Play Off Serie C 2025-2026: Brescia-Ascoli, the probable formations
The final of the Serie C playoffs pits Union Brescia and Ascoli against each other in a double-header that puts the last available spot for the next Serie B up for grabs. The first leg match, scheduled for tonight at 9:15 p.m., will be played on the turf of Mario Rigamonti Stadium. Coach Corini’s Brescia is betting everything on its great defensive solidity, a characteristic that emerged clearly both in the league and in the playoffs, where it eliminated Casarano and then Serse Cosmi’s Salernitana, which it overcame thanks to a clear 2-0 win in the return leg in Lombardy. Tomei-led Ascoli, after finishing the regular season in second place behind Arezzo, overcame the Potenza hurdle and then overwhelmed Catania in the semifinals, mortgaging qualification already in the first leg with a resounding 4-0 win. Tonight the Brescians will try to take advantage of the field factor, pending the return match scheduled for the evening of June 7 in Ascoli.
Corini picks a denser team in the middle of the field. In front of Gori, the three-man defensive line will consist of Balestrero, Silvestri and Rizzo. In midfield, Armati and De Maria will act on the outside lanes, while the central pair will be formed by Mercati and Mallamo. In the three-quarter, Marras and Zennaro will be tasked with moving between the lines to trigger the lone forward Crespi.
Tomei responds with a more solid team on the defensive end. Vitale will defend the posts, protected at center by Curado and Rizzo, with Alagna and Guiebre in the role of full-backs. In the midfield, Milanese and Damiani will act as a filter in front of the rearguard, while the trio composed of Del Sole, Rizzo Pinna and D’Uffizi will act in the three-quarter behind the offensive terminal Chakir.
Probable formations
Brescia (3-4-2-1): Gori; Balestrero, Silvestri, Rizzo; Armati, Mercati, Mallamo, De Maria; Marras, Zennaro; Crespi. All. Corini.
Ascoli (4-2-3-1): Vitale; Alagna, Curado, Rizzo, Guiebre; Milanese, Damiani; Del Sole, Rizzo Pinna, D’Uffizi; Chakir. All. Tomei.
