Cittadella vs Reggina | All you need to know.
On March 14, 2022 by Jake IovineA match that can decide a lot of things for both clubs: Cittadella host Reggina in a must-win game at the Tombolato.
Two teams fighting for promotion and aiming to make a late push for the playoffs. Cittadella has been under the playoff line for quite some time, as Reggina is slowly creeping their way up.
Last November, Alessio Vita scored the only goal in a victory for Cittadella. That win started an unbeaten run for the Granata, going 11 games without defeat. For Reggina, it was the exact opposite, managing only one win in their next ten after that match.
But their form has picked up, and can come within a single point with a win at the Tombolato. It’s a huge match for both teams, and here’s a look on how they’re doing.
Cittadella
The 1-1 draw in Parma has left some unfinished business on the pitch for Edoardo Gorini’s men. Conceding a late goal once again, Gorini’s squad will be hoping to get a massive three points.
Anything less than a win will seem like more dropped points for Cittadella, however. Thanks to a little stretch of poor results, followed with rivaling playoff teams winning, the Granata find themselves three points from the last playoff spot.
That’s why a win is so important, and can add pressure on the teams above to do their job in the midweek. There’s only two matches left until the international break, which means Cittadella should be aiming for at least 4 points against Reggina and Pisa.
The lack of attackers could be a problem for Gorini. Last Friday, Cittadella only had 8 substitutes on the bench, but 5 of them were Primavera players. The attack is currently low on numbers, with Orji Okwonkwo and Mamadou Tounkara set to miss a large reminder of the season. In addition, Enrico Baldini did not show up to the game against Parma, and neither did Camillo Tavernelli.
It will be interesting to see the attacking formation that will take the pitch. Will some of the strikers return? Or will Giacomo Beretta be the only source of attack?
Reggina
It was looking like a massive collapse from Reggina, having gone from the playoff zone to nearing the relegation spots. After the loss to Cittadella in November, a horrible stretch of ten games that saw Reggina only get one win plummeted them down the table. This form saw the dismissal of Alfredo Aglietti in December.
After a quick spell from Domenico Toscano, Reggina appointed Roberto Stellone. Since getting appointed in January, the bleeding has dramatically stopped for Reggina.
In just nine games under him, Reggina have recorded five wins and a draw, while making up big chucks of the table. Thanks to this good run of form, Reggina fans know that a win on Tuesday against Cittadella can put them in a real chance to sneak into a playoff spot.
But they’ll have to do it without one of their best players, Jeremy Menez. Since coming in the winter, the forward has scored five goals in 12 games, reviving Reggina’s promotion dream. Another key piece for Reggina has been Gianluca Di Chiara, a left back that leads the defense and is dangerous on set pieces.
Similar to Cittadella, Reggina is looking at their next two matches before the international break as make or break situations. Wins against Cittadella and Cosenza next weekend will put them back into the playoff race. If Stellone’s men can’t find the three points in any of the games, clinging onto safety in the league would seem reasonable.
The defense is getting stronger, but like Cittadella, Reggina’s attack might be a problem in this match. A lack of attackers for both sides will definitely have a big impact on Tuesday nights showdown.