Playoffs Serie B 2025-2026: Juve Stabia-Monza, the probable formations
The spotlight is on at the “Romeo Menti” in Castellammare di Stabia, where the first leg of the Serie B playoff semifinal between Juve Stabia and Monza will be staged at 8 p.m. Saturday. On paper, the prediction hangs in favor of the Brianzoli, but the Vespas arrive at the appointment with sky-high morale, regenerated by the external coup against Modena, in the first round of the playoffs, signed at the expiration by Kevin Zeroli. Ignazio Abate’s boys are betting everything on the field factor: the goal is to avoid having to make a comeback that would be prohibitive in the return match at the U-Power Stadium.
Paolo Bianco’s boys are making their debut in these playoffs after the disappointments of the last few days: if the Campania players were the surprise, the Brianzoli arrive disappointed by the lack of direct promotion blown by Frosinone also thanks to the bitter defeat on the field of Mantova on the penultimate day. Now, however, the head is already turned to the double clash with the Vespas decisive for access to the final. The precedents in the league portend a locked challenge with very high tension: after the pyrotechnic 2-2 of the first leg at the “Menti,” the Brianzoli had managed to impose themselves 2-1 at the U-Power, thanks to the seals of Hernani and Petagna. Playoffs, it is known, reset all histories and live by their own dynamics. Monza will need cynicism, steady nerves and the weight of their individuals to defuse Juve Stabia’s enthusiasm and take back, on the field, that destiny that seemed to have slipped out of their hands right at the most beautiful moment.
The hosts’ coach Ignazio Abate relies on Confente between the posts, with a three-man defense composed of Diakitè, Dalle Mura and Bellich; in the middle of the field Leone grits his teeth with Correia at his side, the fifths will be Carissoni and Cacciamani. Forward Maistro behind Okoro the only point.
Paolo Bianco recovers Azzi, crucial on the left flank, with Bakoune who will cover the opposite one. Defensive trident composed of Delli Carri, Ravanelli and Lucchesi, in the middle captain Pessina along with Obiang. Hernani’s quality and Cutrone’s speed will be the keys to the attack, whose main point of reference is Petagna.
The probable formations
JUVE STABIA (3-5-1-1): Confente; Diakitè, Dalle Mura, Bellich; Carissoni, Correia, Leone, Mosti, Cacciamani; Maistro; Okoro. All: Abate
MONZA (3-4-2-1): Thiam; Delli Carri, Ravanelli, Lucchesi; Bakoune, Obiang, Pessina, Azzi; Hernani, Cutrone; Petagna. All: White
