AC Monza have been promoted to Italy's Serie A after the 2026 Serie B playoff, despite losing 2-0 to Catanzaro in the second leg on May 29. The aggregate score was tied 2-2, but Monza advanced due to finishing 3rd in Serie B, higher than Catanzaro's 5th place finish [1, 2].
This marks Monza's return to Serie A exactly four years after their first-ever promotion in May 2022, which came under the ownership of former Italian Prime Minister and media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi [1, 2]. Berlusconi took over the club in 2018 when they were in Italy's third tier and led them to unprecedented success [1, 2].
Following Monza's relegation to Serie B in 2025, the club changed ownership, being sold to U.S.-based investment firm Beckett Layne Ventures [1, 2]. This latest promotion secures Monza's place back in the top flight for the 2026-2027 season.
The playoff ended in dramatic fashion as Monza failed to score in the second leg, losing 2-0 at home. However, the aggregate 2-2 score meant their higher league placement served as the tiebreaker [1, 2]. The decisive factor came down to their 3rd place finish compared with Catanzaro’s 5th in Serie B.
Monza will now prepare to compete in Serie A again, building on a rapid rise from the third division under Berlusconi’s tenure and the recent ownership transition. Their first Serie A campaign following promotion occurred just four years ago in 2022.
The upcoming Serie A season marks a new chapter for Monza as they aim to establish themselves once more at the top level after narrowly clinching promotion through playoff rules.