Cittadella vs Novara Match Recap - Dec 14, 2025

Cittadella and Novara Share the Spoils in a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

Cittadella's inability to capitalize on their home advantage against Novara raises questions about their playoff ambitions. Despite entering the match in fourth place, Cittadella has struggled to find consistent form, managing only one win in their last five outings. The draw against Novara, who sit in 13th place, highlights the mounting pressure on Cittadella to convert potential into points.

Basso and Alberti of Novara showcased their attacking prowess early, scoring two goals in the first half. Basso's recent form has been a silver lining for Novara, as he has been instrumental in their attack, netting crucial goals in previous matches. His performance today reinforces his role as a key player, even as the team grapples with defensive frailties. Novara's record of 11 draws this season underscores their struggle to secure wins, but their resilience was evident as they fought back after being pegged back by Cittadella.

Cittadella's response came swiftly after halftime, with Redolfi and Falcinelli finding the net within two minutes of each other. This quick succession of goals demonstrated Cittadella's ability to respond under pressure, yet it also exposed their inconsistency. After a solid defensive record leading into this match, conceding two goals to a struggling Novara side raises concerns about their backline's reliability. The defensive lapses that allowed Novara to score must be addressed if Cittadella hopes to maintain their playoff position.

The red card issued to Khailoti just before halftime shifted the dynamics of the match. Playing with ten men for the second half, Novara displayed commendable grit and determination. Their ability to hold onto a draw despite being a man down speaks volumes about their fighting spirit. This resilience could serve as a turning point for Novara, who have been searching for a spark to ignite their season.

Cittadella's recent form has been characterized by a lack of offensive firepower, scoring only three goals in their last five matches prior to this fixture. The two goals scored today may provide a much-needed boost to their confidence, but questions remain about their ability to sustain this momentum moving forward. Castelli, who has been pivotal in previous matches, was unable to find the net today, leaving fans wondering if he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Novara's recent performances have shown flashes of potential, particularly in their last five matches where they managed to score in each game despite not securing victories. The draw against Cittadella may serve as a catalyst for improvement as they prepare for their next match against Ospitaletto. If they can build on this result and tighten their defense, they could begin climbing the table.

The implications of this draw are significant for both teams. For Cittadella, it represents a missed opportunity to solidify their playoff aspirations. They must now regroup ahead of their next match against Giana Erminio, where three points are essential to maintain pressure on the teams above them. For Novara, the draw could be seen as a stepping stone towards better results, providing them with a sense of belief that they can compete even when faced with adversity.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a Cittadella victory based on their higher league position and recent form. The draw serves as a reminder that football is unpredictable; even teams at opposite ends of the table can produce thrilling encounters. As both teams look ahead, the lessons learned from this match will be crucial in shaping their respective paths in the remainder of the season.