Cittadella breath new life in playoff charge with Enrico Baldini’s brace.

A stellar performance from the Cittadella midfielder gives new hope with four games remaining, helping the team grind out a 2-1 win in Como.

It took a lot of effort and determination in Saturday’s windy afternoon match in Como, where Cittadella walked away victorious for the first time since February 27th. A win was needed for head coach Edoardo Gorini, who’s playoff life’s were on the line in this match.

The Granata sprung into life thanks to two excellent goals from Enrico Baldini, bringing his individual goal tally to 10 goals on the season. It was also the first time Baldini found the net since his brace against Ascoli in mid December. But this victory had other significants, because Cittadella still have hope of a playoff spot with just four games left on the table.

There was some nerves going around that this game could be the final blow for the Granata‘s playoff push, as three points were essential at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Cittadella needed to work hard, and needed to give everything they had in them, and how good that was.

The attack was an increasingly big problem for Gorini’s side, as prior to this match Cittadella went over 600 minutes with scoring just once in open play.

In the opening first half, however, it didn’t seem the case at all. With Mirko Antonucci and Enrico Baldini both starting–arguably the teams best creators–Cittadella looked much more convincing going forward. There were less long balls and more quick passes in the midfield. Inside the box there were more dangerous opportunities at goal.

Cittadella’s offensive presence paid off when Baldini slotted home a far post shot off a well worked lay off from forward Giacomo Beretta. The lead didn’t last long though, as Como equalized straight away on a beautiful strike from Amato Ciciretti.

The game would be decided in the 36th minute, and once again Baldini was in the spotlight. A sensational hit from around 25 yards out, knuckling into the top right corner. It was perhaps one of the goals of the season, which put Cittadella up 2-1, completing Baldini’s brace.

The attack looked way more fluid and lively in this match, but Como still had chances to capitalize. With saying that, you can make a case they were unlucky to lose that match. Early in the second half, a mistake in midfield was enough for Ciciretti to thread Vittorio Parigini 1 v 1 against Elhan Kastrati. Cittadella were let off the hook, as the Como winger got his shot all wrong and sent it wide.

Baldini also nearly completed his hat trick. Following a corner kick, Alessandro Mattioli’s service was met by Baldini, beating goalkeeper Stefano Gori in the process. The header narrowly missed the empty goal, and keeping Como in the game.

The game all but ended for the hosts after a second yellow card to Parigini, after a late challenge on Mattioli. With two minutes from the 90th, Como received yet another second yellow card, this time to Matteo Solini for a sloppy foul on Camillo Tavernelli. Cittadella saw out the rest of the match, which gave them a massively important three points on the road.

It’s three HUGE points on the road, and three points that also keeps Cittadella within reach of a playoff spot. This weekend, Frosinone and Ascoli won their respective games, while Perugia could only manage a draw on Sunday.

What does this mean? Unfortunately, Cittadella don’t move much on the standings, and still are six points away from a playoff place. It leaves us with four games remaining, and a maximum of 12 points on the board. The Granata still have to play Ascoli who are seven points clear of them, and a win on April 25th could bring added pressure to the teams surrounding, which can bring the playoff race into a different level.

Finally, we can all say, “Cittadella has won a game!”. It certainly feels good, even with others around us winning. Cittadella have a week off before returning next Monday at the Tombolato to face Alessandria, who are battling to stay in the league.