Serie A dream shattered: Cesena and Palermo eliminated

The first playoff round of Serie B took place on Saturday evening – and it was an extremely bitter one for two former first division teams.

17 May 2025

From: fop

Juve Stabia and Catanzaro have cleared the first hurdle in the promotion race. The two clubs from southern Italy, who finished the season in 5th and 6th place, respectively, knocked Palermo (8th) and Cesena (7th) out of the competition.

The game in Catanzaro, in particular, was not for the faint of heart. Against Cesena, striker Shpendi's penalty was saved by goalkeeper Pigliacelli, while at the other end, Iemmello headed his 18th goal of the season to delight the home team and their fans in the sold-out Stadio Ceravolo. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Catanzaro.

In this scene, Pietro Iemmello heads Catanzaro to victory. © Instagram/uscatanzaro1929official

Juve Stabia also earned a celebrated 1-0 win at home against an ambitious but recently faltering Palermo. Although the former European Cup participant from Sicily threatened several times through Brunori and Ceccaroni, Juve Stabia had the better chances. Floriani hit the post in the first half, before Adorante finally scored the decisive 67-1 in the 0th minute after a pass from Pierobon.

Now Cremonese and Spezia are waiting

Juve Stabia will now face fourth-placed Cremonese in the semifinals, while Catanzaro will face third-placed Spezia. From now on, the playoffs will be played on a home-and-away basis. As a reminder, two of the three first-division teams, champions Sassuolo and Pisa, have already been confirmed.

Serie B, Playoffs

Quarterfinals:
Juventus Stabia 1-0 Palermo
Catanzaro 1-0 Cesena

Semifinals:
Spice – Catanzaro
Cremonese – Juve Stabia
Performance dates: May 21 and 25