday night at the Tombolato.
Perugia
Perugia have had a quite surprising season under Massimiliano Alvini. Since winning their Serie C group last season, I Grifoni have surpassed expectations and now have a decent chance to make playoffs.
In a similar position to Cittadella, Perugia sit in 9th place trailing Frosinone by four points. With Frosinone dropping points on Tuesday, Perugia can go within a point of playoff position. A win would also seemly diminish Cittadella’s hopes of sneaking into a playoff spot.
They’ll feel good about their chances of winning based on their tremendous away record. Perugia currently have the 3rd best away record in the league, capturing 28 points in 16 away matches, losing only twice and winning seven times. They’re going to need a big performance, as Alvini’s men have only picked up three points once in their last seven.
Center back Gabriele Angella has been a key defender in their backline, but will not be at the Tombolato due to yellow card suspension. Perugia will have their top scorer Manuel De Luca at their disposal, as well as playmaker Salvatore Burrai. Jacopo Segre is another one to watch in Perugia’s midfield, who works hard all game and is a pivotal player in their squad.
A playoff dream after recently being promoted is what Perugia has their eyes set on. A loss for either team could very well be the end of one of their promotion hopes. The winner of this match, however, will reignite their charge up the standings.