Parma, Como gain promotion to Serie A

Parma and Como were promoted to Serie A on Friday after finishing at the top of Serie B, and a third club will join the Italian top flight following the playoffs.

Leaders Parma drew 1-1 with Reggiana to finish with 76 points, while Como, coached by former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, finished second with 73 points after drawing with Cosenza.

Como, who are returning to the Italian top flight after a 21-year absence, also have former England and Chelsea legend Dennis Wise as CEO and Thierry Henry as an investor and board member.

Venezia, who finished third after losing 2-1 to Spezia, will join Cremonese, Catanzaro, Palermo, Sampdoria, and Brescia in the playoffs, which begin on May 17 and end with a two-legged final on May 30 and June 2.

Bottom club Lecco will be relegated to SerieC alongside Feralpisalo and Ascoli, while the playoffs will take place between Bari and Ternana on May 16 and 23.

SportsLigue