Cremonese break Cittadella hearts as the Granata crash out of the Coppa Italia.
On October 31, 2023 by Jake IovineFor the second straight game, Cremonese score late in stoppage time against Cittadella as the Granata exit the Coppa Italia.
Down a player for over half the match, Edoardo Gorini’s men fought relentlessly while forcing extra time on Tuesday afternoon. The Grigiorossi scored another late goal to win the match, this time from lead scorer Massimo Coda.
Cittadella head coach Edoardo Gorini made nine changes to the lineup from last Friday’s match against the team from Cremona. Defender Domenico Frare made his return to the pitch for the first time since mid-September, while goalkeeper Luca Maniero started his second game of the season.
The Granata started the match with lots of energy, creating 10 chances compared to Cremonese’s three. The best chance of the half came in the 16th minute, where Valerio Mastrantonio forced a quick reaction save from Andreas Jungdal.
Despite the bright start, Cittadella conceded the first goal once again in the match. It took the hosts three minutes after halftime to strike first. Andrea Bertolacci pounced on a ball at the top of the box, shooting near post past Maniero.
It got worse for Gorini’s side when Frare was shown a second yellow card for a last-man tackle. In a span of five minutes, Cittadella were put down a man and down a goal.
As seen many times this season, Cittadella fought back and from nothing, got the equalizer in the 84th minute from Alessio Vita. Andrea Marassi’s initial shot was saved by Jungdal, but Vita was at the far post to push the ball in. Despite Cremonese outshooting and out possessing Cittadella in the second half, the Granata forced the match into overtime.
Cittadella’s resistance while down a man was broken at the very end through Massimo Coda. Serie B’s leading goalscorer created half a yard and slotted the ball into the corner, only two minutes before a probable penalty shootout.
A brave fight in the Coppa Italia is brought to an end for Cittadella as Cremonese advance to the Round of 16 to face Roma. Gorini’s men have now lost three straight games in all competitions. They will be looking to brush the cup lose aside next Saturday against Brescia in league play.
Top Photo: U.S. Cremonese