Cittadella vs Mantova: Another direct clash for the Granata

MATCH: Cittadella vs Mantova | Serie BKT Matchday 22

DATE: Jan. 18, 2025 | 15:00 CET (9:00 a.m. EST)

VENUE: Stadio Piercesare Tombolato | Cittadella

Cittadella hosts Mantova on Saturday afternoon for the first game at the Stadio Piercesare Tombolato in 2025, looking to extend the club’s unbeaten streak in another relegation six-pointer.

Mantova snatched a late win in the reverse fixture, scoring in the 93rd minute to beat the Granata. Despite this, Dal Canto does not see his players seeking revenge for the loss in September.

“Revenge is not my way of being,” Dal Canto said in his prematch press conference. “We conceded and lost in stoppage time but we have also won like that too. We are facing a team that plays football in a developing way, which is something unique in Serie B.”

The two sides enter the weekend tied on 24 points and three points above the relegation playout zone. Mantova is yet to win on the road this season, while Cittadella is riding a two match winning streak at the Tombolato and is unbeaten in five straight games.

Mantova leads the league in average possession per game, holding 61.2% per match. Despite the statistics, the Biancorossi have only won twice since beating Cittadella on Sep. 22, sliding to 14th in Serie B.

“They will hold a lot of the ball and control the game,” Dal Canto said. “We need to be calm and fluid. You can give them majority of the possession, but results can be achieved in different ways.”

A lot could be on the line for both sides sitting in the bottom half of the table. A win for either team could potentially lift them six points above the relegation playout zone after Round 22. Dal Canto and Cittadella recognize the importance of Saturday’s game, even if they know there’s still a long way to go.

“It will be a very important match,” Dal Canto said. “I won’t say it will determine the season because there’s still lots of games left, but it’s a delicate match.”

PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti / A.S. Cittadella