Cittadella split the points in the Venetian derby.

Just like in the previous fixture between Venezia and Cittadella this season, the game ends in a 1-1 draw as the two Venetian teams settle for a point on Saturday afternoon.

Two first half penalties from each teams’ top scorers proved to be the only goals in the contest, as neither team could find the go-ahead goal that would’ve given them a huge three points on Matchday 22 of Serie B.

Winless in their last four league matches, Venezia started the match on the front foot, and almost got an early goal off of Joel Pohjanpalo’s header. The Finnish international’s effort sailed just wide of Elhan Kastrati’s post.

Left back Federico Giraudo made his Cittadella debut after signing on loan from Reggina during the week. However, the 24 year old had a nightmare start to his time with Citta, after he was late to a challenge in the penalty box, clipping the legs of Matos Jajalo for a Venezia penalty. Pohjanpalo slotted home the opening goal for the hosts, and increasing his scoring tally to 8 goals on the season.

Just under 10 minutes after the opener, it was Cittadella’s turn to get an opportunity from 12 yards out. Top scorer Mirko Antonucci won the penalty after catching a late swing by Luca Ceppitelli. Antonucci calmly tucked it home in front of the traveling Cittadella fans, and the game was level at 1-1.

Though the Granata were able to get back into the game, the scoreline may have been a little more favorable towards Edoardo Gorini and Cittadella. Throughout the first half and most of the second, Cittadella struggled to get any attack going to penetrate Jesse Joronen’s goal.

It was Venezia who were closest to regaining the lead just after halftime, when once again Pohjanpalo snuck in behind the defense only for his shot to be stuffed by Kastrati. The Albanian keeper had a man of the match performance once again in this match.

Cittadella’s attacking struggles were given a slight lifeline with 10 minutes to go, when Venezia substitute Ridgeciano Haps was shown a straight red card for an apparent head-bud on Alessandro Mattioli.

With a man advantage, the Granata lurked dangerously around the goal for the first time during the game. Half-chances came with a header from Nicola Pavan and a deflected shot from Giuseppe Carriero, but in the end Cittadella could only manage 3 shots on goal during the entire match.

The point extends Cittadella’s positive start to the new year with two draws and one victory. Missing several key players and in a crucial match for relegation standings, the Granata come away with another result, and stay undefeated in 2023.

Top Photo: AS Cittadella