Torino vs Cittadella

Dellavalle's lapse in the 90th minute decided the contest. The 22-year-old defender, introduced for Coco in the 76th minute, was caught out of position and made a rash challenge inside the area. Up to that point, Torino had contained Cittadella's attacks with relative comfort, and the game appeared destined for a 0-0 draw. The penalty — the only shot on target that truly tested either goalkeeper in the second half — flipped the result.

Mattia Paleari (Torino) — The veteran goalkeeper, who replaced Mascardi at half-time, kept Torino in the match with a stunning reflex save from a close-range header in the 89th minute. Could do nothing about the penalty.

Cristian Bunino (Cittadella) — Introduced in the 75th minute, the forward scored the decisive penalty with composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. His only meaningful touch of the match.

Che Adams (Torino) — The Scottish striker provided Torino's brightest moment after coming on in the 59th minute, showing quick feet to create a shooting opportunity that was the home side's best chance of the game.

Player of the Match: Mattia Paleari — his 89th-minute save kept Torino in contention until the final seconds.

The match produced just one goal from a penalty, reflecting a pre-season contest where both sides prioritised fitness and tactical patterns over attacking urgency. Torino's 3-4-2-1 shape showed promise in build-up but lacked incision in the final third — a recurring theme across their three Pinzolo friendlies (13-0 vs Pinzolo Valrendena, 1-0 vs Alcione Milano, 0-1 vs Cittadella). The defensive rotation saw nine different players feature across the backline, with the late Dellavalle error highlighting the rustiness of a squad still assembling match sharpness. Cittadella, despite their Serie C status, were organised and disciplined, restricting Torino to half-chances at best.

For Torino, the defeat is a minor setback in pre-season preparation but not a cause for alarm. Abate's side completed their Pinzolo camp with two wins and one loss, and the focus now shifts to the final pre-season fixtures before the Serie A campaign begins on 23 August 2026 at home against AC Milan. The attack's lack of cutting edge — beyond the 13-0 rout of a lower-league amateur side — will be a concern.

For Cittadella, managed by Alessandro Musso, the win against a Serie A opponent is a confidence booster as they prepare for their Serie C campaign. The Granata will play their next pre-season friendly at home against an opponent yet to be announced.

A pre-season friendly remembered only for its late drama. Torino will take the performance with a pinch of salt — fitness, not results, was the priority — but Dellavalle's costly error and the team's inability to break down a well-organised Serie C side are worth noting ahead of the Serie A opener against Milan.