Cittadella eliminated from playoffs after 1-1 draw with Bari

Cittadella will miss the Serie B promotion playoffs for the third straight season after drawing 1-1 with Bari on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata knew that anything but a victory against a struggling Bari team would put Edoardo Gorini’s side out of contention for the top 8. Even with a victory, fate was not in Cittadella’s hands as they would need other results to go their way.

“This team has done well this season,” Gorini said in his post-match interview after the 1-1 draw with Bari. “It’s not possible to cancel out everything based on the second part of the season.”

Forward Filippo Pittarello scored in back-to-back games for Cittadella as he fired the hosts in the lead after six minutes. The striker had a one time finish inside the box following a tricky cross from fullback Federico Giraudo.

Bari responded quickly and equalized off a mistake from Claudio Cassano, who miss-placed a pass to the backline, allowing Marco Nasti to finish the counter from Gennaro Acampora’s assist.

Pittarello nearly regained the lead for Cittadella in the 26th minute but his near post shot was saved by Marco Pissardo. The Bari goalkeeper made four saves on the day for the visitors.

The Biancorossi came close to scoring at the end of the first half after Elhan Kastrati denied Ismail Achik from point blank range.

Alessio Rizza came closest to winning the match for Cittadella in the 80th minute as he found himself free at the far post from a long cross. However, the substitute scuffed the shot from three yards out, denying him his first goal in Serie B.

With Brescia and Sampdoria winning on Sunday, it officially ends any chance Gorini’s side had of entering the playoffs. The Granata will be looking to end the season on a high note next Friday against Cremonese. Cittadella will also be looking to beat their highest final ranking under Gorini (11th).

“It’s important to end well against Cremonese,” Gorini said. “Obviously there’s not much to play for, but it’s important to end well and improve the position in the standings.”

PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti