Play off Serie C 2025-2026: Ravenna-Cittadella, the probable formations
Ravenna and Cittadella face each other Wednesday night at 8 p.m. at Benelli Stadium in the return match of the first national round of the Serie C playoffs. The Romagnoli make their debut in this match in the competition that puts a place in the next Serie B up for grabs, thanks to their third place finish in the league thanks to 22 wins, 14 of which were at home. The Veneti, on the other hand, start from afar after beating Arzignano Valchiampo and Lumezzane in the previous rounds. They are also called upon to win after the disappointing 2-2 draw in the first leg, with the Giallorossi scoring both of their goals in the last ten minutes of the game.
Cittadella’s path in these playoffs has been anything but smooth. Against Lumezzane, in the second round of Group A, Iori’s Venetians had come to the Tombolato fresh from a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arzignano Valchiampo, with Rabbi scoring a decisive brace. Thanks to better placement in the standings, a draw would have been enough to advance, and the Grenadians were able to exploit this regulatory advantage to get through the round. A path that showcased the solidity of the group, but also the need to raise the level further at this national stage.
Ravenna, for its part, arrives at this challenge on the strength of an extraordinary championship in Group B, where it shared the stage with teams of blazon such as Ternana, Torres and Ascoli. The third place finish represents the best possible result for direct access to the first national round, skipping the preliminary stages that have instead worn Cittadella down over the previous weeks. Coach Mandorlini relies on the certainty Okaka up front, the centerpiece of his two-man attack along with Fischnaller. Behind the two forwards is Tenkorang ready, on the lanes Da Pozzo and Bani, with Lonardi and Mandorlini at the heart of the maneuver. Three-man defense with Donati, Esposito and Bianconi in front of goalkeeper Poluzzi.
In comparison with the eleven fielded against Lumezzane, coach Iori makes some significant changes to his lineup. Gobbato, Pavan and Cecchetto are no longer in the defense, with Salvi, Redolfi and Zilio called upon to man the rearguard in front of Maniero. In midfield, Amatucci and Crialese come out, while Anastasia and Rizza enter on the outside lanes. In attack, Rabbi is confirmed, but Castelli is no longer in his side: in his place is Falcinelli, called to make the difference in a match in which Cittadella is obliged to win.
The probable lineups
Ravenna (3-4-1-2): Poluzzi; G. Donati, Bianconi, A. Esposito; Da Pozzo, Mandorlini, Lonardi, C. Bani; Tenkorang; Fischnaller, Okaka. All. Mandorlini.
Cittadella (3-5-2): Maniero; Salvi, Redolfi, Zilio; D’Alessio, Vita, Barberis, Anastasia, Rizza; Rabbi, Falcinelli. All. Iori.
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