Preview: Cittadella opens 2026/27 season against Atalanta U23 in the cup

Cittadella returns to a newly renovated Stadio Piercesare Tombolato on Saturday night to face Atalanta U23 in the first round of the Coppa Italia Serie C.

Roberto Musso will be making his debut on the touchline for the Granata after being appointed as manager in July. Likewise, Nicola Beati will also be making his managerial debut in the Nerazzurri dugout.

Saturday’s game is a single-leg match which goes directly to penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes. The winner will play either Lumezzane or Renate in the second round.

“The team is doing well, we are in good shape but there is still a lot to work on,” Musso said in his pregame press conference. “We have eased the load a bit this week but it was expected, we are in line with the times.”

Musso, who played over 240 games for Cittadella as a player and has been part of the coaching staff since 2014, took over as manager in the summer for Manuel Iori. He is the fourth different Cittadella coach in the last two years.

The Granata finished sixth in Girone A last season, exiting the promotion playoffs in the first round of the National Phase against Ravenna. The Nerazzurri will be looking to improve from their 11th place finish in Girone C last season and a Round of 16 appearance in the cup.

Saturday will be both team’s first competitive fixture of the season and the first meeting between the two clubs.

“We know starting well can benefit everyone,” Musso said. “It creates enthusiasm, assimilates the game concepts better and believe in what you do. The important thing will be to be able to put on the field what we have worked hard all week, the result will be a consequence.”

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LIVE TEXT COVERAGE AVAILABLE ON CITTACALCIOUSA.COM

MATCH: Cittadella vs. Atalanta U23 – Coppa Italia Serie C Regionale Trenitalia

DATE: Aug. 15, 2026 – 21:00 CET / 15:00 EST

VENUE: Stadio Piercesare Tombolato – Cittadella

COVER PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti / A.S. Cittadella