Cittadella Women earn a hard fought point against league leaders Lazio.

Martina Pizzolato’s first half goal was canceled out by a second half Lazio equalizer, splitting the points in the highly anticipated match between the two sides.

Both teams entered this game at the top of Serie B Femminile, with Lazio in the driving seat and Cittadella following in 2nd place only three points behind the team from Rome.

Cittadella dominated the opening half an hour of the match, controlling possession and playing excellent defense. The opening goal came in the 18th minute, as Martina Pizzolato scored her 4th goal of the season. Turning away from goal, Pizzolato’s hopeful shot bounced off the post and in, giving the Granata the lead in this huge match.

As the first half went on, Lazio built more and more into the game. Cittadella goalkeeper Ilaria Toniolo made a handful of saves to deny the league leaders, while the defense stood their ground.

Lazio showed why they are top of the league, and equalized in the 67th minute after pressing the Granata for much of the second half. Martina Toniolo’s long cross sailed over everybody and into the far post, getting the visitors level in the match.

Though the second half was bumpy from Cittadella, they nearly stole all three points with ten minutes left in the game. Pizzolato thought she had scored a brace, but a big save by Lazio keeper Emma Guidi denied her the go-ahead goal.

The match was still there, as towards the end of the 90 minutes Caterina Ferin got herself in behind the Lazio defense, only to have her rushed shot easily saved by Guidi.

Cittadella will be left disappointed not being able to hold onto what would’ve been a monumental victory, but a draw still is a solid point for Salvatore Colantuono’s side in this unbelievable season. Though the Granata drop to third place, they are still well within reach of the top two spots in the league.

Top Photo: Cittadella Women