Crociata’s second half clinic overturns Reggina’s halftime lead

Giovanni Crociata was the man of the match in Cittadella’s comeback win over Reggina at the Tombolato.

The Granata were coming off a difficult 3-0 loss to league leaders Frosinone, and looked to brush that aside against Reggina, who had lost three straight prior to the game. Filippo Inzaghi’s side were trying to get back into the hunt for 2nd place in the league with a win in Veneto.

A fired up and motivated Reggina took it to the hosts in the first half, overwhelmingly in control since the beginning. Just like in the reverse fixture, a set piece leads to a goal for the Calabrians to open the scoring. 20 year old Inter Milan loanee Giovanni Fabbian rose to a header following a corner kick, guiding the ball straight into the net. The young midfielder has been one of the best young players in Serie B this season, scoring his 8th goal today.

With all the momentum, Reggina jumped into a two goal advantage six minutes after Fabbian’s opener. Veteran forward Jeremy Menez worked his way into the box, while passing around the Cittadella defense. Menez cut through a pass to an open Hernani, who finished passed Elhan Kastrati for Reggina’s second goal.

Reggina looked to be going into halftime with all comfort. However, the game took a turn for the worse for Inzaghi’s side. Minutes before halftime, Fabbian received his second yellow card following a late challenge on Valerio Mastrantonio, putting Cittadella up a man in the contest.

The Granata knew they’ll have 45 minutes to try and level the score while playing with a man advantage. Immediately after the break, Giovanni Crociata unleashed a rocket from outside the box, putting Cittadella a goal behind within seconds in the second half.

Edoardo Gorini couldn’t have asked for a better start. Contrary to the first half, this time it was Cittadella who were enjoying the possession and creating chances in the final third, pinning Reggina in their own half.

Crociata would be standing over the ball again in the 68th on the side of the box, following a free kick awarded. The Empoli loanee fired his effort towards goal, skipping off the head of Reggina defender Emanuele Terranova, and getting Cittadella all tied up.

With time slowly winding down, Cittadella could sense all three points against the tiring Reggina team. Crociata, who took control of the game, threaded a pass to Giuseppe Carriero, who smashed his effort into the top corner. Cittadella had their winning goal, and Carriero’s first goal in Serie B.

A comeback filled with passion and courage, Cittadella get yet another win to start the new year, pushing them to 13th in Serie B on 30 points. Gorini’s side have now collected 11 out of a possible 18 points since New Years, continuing to push the Granata away from the relegation zone.

Reggina will think of how things could’ve been different had Fabbian not been sent off just before halftime. The Calabrians have now lost four straight, and have fallen to 5th place in the table.

Inzaghi’s side will host Modena next weekend, while Cittadella will travel to Umbria to face Ternana.

Top Photo: Massimo Felicetti