All smiles from Cittadella this weekend

It was a weekend of smiles from both Cittadella teams as they both won their respective matches this weekend.

Ternana 1-2 Cittadella

Giovanni Crociata’s second half brace lifted the Granata to their second straight win, moving them closer to their salvation goal.

It wasn’t a great first half performance from Edoardo Gorini’s side in the first half, failing to create a good opportunity in front of goal. Ternana took the lead in the 33rd minute after Salim Diakite beat Elhan Kastrati near post, as the ball fell right to the feet of the French defender. Cittadella’s defense fell asleep, and just like last weekend against Reggina, they entered halftime losing the game.

The match changed only 12 minutes after halftime, when the hosts were reduced to ten men following Mattia Proietti’s red card. The Ternana midfielder’s high boot caught the face of Federico Giraudo, which left the referee no choice but to send him off.

For the second straight weekend, Cittadella found themselves in the second half playing up a man while chasing a goal.

The Granata pulled themselves level after Giovanni Crociata curled his effort off the post and into the net. Crociata proved himself once again against Ternana, and continuing to be one of the best winter purchases in the league so far.

The best was yet to come for the Empoli loanee. In the 93rd minute, Cittadella earned a free kick right outside the box. Up stepped Crociata, who perfectly shot the ball into the top corner, giving Cittadella the late lead.

Things are certainly becoming a lot better for Gorini and co. Cittadella have moved four points clear of the relegation play-out zone, as well as eight points away from direct relegation. The job isn’t finished yet, as the Granata still have 12 more games to collect as many points as possible.

It’s a quick turnaround for Cittadella, as they get ready to host an out-of-form Brescia team on Wednesday at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato.

Tavagnacco 0-2 Cittadella Women

Cittadella Women continue to win in what has been an exceptional season so far for Salvatore Colantuono’s team.

Facing Tavagnacco away from home, Cittadella got off to a perfect start after Caterina Ferin’s 9th goal of the season in the fifth minute. A great finish from a ball over the top, the striker’s effort was put away from a difficult angle, giving the Granata an early lead.

Cittadella could’ve scored more than twice in this game, with efforts from Ferin and Benedetti being saved by Tavagnacco keeper Lisa Marchetti. Despite the low score, Cittadella held firm in the back, closing out their eighth shutout this season.

The conformation goal came four minutes from the end of the 90, when Caterina Ambrosi’s header was enough to trickle to the far post, putting the game out of reach for Tavagnacco.

It’s yet another win for Colantuono’s side, who now get some breathing room in 3rd following the losses from Ternana and Chievo this weekend. Cittadella keep pace with league leaders Lazio and second place Napoli, who are all within three points of each other.

Top Photo: LePresse