Cittadella get first win over Modena in 13 years

Cittadella won their first game against Modena since 2011 in a 0-1 away win at the Stadio Alberto Braglia on Saturday night.

Mario Ravasio scored his first career Serie B goal in the 12th minute to give the Granata their second win of the season.

“Even though it was the third match of the week, we played well, managing the substitutions well,” Cittadella head coach Edoardo Gorini said in his post-match interview. “I think the victory was deserved.”

Gorini made six changes from Cittadella’s draw against Pisa on Tuesday, most notably goalkeeper Elhan Kastrati missing the match due to an injury. Luca Maniero made six saves on the night in his first start since March 16.

Cittadella took the lead in the 12th minute after Mario Ravasio blasted home an effort into the top corner. The goal was Ravasio’s first in his Serie B career.

“I congratulate the guys and also those who came into the team this summer,” Gorini said. “We continue on our path. I’m aware that there’s a lot to improve, but the results help us work better and with confidence.”

The club has now gotten off to their second-best start under Gorini after four games, getting seven points from a possible 12. The three points on Saturday night was also second time Cittadella won in Modena, with their last victory at the Stadio Alberto Braglia coming in 1999.

The Granata will now have two weeks of rest due to the September international break, with the team returning on Sept. 14 against Catanzaro at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato. Cittadella and Modena will meet in the return fixture on Feb. 22 in Veneto.

“The season objective is to ‘put hay in the barn’,” Gorini said. “Let’s think about surviving relegation and then we’ll see game after game.”

PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti