Playoffs Serie C 2025-2026: Catania-Ascoli, the probable formations
At 9 p.m. the return playoff semifinal between Catania and Ascoli is staged. Ninety minutes to attempt the impossible or to seal the final pass. At the Massimino staged a playoff return match with a dramatic premise from a sporting point of view. The hosts, stunned by the very heavy 4-0 suffered at Del Luca in the first leg challenge, are called upon to make a truly historic comeback. Despite a deficit that almost definitively jeopardizes the qualification discourse, Catania will not be alone: to ignite the spark of hope there will be a completely sold-out Rossazzurro bowl seething with passion, ready to drag the team over the hurdle.
On the other front, morale is understandably sky-high in the Marches household. Tomei’s team lands in Sicily on the strength of the clean sweep of poker dropped at home, a golden treasure that will allow the guests to administer the score without the nagging of having to play the game at all costs. However, in a hot arena like the one in Etna, the categorical imperative for Ascoli will be not to let down their guard to avoid nasty surprises.
The road to the final is a very narrow path for Mimmo Toscano’s men. The Rossazzurri need a five-goal miracle to overturn everything in regulation time. In the event of a success with four goals to spare, which would put the total tally of the 180 minutes back in perfect balance, the contest would be prolonged into extra time and possibly penalty kicks. Conversely, the Bianconeri are traveling on velvet: they can afford the luxury of losing even by three goals, while a draw or further success would secure qualification without needing to watch the clock.
The Rossazzurri will take the field with the tried-and-true 3-4-2-1, but Toscano will have to forgo the disqualified Jimenez. On the three-quarter therefore space for Cicerelli and D’Ausilio behind Caturano, favored for a starting shirt after the good impact of last Sunday. In front of Dini, the three-man defensive line will consist of Ierardi, Miceli and Celli, with Casasola and Donnarumma confirmed on the outside lanes. Finally, in the middle of the field, it will be Quaini’s turn to pair up with Di Tacchio in the box.
Strong from the rounded poker of the first leg, Tomei is considering a wide turnover in his 4-2-3-1 to preserve the starters for the final. Between the posts will be Vitale, protected by a four-man defensive line composed of Alagna, Curado, Rizzo and Guiebre. In the midfield, space is given to the Milanese-Corradini pair, while on the three-quarter Del Sole will act together with Silipo and Oviszach, resulting in a bench for Rizzo Pinna and D’Uffizi. Up front, Corazza is in pole in the runoff with Chakir to back up Gori in the center forward role.
Probable formations
CATANIA (3-4-2-1): Dini; Ierardi, Miceli, Celli; Casasola, Quaini, Di Tacchio, Donnarumma; Cicerelli, D’Ausilio; Caturano. All. Toscano
ASCOLI (4-2-3-1): Vitale; Alagna, Curado, Rizzo, Guiebre; Milanese, Corradini; Silipo, Del Sole, Oviszach; Corazza. All. Tomei
