Cittadella vs Catanzaro: Granata look for long-awaited home win
On September 13, 2024 by Jake IovineMATCH: Cittadella vs Catanzaro | Serie BKT Matchday 5
DATE: September 14, 2024 | 15:00 local (9:00am EST)
VENUE: Stadio Piercesare Tombolato | Cittadella
Cittadella returns to league action following the international break as the Granata face Catanzaro at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato.
Following three consecutive positive results, Cittadella looks to win two games in a row for the first time since Dec. 2023 as the team hosts Catanzaro. Saturday will be the third all-time meeting between the two clubs.
Cittadella has been without a home win since Jan. 13 where the Granata defeated Palermo 2-0. Edoardo Gorini’s side has drawn five straight home games entering the game this weekend.
“Wins always give us enthusiasm,” Gorini said in his pre-match press conference. “It’s still too early to talk about the future as it’s only the fifth match, but it’s important to keep adding points. I hope a lot of fans will be at the stadium tomorrow and we have to give everything to get the victory.”
Catanzaro won its first match of the season before the international break, defeating newly-promoted Carrarese at home. Former Cittadella striker Filippo Pittarello makes his return to the Tombolato since joining the Calabrian side after scoring six goals last season for the Granata.
Catanzaro went undefeated against Cittadella last season, earning a road victory in Veneto in February. Head coach Fabio Caserta expects a difficult match for the Giallorossi.
“Cittadella is a very organized team with a proven style of play,” Caserta said. “They are good at pressing and individual duels. We have to be good at reading the game and approaching the game with our qualities.”
The Granata will be without starting goalkeeper Elhan Kastrati, who suffered an injury against Pisa two weeks ago. Luca Maniero made seven saves in Cittadella’s last match against Modena, keeping his first clean sheet of the season. New arrivals Davide Voltan and Simone Tronchin will also be sidelined for Saturday’s match due to injuries.
A win on Saturday afternoon would put Cittadella at its best point tally after five games under Edoardo Gorini. Three points would also be the first time the Granata have beaten Catanzaro in their history.
PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti