Serie C season concludes with dramatic final-day results across three groups
The 2025-26 Serie C season concluded on Saturday with a full slate of decisive matches across its three groups, setting final standings and playoff pictures. The 38th and final round of fixtures saw significant results in the battles for promotion, playoff positioning, and survival, with several matches ending in dramatic draws and high-scoring affairs.
In Group C, the match between Benevento and Audace Cerignola ended 2-2, a result that confirmed Cerignola's place in the promotion playoffs. Catanzaro's place at the top of the group was already secure prior to the final day. Elsewhere in the group, Crotone suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat at home to Latina, while Foggia fell 3-1 to Salernitana.
Group B witnessed a tight contest for the final playoff spots. Campobasso secured a 1-0 victory over Ascoli, a crucial win that strengthened their late push for a top-ten finish. Arezzo solidified their position with a 3-1 win over Torres. The group's champion, Perugia, who had already secured promotion, drew 1-1 with Forlì. At the other end of the table, Ternana's difficult season ended with a 3-1 home loss to Pianese.
The results bring the lengthy regular season to a close, with attention now turning to the upcoming promotion playoffs. The complex format will see teams from each of the three groups compete for a limited number of spots in Serie B next season. The playoffs are known for their unpredictability and high stakes, often featuring clubs with significant histories and fanbases.
For several clubs, the final day was about building momentum ahead of these knockout fixtures. The drawn results for teams like Benevento and Juve Next Gen, who tied 2-2 with Bra, suggest finely balanced sides heading into the postseason. Conversely, teams ending the campaign with heavy defeats, such as Crotone, will need to regroup quickly.
The conclusion of the season also marks a period of transition for many Serie C clubs, with managerial changes and squad rebuilds expected to commence shortly. The league continues to serve as a vital proving ground for young Italian talent and a competitive arena for historic clubs aiming to return to the professional tiers of Italian football.
