Cittadella can’t break down Catanzaro, drops sixth straight loss
On February 24, 2024 by Jake IovineCittadella were defeated for the sixth time in a row on Saturday, falling to Catanzaro 1-2 at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato.
Edoardo Gorini’s side had not seen a victory since Jan. 13 and were looking for points against 6th-place Catanzaro. It was the first ever meeting between the two clubs in Veneto. A brace from Pietro Iemmello gave the Calabrian side three points on Saturday.
The loss now puts Cittadella on a six game losing streak: an unwanted club record in Serie B.
“We had opportunities, but we don’t finish them off,” Gorini said after the match to PadovaOggi. “Six defeats in a row is starting to get tough.”
Without key players, Gorini’s men fell behind in the 19th minute from a wonder goal by Iemmello. The forward has now scored nine goals in Serie B this season for Catanzaro.
The Granata didn’t back down and responded nine minutes after conceding from an Enrico Baldini penalty. After a VAR review, Cittadella was awarded a penalty after Catanzaro defender Stefano Scognamillo committed a handball.
Getting his first start of the season after injury, Baldini finished the spot kick and scored his first goal since August 13, 2022.
Catanzaro retook the leader following a set piece, and it was Iemmello once again who got the final touch off the corner. It was the ninth goal concede in the opening 15 minutes of the second half for Cittadella this season.
Cittadella searched for another equalizer, but once again fell short after tallying only one shot on target in the second half.
“Like always, it’s the mentality that makes the difference,” Gorini said. “We need to work and stay united, try to be positive and get a result.”
It’s a quick turnaround for Cittadella as the Granata face their regional rivals Venezia on Wednesday at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo, before returning home next Sunday to play Pisa.
PHOTO: Paola Garbuio/LaPresse