The Antonucci show leads Cittadella to victory at home
On February 4, 2023 by Jake IovineMirko Antonucci’s two goals and an assist inspired Cittadella to a 3-0 thrashing over Ascoli on Saturday afternoon.
After five months, the Granata have won a match in front of their home fans. Giovanni Crociata opened the scoring in the first half, followed by Antonucci’s double in the second half to continue Cittadella’s strong start to the new year.
Key starters Simone Branca and Alessandro Salvi returned to the pitch for Edoardo Gorini’s side after missing last weekend’s match due to suspension.
Saturday’s game was Cittadella at their very best, and it showed throughout the whole 90 minutes at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato. The Granata nearly struck in the 13th minute when Valerio Mastrantonio’s header was directed towards goal, but keeper Nicola Leali pushed aside the 23 year old’s effort.
The early possession and chances paid off for Gorini’s side after 18 minutes, when Antonucci’s clever turn and pass sprung Crociata in behind the defense. The Empoli loanee easily made the most from the opportunity, and fired Cittadella into the lead.
Cittadella were well and fully in control of the match at the interval. The Granata held 66% of the ball in the first half, as well as forcing four shots on goal compared to Ascoli’s zero.
Cittadella were able to manage early pressure from Ascoli in the start of the second half. Keeping Ascoli without a shot on target, their resistance turned into opportunities going the other way. With 15 minutes to go, Alessio Vita won a penalty for the hosts following a tangle of legs inside the box. Antonucci, who already had an assist in the game, slotted his spot kick past Leali, putting Cittadella in a two goal cushion.
It got better for the young Roman only three minutes later. Substitute Giuseppe Ambrosino’s long sprint with the ball ended up as a through pass to Antonucci in behind. The midfielder smashed his brace into the top corner, sealing Cittadella’s victory at home that was long in the making.
The only negative aspect of the match for the Granata was Antonucci’s celebration that got himself booked. That yellow card means he’ll miss next weekend’s trip to league leaders Frosinone.
It’s another positive result for Cittadella to start off 2023. Citta have collected 8 of a possible 12 points since the restart, springing them from 19th to 12th in the Serie B standings.
While a long road still lays ahead, it’s certainly looking a lot better for everyone at Cittadella.
Top Photo: Massimo Felicetti