Cittadella disappoint in 1-1 draw with Lecco

Cittadella drew 1-1 with last-place Lecco on Monday afternoon, extending the Granata‘s winless run to 11 games.

Stefano Negro scored his second goal of the season in the first half in Lecco, but a wonder goal from ex-Cittadella midfielder Giovanni Crociata settled the game as a 1-1 draw.

The result puts Cittadella in the bottom half of the Serie B table as pressure mounts on head coach Edoardo Gorini.

“The pitch and weather conditions didn’t make the game any easier,” Gorini said after the match. “Lecco, also because they’re used to playing on this pitch, did something more.”

From an out-swinging corner, Stefano Negro scored his second goal of his Serie B career in the 26th minute after volleying home the cross. The lead would evaporate minutes before halftime as Crociata struck a shot from well outside the box, nestling into the top corner of the goal.

The Granata were out possessed by Lecco in the first half, with the hosts holding 65% possession. Lecco also created seven shots in the opening half compared to Cittadella’s two.

“In the second half we changed the formation because in the first half we couldn’t find the right distances,” Gorini said. “Without any doubt in the second half things went better.”

Cittadella are still without a win in their last 11 games as Gorini’s men fall three points behind the playoff line. The club is now only five points above from the relegation play-out zone as seven games remain in the season.

“The situation doesn’t change from before this match, we have to think about the next match against Reggiana,” Gorini said. “After that, we will see where we are in the standings.”

PHOTO: Alberto Mariani/LaPresse