Cittadella earned a shock 3-0 away victory to knock Benevento out of the Serie B promotion play-off semi-finals, 4-2 on aggregate.

The first leg had put the ball firmly in Benevento’s court, as they picked up a 2-1 away victory.

However, that was thrown away by half-time at the Stadio Vigorito, as Davide Diaw struck on a rapid counter-attack, then Giuseppe Panico’s right-foot strike took a deflection off Nicolas Viola to beat Montipe at the near post.

Cittadella earned a shock 3-0 away victory to knock Benevento out of the Serie B promotion play-off semi-finals, 4-2 on aggregate.

The first leg had put the ball firmly in Benevento’s court, as they picked up a 2-1 away victory.

However, that was thrown away by half-time at the Stadio Vigorito, as Davide Diaw struck on a rapid counter-attack, then Giuseppe Panico’s right-foot strike took a deflection off Nicolas Viola to beat Montipe at the near post.

It didn’t get any better after the restart, because Gabriele Moncini confirmed his extraordinary form with a back-heel flick finish to redirect Simone Branca’s assist.

Montipo kept the scoreline down with a save on Diaw and the tension escalated with a series of yellow cards.

Cittadella captain Manuel Iori thought he had made it 4-0, but the header was disallowed for an offside position.

Roberto Insigne, who scored in the first leg, saw his late volley saved to prevent even a stoppage-time fightback.

Le Streghe finished the Serie B season in third place on 60 points, but have crashed out to a Cittadella side that ended in seventh with 51 points.

The second semi-final sees Pescara host Hellas Verona on Sunday evening after a goalless first leg at the Bentegodi.

Benevento 0-3 Cittadella (2-4 agg)

Diaw 35 (C), Panico 44 (C), Moncini 54 (C)

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