Sassuolo vs Cittadella: Citta looking for a response in Reggio Emilia
On October 4, 2024 by Jake IovineMATCH: Sassuolo vs Cittadella – Serie BKT Matchday 8
DATE: October 5, 2024 – 15:00 local (9:00am EST)
VENUE: Mapei Stadium – Reggio Emilia
Cittadella looks to get a much-needed victory on Saturday afternoon as the Granata face Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium.
Edoardo Gorini’s side were defeated 1-2 last Friday against a then-winless Frosinone team, plunging Cittadella into the relegation play-out zone going into the weekend. Gorini is looking for his third win of the season as the October international break looms.
“We analyzed and worked on why we had a bad game,” Gorini said in his pre-match press conference. “I expect us to grow and improve on what we did last week. I hope there is a great desire for revenge.”
Saturday will be the second of three meetings between Cittadella and Sassuolo this season, with the latest ending in a 2-1 Coppa Italia win for the Neroverdi in August. The last Serie B match between the two sides was during the 2012/13 season, where both sides earned respective 1-0 home wins against each other.
After a slow start to the season, Sassuolo regained form and sits 4th in the league after seven games. Fabio Grosso’s side is 3-3-1 in Serie B, having not conceded a goal in four straight games in all competitions.
“We know that Sassuolo is one of the strongest teams in the league,” Gorini said. “It will be be a difficult match, but there’s no such thing as an easy game in Serie B. We need to do what we didn’t in our last match.”
Offense has been a struggle for Cittadella this season. The Granata have scored five goals in their opening seven games: tied for the lowest out of any team in Serie B. A lack of goals has been a key issue for Gorini’s side in 2024, with Cittadella failing to score more than two goals in a match since April 6.
“We have to believe in ourselves,” Gorini said on what can be done to improve the attacking phase. “The mindset always makes the difference, this is fundamental. The stats say Sassuolo is a difficult and complete team, but they are beatable. It always depends on us.”
Gorini confirmed midfielder Federico Casolari will be available for selection in Reggio Emilia. The 21-year-old midfielder, who was sidelined for the past two games due to an injury, could play a key role for the Granata against his former club. Goalkeeper Elhan Kastrati is also back from injury following a month-long absence.
Saturday will be the final game before a two-week pause for the October international break. Cittadella looks to enter the break on a high note following a recent run of poor results.
“We must be alert from the first to 100th minute of the match,” Gorini said. “We are facing one of the favorites to be promoted with high-category players.”
PHOTO: Massimo Felicetti