Baldini magic in Cittadella’s win, and a great start to a packed week ahead

A brace from Enrico Baldini pushes the Granata back in the top 8. It’s a great start to an action-filled week, with Cagliari and Brescia on course.

Cittadella continue to stretch their fine form after a 2-0 win against Ascoli on a sunny Saturday afternoon. A big match with only one point separating the Granata and Ascoli.

Thanks to two penalties, midfielder Enrico Baldini made no mistake from twelve yards out. A brace that puts him up to seven goals for the season, a career high for the Inter academy prospect. A win that puts Cittadella back in playoff position, bumping them above Ascoli in the process.

Two teams entering in fantastic form: we knew someone was going to drop points. A win for either team would make a statement in their respective seasons. Going into the midweek clash in Cagliari, Cittadella are now riding on a seven match unbeaten run.

Edoardo Gorini’s men cruised through majority of the match, locking down Ascoli’s top scorer Federico Dionisi. Cittadella’s defense proved to be a tough nut to crack, only allowing Ascoli to create 5 shots.

The midfield trio of Branca, Pavan, and Vita bossed the center of the park. The three prevented any Ascoli threat, as well as adding attacking power up front.

But the main player of today – and potentially the season so far – is Enrico Baldini.

We all know about his stats: 7 goals, 1 assist in 17 Serie B matches. Not only that, his play on and off the ball is like a piece of art. Baldini’s vision on the pitch brings a feeling to the team.

A technical player that is playing almost as a false nine. The chemistry between him and Mirko Antonucci has improved greatly since August. It’s hard to steal the ball from him, as he maneuvers his way throughout the pitch.

It’s obvious Baldini will be an important piece in the fight for promotion. The real question comes on Wednesday: who will Gorini start?

A match against a struggling Serie A side, the belief will undeniably creep into the minds of Cittadella coaches and players. In great form, there is a legitimate chance of beating Cagliari midweek, advancing to the Round of 16 of the Coppa Italia. Additionally, lots of money are at stake in the Coppa Italia. For a team like Cittadella, a few thousand Euros could be a huge boost.

Gorini will have to make a decision: best eleven, or rotate the squad? With Serie A promotion as the main objective, will falling in the cup be beneficial for Cittadella? For a player like Baldini, these matches could be massive as a larger audience is able to watch him play.

At the end of the day, you have to look at the big picture. Cittadella are back in the playoff picture, and have a busy week ahead of them! Cagliari will be a great measuring stick to see where this team is at. For Brescia, anything but a loss would seem favorable.