Cittadella complete comeback over Benevento, goes in drivers seat for safety.

Two late second half goals from Tommy Maistrello and Giuseppe Carriero gives Cittadella a much needed win against relegation rivals Benevento, who are now in firm control of the relegation race.

Both teams came into the match in desperate need of three points with only three games remaining in the Serie B season. Benevento, who were in last place, could’ve been directly relegated depending on other results during the weekend with a loss.

The Granata looked lively in the opening minutes, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring through Stefano Pettinari. The striker got on the end of a flicked header following a corner, putting the ball into the roof of the net.

But just ten minutes later, Cittadella found the equalizer when Alessio Vita volleyed home a cross from Alessandro Salvi. This was Vita’s first goal of the season, and sent the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato into a frenzy.

Both teams knew they couldn’t afford a loss with just three fixtures to go. Cittadella pushed for the lead, but were also cautious of a Benevento counter attack.

The Granata totaled 12 shots on target throughout the match, and nearly took the lead through a stunning Salvi rocket from outside the eighteen, only for his effort to be parried away by Nicolo Manfredini.

However, just like on Monday in Bari, Cittadella found their goal in the 82nd minute by the same player: Tommy Maistrello.

Simone Branca worked his way down the box and found the substitute in the middle, who struck his effort through traffic and past Manfredini.

On the stroke of the 90th, Edoardo Gorini’s side made the victory 100% secure after Giuseppe Carriero finished off a Simone Branca cross into the bottom corner.

After nine games without a win, Cittadella get three massive points in their hunt for safety in the division. Gorini’s side stay in 15th place–as long as Brescia don’t beat Parma by more than 8 goals on Sunday–and are in control of their faith with two games remaining.

The Granata make their final road trip of the season next weekend where they’ll travel up to Bolzano to play Südtirol on Matchday 37.

Top Photo: Ettore Griffoni/LaPresse