Preview: Cittadella looks to secure home playoff game in Novara trip

Cittadella makes its final road trip of the regular season as the Granata face Novara on Sunday looking to secure a Round One home playoff game.

Just four weeks ago, a top four finish looked likely for Manuel Iori’s side entering the final stretch of the season. However, three losses from their next four — including defeats to playoff rivals Brescia and Trento — put the Venetians out of contention for a fourth place finish.

Instead, Iori’s team will start its playoff journey in the Round One of the Girone Phase. A win against Novara would guarantee Cittadella at least a sixth place finish with a chance to reclaim fifth place on the final day of the regular season.

“These next two games are important for how we get into the playoffs,” Iori said in the pregame press conference.

The Granata played over 80 minutes with a man advantage in last weekend’s six-pointer against Trento. However, Cittadella fell short, losing 3-1 and extinguishing any hopes of a top four finish.

Iori says the team is ready to move on from last Sunday’s disappointment as the playoffs approach.

“The guys know what we didn’t do and what we left on the road,” Iori said. “We have to take responsibility in these last (games) to try arriving to a game which is worth more and others if we advance. These two games really have to lead us well to that game.”

Cittadella has not lost three straight games since September, but that could change against a Novara side still in the hunt for a playoff spot. The Azzurri are coming from three straight defeats themselves but still sit three points below the last postseason position.

Iori’s side fought back for a 2-2 draw in December’s reverse fixture, which ultimately proved to be Andrea Zanchetta’s penultimate game as Novara head coach. Andrea Dossena replaced him at the helm, but has only managed five wins from 17 league games.

“They are a completely different team (from the reverse fixture) because they have two completely different coaches,” Iori said about Sunday’s opponents. “A coach who also completely changed the playing system. He always played with a 4-3-3 but in recent games he’s played with three in defense.

“I expect a game where they will be aggressive, try to get rhythm and still try to play the game to win because they need a full result to be able to do something more.”

Sunday will be Cittadella’s first trip to Stadio Silvio Piola since 2018 where Roberto Venturato’s side lost 1-0 during the 2017/18 Serie B campaign.

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MATCH: Novara vs Cittadella | Serie C Sky Wifi Matchday 37

DATE: April 19, 2026 | 14:30 CET (8:30 EST)

VENUE: Stadio Silvio Piola | Novara