Spal vs. Milan Futuro: the decisive challenge for salvation in the playouts

The double challenge with Milan Futuro scheduled for May 10th and 17th will decree the survival of the Spal in professional football or the descent into the hell of amateurism. There was no doubt about this, considering that by definition the playout represent a real play-off: whoever wins gets safety, whoever loses is relegated to the lower level. On paper, however, there was the possibility (eventual) of getting back on the train of series C with the bowls still, through the game of Readmissions.

It's a shame that the club on Via Copparo doesn't have this chance this year. The reason? The penalty of three points which he stumbled upon due to the delay in payments last season.

That's right, because in this regard the Federal Council has set a very precise limit that categorically excludes Spal from the possibility of requesting and obtaining readmission in Lega Pro in case of relegation in D series. Here is the passage regarding the white and blue club: "Readmission to the 2025-26 Serie C championship, pursuant to art. 49, paragraph 4 bis of the Noif, reserved only for clubs relegated from the 2024-25 Serie C championship, will in any case be precluded to them if they have suffered sanctions, served in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 sports seasons, for failure to pay, within the prescribed terms, the emoluments of the exit incentives due to members, employees and collaborators employed in the sports sector or the Irpef withholdings, or the INPS contributions or the End of Career Fund relating to the aforementioned emoluments. Readmission will also be precluded to clubs that, at the time of the decision on the readmission application, have suffered sanctions for the aforementioned offenses to be served in the 2025-26 sports season. In the presence of the aforementioned sanctions, the clubs will be counted for the sole purposes of drawing up the ranking".

Spal's salvation will therefore depend exclusively on playout against Milan Futuro, the first 'B team' at risk of relegation. In Group A, Atalanta Under 23 is in sixth place and is certain of a place in the playoffs, just like Juventus Next Gen in Group C who recovered after starting with the handbrake on. The Rossoneri club - at their first experience in Serie C - has found many more difficulties than expected, and will find themselves playing for salvation with Spal. There are still two weeks to prepare for the double confrontation with Oddo's team, but the pressure on the shoulders of Antenucci and his teammates is starting to be felt heavily. The only way to salvation is through victory at playout with Milan Futuro.

Stefano Manfredini