Vita’s early strike inspires an important win for Cittadella

An important win in the context of Cittadella’s season. Alessio Vita’s third goal of the season sends the Granata back home with all three points.

On a cold Sunday night in Alessandria, it’s Cittadella who come away with the 1-0 win. A brilliant rocket from Alessio Vita early on paved the way to victory.

The win gets Cittadella back within reach of the playoff zone. The victory also extends the Granata‘s unbeaten run, stretching their streak to six games.

A firey start to the match was what made all the difference at the Stadio Giuseppe Moccagatta. Edoardo Gorini couldn’t have asked for a better start just two minutes into the contest.

Cittadella midfielder Mirko Antonucci, who has had an exciting start to the season, drilled a low cross to the center of the box. An open Alessio Vita blasted the ball into the upper 90, giving Citta a one goal lead. The goal stunned the home crowd, and it fueled Cittadella to penetrate the Alessandria net.

Eventually, the Piedmont based team settled into the match, and looked to threatened Elhan Kastrati’s goal. A great chance came a half an hour in. A deep cross to the back post met the foot of an open Gabriel Lunetta. But Citta’s Tommaso Cassandro slid across to block the shot and attack for Alessandria.

In a matter of minutes, Cittadella were up the field in dangerous territory. Enrico Baldini skipped his way towards the touchline, and cut back a cross for Antonucci. The Roman midfielder’s shot hit an Alessandria defender along the way, and the chance went begging.

This time it was Alessandria trying to make a quick start to the half. Backed by their home fans, they pushed early on to get the equalizer. Strong defense by Davide Adorni and Romano Perticone kept any attack away from Kastrati’s goal.

Despite the immense pressure, Cittadella kept a cool, firm grasp on the match. In fact, they nearly took a two goal advantage on the counter. Davide Mazzocco had the closest chance for the Granata – as he pulled a side-footed shot just past the far post.

Through the tense atmosphere of the Giuseppe Moccagatta, Cittadella managed to pull through out on top. A hard fought victory decided in the second minute pulls Citta closer to the playoffs.

Though it wasn’t a pretty performance all around, the defense was on point. It was once again another brilliant night by Elhan Kastrati. The Albanian keeper tallied nine saves, helping Cittadella secure three points.

Three points was what the doctor ordered for the Granata, and it’s a big one going into a tough stretch of games. Now sitting in 10th, Cittadella are tied on points with Perugia and Frosinone. A win next weekend against Ascoli will no doubt put Cittadella back in the top 8.

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