Musso gives major Rabbi update on eve of season opener against Pergolettese
On August 21, 2026 by Jake IovineCittadella opens its 2026/27 Serie C campaign on Saturday against Pergolettese, but the team will have to do it without a major attacking piece.
Last season’s top scorer Simone Rabbi will not be in this weekend’s squad list. Cittadella head coach Roberto Musso confirmed his absence during Friday’s pregame press conference amid transfer speculation.
“(Rabbi) preferred not to train and so he won’t be available tomorrow,” Musso said. “He prefers not to play because there’s a transfer market situation.”
The 24-year-old striker scored 15 goals in all competitions last season and netted a brace in the Granata‘s recent Coppa Italia Serie C victory over Atalanta U23.
It’s a big blow for Cittadella as the team enters its second consecutive Serie C campaign. The Granata finished sixth last season with a 17-8-13 record, 30 points behind Girone A champions Vicenza. Musso will be making his regular season debut after being appointed as head coach in July.
“We want to start on the right foot, especially in front of our fans,” Musso said.
“Starting well is always good, it creates enthusiasm and you work better throughout the week. So tomorrow is exactly the first of the season.”
Musso will be facing another debutant manager and a former teammate. Pergolettese head coach Antonio Giosa played 38 games for Cittadella between 2002 and 2004, and will be managing his first regular season match for the side from Crema.
“They are an organized team with clear concepts, both in and out of possession,” Musso said. “We have to look at ourselves and continue to work on our concepts.”
Pergolettese took four points from Cittadella last season, defeating the Granata 3-1 at home and recording a 3-3 draw at the Tombolato in January after scoring twice late in the game. Il Pergo will be looking to improve from a 16th place finish and a 3-8-8 away record in the 2025/26 season, the fourth worst in Girone A.
“The pitch will tell whether we put in a good performance or if there’s still room for improvement,” Musso said.
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LIVE UPDATES ON THE MATCH AVAILABLE ON CITTACALCIOUSA.COM
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MATCH: Cittadella vs Pergolettese – Serie C Sky Wifi, Matchday 1
DATE: Aug. 22, 2026 – 18:00 CET (12:00 EST)
VENUE: Stadio Piercesare Tombolato – Cittadella
TOP PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti / A.S. Cittadella