Vicenza secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Cittadella in their Serie B match on Friday evening.
After dominating much of the game, Davide Di Gennaro’s third goal of the season — from the penalty spot — was enough to lift Vicenza up to second spot. The last-minute strike also meant Cittadella remain in the relegation zone.
The Biancorossi had the better of a scrappy first half at the Stadio Pier Cesare Tombolato, with the best chance falling to Andrea Cocco towards the break. The Vicenza forward was put through on goal only to see Andrea Pierobon come out to smother his effort.
The second period was more open, with the visitors taking more risks after a controlled first half. As a result, Pierobon found himself at the centre of the action again, first repelling a close range effort from Cocco and then shortly afterwards stopping a long-range effort from Lorenzo Laverone.
As Cittadella struggled to clear their lines late on, a Leonardo Spinazzola header crashed against the post. With time running out, it started to look as though the hosts would come away with a point.
However, the Biancorossi got the reward their endeavour deserved in the last minute of the game.
Pierobon brought down Antonio Ragusa as his powerful run took him through the defence and into the penalty area. Even with blood streaming down his face from the collision, the 45-year-old received a red card and left his side to face the crucial penalty kick.
Davide Di Gennaro showed replacement stopper Alex Valentini no mercy, as he stepped up to slot the spot-kick home and ensure Vicenza left with all three points, thus keeping the pressure on Bologna in the Serie B standings.
