Cittadella vs SPAL | Match Preview
On October 12, 2022 by Jake IovineMatch: Cittadella vs SPAL | Serie BKT Matchday 9
Date: Saturday, October 15th | 8:00am EST
Venue: Stadio Piercesare Tombolato | Cittadella
TV (USA): Helbiz Live, OneFootball
Cittadella get ready to face a SPAL team with Daniele De Rossi making his first game as a head coach.
After a 2-0 defeat at Frosinone, SPAL sacked former Cittadella head coach Roberto Venturato, which left Joe Tacopina to search for a new coach. He found Daniele De Rossi: the former Roma midfielder and legend, playing at the Italian capital for 18 years. His first job as a head coach will start in Ferrara, and his first opponent will be against Cittadella on Saturday.
SPAL have started the season with the same record as Cittadella going into Matchday 9. They have already beaten the likes of Cagliari and Venezia, as well as claiming a point in Bari after being two goals down. But too many poor performances, and having only seven wins since Venturato took over in January 2021 led to Tacopina dismissing the ex-Citta boss.
De Rossi will start his coaching career against Edoardo Gorini and Cittadella, who themselves haven’t had the best of starts to their campaign. Gorini oversaw a 1-1 draw against Brescia last week: a much better showing for the Granata following back-to-back losses.
Cittadella haven’t seen victory in nearly a month when Giacomo Beretta’s 92nd minute winner lifted them to victory at home against Frosinone. SPAL is in the same situation, and have not tasted a win since a 2-0 win against Venezia on September 11th.
SPAL midfielder Salvatore Esposito is the one to watch for the visitors. The midfielder has created 18 chances so far in Serie B, which is the third highest in the league. Forward Andrea La Mantia has been the one to put the ball in the back of the net, which he has done four times this season.
The Granata will have to play this game without Valerio Mastrantonio and Daniele Donnarumma, whom picked up injuries and are unavailable for selection. Mirko Antonucci, who scored a beauty goal last weekend, will have to lead the attack once again alongside Ignacio Lores Varela.
Top Photo: AS Cittadella