CATANZARO, Italy (Interstat) — Alfredo Donnarumma’s first-half goal proved decisive as Catanzaro edged Cittadella 1-0 in a Serie B match on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Stadio Nicola Ceravolo.

The victory solidified Catanzaro’s strong position in Italy’s second division, while Cittadella’s challenging season continued with a narrow defeat.

The match began in chaotic fashion. Against the run of play, Cittadella defender Lorenzo Carissoni found the net in just the 3rd minute, momentarily silencing the home supporters. However, the celebration was short-lived. A subsequent video review determined Carissoni was in an offside position, and the goal was disallowed.

Catanzaro, undeterred by the early scare, began to impose its will. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute. Attacker Alfredo Donnarumma, a native of Torre Annunziata, Italy, received the ball inside the penalty area and finished clinically to give the hosts a lead they would not relinquish. Donnarumma, listed at 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, was substituted in the 59th minute after his impactful shift.

Cittadella’s frustrations grew as the match progressed. Defender Alessandro Salvi received a yellow card in the third minute of first-half stoppage time for a reckless challenge. Teammate Simone Branca was also booked in the 88th minute as Cittadella’s attempts to find an equalizer grew increasingly desperate. The visitors finished the match with two yellow cards and no goals.

The result defied the pre-match projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a 2-1 victory for Catanzaro. The firm’s ELO rating system had given the home side an 83.40 percent probability to win.

In the context of the Serie B season, the match was the seventh week of competition. Catanzaro improved its impressive league record, while Cittadella’s early-season struggles were extended. The three points kept Catanzaro firmly among the frontrunners in the promotion race.

Catanzaro entered the match following a 3-1 road loss to Cesena just one day prior, on Saturday, March 21. Before that, the club had been on a strong run of form, including a 3-1 victory at Padova on March 14 and a 3-2 home win over Empoli on March 8.

Cittadella’s only previous match this Serie B season was a 2-0 loss at Ravenna back on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025.

Looking ahead, Catanzaro’s next fixture is a quick turnaround, scheduled for later on Sunday, March 22, against Ternana. The club then faces a series of crucial matches in April, including a home encounter with AC Monza on April 6 and a trip to face Avellino on April 11.

Cittadella will seek its first win of the campaign when it hosts Lecco, also on Sunday, March 22.