New Italian league format agreed
Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Article summary
The Serie B season can finally start in earnest after the number of teams to be promoted was agreed.
Article body
Relegation reshuffle
According to the agreement, five teams from Serie B will be promoted to Serie A directly, with only three teams dropping out of the top flight. There will also be a play-off between the team finishing fourth-bottom of Serie A and the side placed sixth in Serie B to decide who takes the remaining place in the top division.
Reduced league
These measures will ensure a 20-team Serie A from the 2004/05 season. The decision will be ratified on Thursday by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Matches replayed
Last weekend several Serie B sides boycotted their fixtures in response to the FIGC's move to increase Serie B by four teams to 24, allowing three relegated sides and AC Fiorentina to play in the second tier. Only two matches were played last Sunday but those teams who went on strike will not be penalised and will have the chance to replay the fixtures during the season.