Cittadella SAFE from relegation after Como draw.
On May 19, 2023 by Jake IovineCittadella are officially safe from relegation after a goalless draw against Como on Friday night.
It came down to Matchday 38 where the Granata knew they needed only a point against an already-safe Como team at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato.
Cittadella boss Edoardo Gorini had to adjust his starting eleven as both Elhan Kastrati and Romano Perticone would miss the match due to yellow card accumulation. Luca Maneiro made just his second league appearance in net, while Dario Del Fabro filled in for the veteran center back.
While Como had more of the possession in the first half, both teams couldn’t threaten their opposing goals. The best look the visitors had in the opening 45 minutes came through Alessandro Gabrielloni, who broke through the offside trap. Nicola Pavan denied the striker the opening goal, sliding over to block the chance.
While no goals were scored in the first half at the Tombolato, Cittadella were more than happy to go into halftime after Cagliari took the lead over Cosenza midway through the half. The result meant Cittadella would be safe as long as the Sardinians didn’t lose their match.
The Granata looked to make sure of their safety by trying to get a goal in the second half. Efforts from Andrea Magrassi and Giovanni Crociata failed to hit the target, as Como still were in a chance to qualify for the promotion playoffs.
Substitute Tommy Maistrello hit the post for Cittadella minutes after coming on, while at the other end Luca Maniero had to be called in for a big save on Alberto Cerri.
With five minutes to go, the job still wasn’t over for Cittadella as the referee was called to VAR for a potential handball by Dario Del Fabro and penalty for Como. After the decision, the center referee awarded a free kick for the Granata, after Ignacio Lores Varela was tripped before the handball inside the box.
Seconds before the full-time whistle, the word got to the Tombolato as Cosenza lost to Cagliari in Calabria, meaning Cittadella was officially safe from relegation. The Granata finished the match 0-0 and the season in 15th place on 43 points.
Though a difficult season, Cittadella survive a scary relegation threat to Serie C and will compete in their eighth straight Serie B season next year.
Top Photo: Paola Garbuio/LaPresse