The Italian football landscape faces a significant shake-up as two former Serie A clubs, Brescia and SPAL, have failed to meet the financial requirements for registration in the upcoming 2025-26 Serie C season. This development could force both teams to rebuild from the ground up in semi-professional leagues.
Brescia, owned by Massimo Cellino, had already been struggling with financial irregularities, resulting in a four-point deduction. The club`s failure to cover unpaid wages by the deadline has now pushed them towards potential bankruptcy proceedings.
SPAL, which last competed in Serie A during the 2019-20 season, finds itself in a similar predicament. The club released a statement confirming its inability to participate in the upcoming Serie C campaign, citing financial instability despite significant investments over the past four years.
SPAL`s Financial Struggles
SPAL`s ownership group expressed deep regret over the situation, revealing that they had invested €50 million in liquidity over the last four years, with €12 million allocated to the most recent season alone. Despite these efforts, the club`s performance failed to match the level of financial commitment.
The statement also highlighted an incident involving ultras that allegedly deterred potential investors. According to the club, one prospective partner withdrew their interest following an attack on SPAL players by some “fans” during a training session.
A Glimmer of Hope
While the situation appears dire, SPAL`s owners emphasized that they retain ownership of the club and are not bankrupt. They plan to evaluate available options in the coming days, including the possibility of registering the team in a lower league.
In a positive turn of events, Triestina managed to secure their place in Serie C by successfully providing the necessary paperwork and covering outstanding debts.
As Italian football grapples with these financial challenges, the fate of Brescia and SPAL serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between ambition and financial stability in the sport.