Cittadella drop into relegation territory after Genoa loss.

Cittadella are officially back inside the relegation play-out zone following a 0-1 home loss to Genoa on Saturday.

It’s the first time the Granata have dropped this low since Matchday 22, and with four games remaining the race for survival is looking scary for the Venetians.

It’ll feel like a wasted opportunity on Saturday as Edoardo Gorini’s side started well against a promotion-seeking Genoa side, who were pressured early in the first half. High pressure caused giveaways in the visitor’s defensive third, giving Cittadella opportunities on goal.

Giuseppe Ambrosino should’ve had the opening goal 11 minutes in, but his shot was tipped by a diving Josep Martinez.

The first half saw plenty of action in Cittadella’s final third, but they couldn’t make any of them count. The opening 45 minutes also saw a lot of yellow cards being handed out, four for Cittadella in the first half.

Referee Federico Dionisi eventually made the game changing decision by sending off Federico Giraudo in the 43rd minute, when the Reggina loanee was late to a loose ball, giving Dionisi enough to give him his second booking of the game.

It turned out to be a huge blow for Cittadella, who played the first half with a lot of confidence and desire to score. The second half saw Genoa grasp the match with their man advantage, as the 10 men Granata looked to see out the match for a draw.

Cittadella’s resistance was eventually broken in the 70th minute, when Icelandic international Albert Gudmundsson slotted home the breakthrough following a clever link up play with Massimo Coda at the top of the box.

Gorini’s side found it hard to penetrate the Genoa defense, and their only opportunity came in the 83rd minute, as Tommy Maistrello’s header was glanced wide of the post. The substitute couldn’t put his header on frame from close range, and Cittadella would not be able to replicate another chance.

Genoa stand nine points clear of 3rd place after the round of fixtures on Saturday, and take one step closer to promotion. As for Cittadella, they slide into 16th place and a point behind 15th Cosenza.

It doesn’t get easier for the Granata as they travel to the Stadio San Nicola to face 3rd place Bari on the first of May. Four games remain for Gorini and co to try and salvage their season.

Top Photo: Paola Garbuio/LaPresse