Palermo vs Cittadella: Granata expecting hot atmosphere on Sunday
On November 2, 2024 by Jake IovineMATCH: Palermo vs Cittadella | Serie BKT Matchday 12
DATE: Nov. 3, 2024 | 15:00 local (9am EST)
VENUE: Stadio Renzo Barbera | Palermo
Cittadella plays its third match in seven days on Sunday as the Granata travel to Palermo for the 12th match of the Serie B season.
Head coach Alessandro Dal Canto expects a difficult atmosphere at the Stadio Renzo Barbera: a place where Cittadella has walked away with at least a point in the last four visits.
“It will be a warm environment,” Dal Canto said in his prematch press conference. “In recent years, however, Cittadella has been in these situations, so it’s not a problem for us.”
Cittadella enters Sunday’s match on a six game winless streak, dropping to 19th in the Serie B standings. The Granata have lost their last two road trips by a combined score of 9-1 following defeats to Carrarese and Sassuolo.
Dal Canto’s side is hoping to get a needed result in Sicily. Cittadella defeated Palermo twice last season, including a last-gasp victory in November of last year. The Rosanero will be looking to leap above fifth place with a win on Sunday afternoon.
“Palermo is one of the favorites to be promoted,” Dal Canto said. “But these are singular games and anything can happen. We have to approach the game on what we have worked on, knowing that it’s normal to suffer. We cannot be disconnected or collapse.”
Cittadella’s struggle for goals continued in its midweek clash with Sampdoria at home, drawing 0-0 for the third time this season. Dal Canto’s side has produced the lowest goal tally in the league, averaging 0.5 goals per match.
Striker Luca Pandolfi finished last season as the leading goalscorer for Cittadella, netting eight goals in his first season at the club. The 26-year-old scored twice against Palermo last season, including a 97th minute winner in Sicily. Dal Canto is hoping the striker can return to form despite his recent lack of goals.
“Pandolfi is a good guy and he’s been training well,” Dal Canto said. “There’s no problems with him or with the team. I hope he can score tomorrow.”
PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti / A.S. Cittadella