Crociata and Mastrantonio stunners lead Cittadella to important victory
On January 14, 2023 by Jake IovineNewly signed midfielder Giovanni Crociata and youngster Valerio Mastrantonio both scored superb goals in the first half to push Cittadella to only their fifth win of the season, winning 2-1 against a 14 match unbeaten Pisa team.
With both teams’ first game of the new year, Cittadella were sinking into the relegation fight while Pisa were flying on a hot streak, having not lost a game since September 10th.
New signings Alessandro Salvi and Giovanni Crociata appeared in the starting eleven straight away for Cittadella boss Edoardo Gorini.
“I think we had a great first half, going in the lead deservedly with the first shot on goal.” said Gorini after the match to Padova Oggi. “After four defeats in a row, getting a good start charged us up, that made us good in the first hour of play.”
A result was desperately needed for the Granata after finishing 2022 on four straight defeats without scoring a single goal. Just four minutes in, Mastrantonio buried a half-volley on the top of the box, taking advantage of Pisa’s slow start. For the first time since December 4th, Cittadella found the back of the net.
The midfield was showing great improvement in the first 45 minutes at the Arena Garibaldi. Crociata showed why he was brought in, and found the scoring sheet in his first half for the club. Off a quick set piece, the midfielder smashed his effort on top of the area into the side netting. Cittadella couldn’t have asked for a better first half, one of the best this season.
But Pisa didn’t leave without a say. Early second half pressure from the hosts led to Tomas Esteves finding Olimpiu Morutan off a low cross to cut the deficit in half.
Cittadella’s defense held by Romano Perticone and Domenico Frare pushed the Granata closer to an all important three points. Keeper Elhan Kastrati, who made seven saves on the day, held firm in front of goal.
The hosts thought they had received a penalty on the eve of stoppage time, with a long range effort seemingly hitting Crociata in the arm. After a VAR review, the call was overturned, much to the appeals from Pisa fans and players.
Just when you thought it was over, Morutan was through on goal in the 96th minute, breaking the Cittadella defensive line. But just like many times this season, Kastrati made himself big to deny the Romanian striker a brace.
It’s a victory that can potentially jumpstart Cittadella’s new year. The Granata end Pisa’s 14 game unbeaten streak, going back all the way to September 10th. For the fifth time in their last six meetings, Cittadella come out victorious over Pisa.
Gorini’s side are back in action at home next weekend at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato against Cagliari.
Top Photo: LaPresse