# Catanzaro 2026-27: Playoff results and squad rebuilding > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/liga-endesa-playoff-race-sharpens-with-fresh-victories-and-leaguestructure-debate > Updated: 2026-08-09T09:29:46.000Z. Sources: 135. Developments: 36. Catanzaro's pre-season preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, previously focused on appointing Antonio Gorgone and signing players like Nicolò Postiglione and Saya Seha, evolved into a high-stakes battle for Serie A promotion. Led by Alberto Aquilani, Catanzaro reached the Serie B playoff final after defeating Palermo, despite match-day tensions and crowd disturbances. In the playoff final, Catanzaro faced Monza. Monza ultimately secured promotion to Serie A after winning the two-legged tie. Following the promotion, Monza underwent significant managerial changes: head coach Paolo Bianco resigned to join Pisa, and Ivan Juric was appointed as his successor on a two-year contract. Catanzaro's post-playoff period has been defined by restructuring. While the club celebrated the 50th anniversary of its historic 1976 promotion, it focused on the 2026-27 season by evaluating new head coaches, including Davide Possanzini and Guido Pagliuca, and renewing youth sector staff. The transfer market remains active, with the club targeting center forwards, left wingers, and midfielders such as Mehdi Dorval and Wisdom Acquah to complete the squad under Gorgone. In related developments, Mattia Liberali's transfer journey concluded with him signing a five-year deal with Como for €6 million, outbidding interest from AC Milan and Juventus. This move, facilitated by Cesc Fabregas, sees the young playmaker commit to Como through 2031. ## Claims - US Catanzaro defeated FC Paradiso 3-1 in a preseason friendly match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The match was played at the Centro Sportivo “Comunale” in Livigno. (corroborated by 3 sources) - US Catanzaro’s goals were scored by Filippo Pittarello (24'), Garnica (37'), and Koffi (19' second half). (corroborated by 3 sources) - FC Paradiso’s goal was scored by Ezequiel Schelotto in the 17th minute. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Giorgio Gorgone was the head coach of US Catanzaro for the match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - FC Paradiso competes in the Swiss Promotion League. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The match was US Catanzaro’s first seasonal outing (first preseason test). (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Catanzaro targets key reinforcements to complete squad Catanzaro is working to complete its squad this week, targeting a new striker, a left winger, and midfielders to support coach Giorgio Gorgone's tactical plans. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-targets-key-reinforcements-to-complete-squad ### 2026-08-08: Italian football: Transfer activity and pre-season match updates Italian football sees active transfer negotiations involving Bologna and Catanzaro, alongside various pre-season friendly match results for clubs like Lecce, Parma, and Legnano. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/parma-wins-friendly-against-empoli-as-palermo-signs-brazilian-bessa ### 2026-08-04: Catanzaro beats Giugliano 3-0 in pre‑season friendly, Pittarello scores Catanzaro won a 3‑0 friendly over Giugliano, with goals from Pittarello, new signing Pafundi and Reita, showcasing fresh squad additions ahead of the Serie C season. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-beats-giugliano-3-0-in-preseason-friendly-pittarello-scores ### 2026-07-29: US Catanzaro beats FC Paradiso 3-1 in preseason friendly US Catanzaro defeated FC Paradiso 3-1 in a preseason friendly in Livigno, with goals from Pittarello, Garnica, Koffi and Schelotto for the Swiss side. Coach Giorgio Gorgone oversaw the win. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-catanzaro-beats-fc-paradiso-3-1-in-preseason-friendly ### 2026-07-20: Mattia Liberali joins Como as Cesc Fabregas maps out midfield role Mattia Liberali, a 17‑year‑old ex‑Milan midfielder, signs for Serie B side Como, where coach Cesc Fabregas plans to use him alongside Nico Paz in a flexible midfield role. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mattia-liberali-joins-como-as-cesc-fabregas-maps-out-midfield-role ### 2026-07-14: Mattia Liberali signs long‑term contract with Como until 2031 Mattia Liberali, a Milan youth product, signs with Como until 2031 for €6 million (half to Milan); praised by coach Cesc Fàbregas for his creativity and fit with the club’s philosophy. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mattia-liberali-signs-with-como-until-2031 ### 2026-07-12: Catanzaro football club launches new season with coach Gorgone and friendly vs FC Paradiso Catanzaro football launched its season with coach Gorgone, a dinner, and a friendly against Swiss side FC Paradiso, plus medical checks and a planned Livigno training camp. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-football-club-launches-new-season-with-coach-gorgone-and-friendly-vs-fc-paradiso ### 2026-07-11: Como signs Mattia Liberali on five-year deal while Fiorentina eyes Alex Jimenez Como signs Milan youth striker Mattia Liberali on a five‑year deal; Fiorentina is linked with Spanish defender Alex Jimenez, a former Real Madrid prospect now at Milan. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/como-signs-mattia-liberali-on-five-year-deal-while-fiorentina-eyes-alex-jimenez ### 2026-07-08: Ivan Juric Begins Tenure as Head Coach of Serie A Club Monza Ivan Juric takes over as Monza head coach, launching preseason training with a focus on fitness and his aggressive tactical approach as the club targets Serie A survival. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ivan-juric-begins-tenure-as-head-coach-of-serie-a-club-monza ### 2026-07-04: Italian clubs Catanzaro and Petrarca reshape squads amid staff and player changes Catanzaro and Petrarca both overhaul staff and player rosters, with departures, potential signings, and budget decisions shaping their upcoming seasons. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-clubs-catanzaro-and-petrarca-reshape-squads-amid-staff-and-player-changes ### 2026-07-02: Como signs Mattia Liberali for €6 million, outbidding Milan and Juventus Como paid €6 million to sign 16‑year‑old Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro, beating Milan and Juventus; Milan retains a 50 % future‑sale clause worth about €3 million. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/como-signs-mattia-liberali-for-6-million-outbidding-milan-and-juventus ### 2026-06-29: Ivan Juric appointed head coach of Serie A club Monza Ivan Juric has been appointed Monza's head coach from 1 July 2026 on a two‑year deal, succeeding Paolo Bianco. The club praised his charisma, intensity and aggressive tactics. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ivan-juric-appointed-head-coach-of-serie-a-club-monza ### 2026-06-28: Catania and Frigintini outline 2026‑27 ticket and squad plans Catania and Frigintini plan ticket campaigns and squad rebuilds for the 2026‑27 season, focusing on fan support, new coaching, and targeted signings. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catania-and-frigintini-outline-202627-ticket-and-squad-plans ### 2026-06-28: Mattia Liberali at centre of summer transfer race as AC Milan, Como and Juventus compete Mattia Liberali, 2007‑born Catanzaro star, is pursued by AC Milan, Como and Juventus; Milan could re‑sign him for €3 million under a €6 million clause. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-football-clubs-catania-and-catanzaro-eye-summer-signings ### 2026-06-24: Catanzaro celebrates 50th anniversary of historic Serie A promotion Catanzaro marked the 50th anniversary of its 1976 Serie A rise with a membership drive in Bologna and awarded former midfielder Gianni Improta the 11th Umberto Sacco prize. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-historic-serie-a-promotion ### 2026-06-21: Monza and coach Paolo Bianco part ways Monza ends its contract with coach Paolo Bianco, who is set to move to Pisa; Ivan Jurić will replace him. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-and-coach-paolo-bianco-part-ways-as-bianco-heads-to-pisa ### 2026-06-20: Monza names Ivan Juric head coach for Serie A comeback Monza secured Ivan Juric as head coach after ending Paolo Bianco’s contract, ahead of the Serie A opener against Inter on 22 August. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-names-ivan-juric-head-coach-following-paolo-biancos-departure ### 2026-06-19: Monza appoints Ivan Juric as head coach Monza is set to name experienced coach Ivan Juric as its new manager, sparking fan debate over the shift from its original youth‑focused strategy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-appoints-ivan-juric-as-head-coach-1 ### 2026-06-19: Italian clubs appoint new coaches across Serie A and Serie B Italian football clubs finalize coaching changes: Monza hires Ivan Juric, several Serie A sides settle new managers, while Serie B names nine coaches and leaves seven clubs still searching. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-clubs-appoint-new-coaches-across-serie-a-and-serie-b ### 2026-06-19: Paolo Bianco and AC Monza part ways after Serie A promotion AC Monza and coach Paolo Bianco have mutually ended their contract after leading the team to Serie A promotion; Bianco is linked to a new role at Pisa. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paolo-bianco-and-ac-monza-part-ways-after-serie-a-promotion ### 2026-06-14: Monza appoints Ivan Juric as head coach Monza have hired Croatian coach Ivan Juric on a two‑year deal to replace Paolo Bianco as head coach. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-appoints-ivan-juric-as-head-coach ### 2026-06-12: Catanzaro reaches Serie B playoff final for Serie A promotion Catanzaro secured a place in the Serie B playoff final, set to meet Monza for a chance at promotion to Serie A after a 3‑0 win over Palermo. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-reaches-serie-b-playoff-final-for-serie-a-promotion ### 2026-06-12: Pisa football club appoints Paolo Bianco as coach and eyes Napoli midfielder Luis Hasa Pisa names Paolo Bianco as coach, likely keeps his staff, and is scouting Napoli‑owned midfielder Luis Hasa for its Serie B squad. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pisa-football-club-appoints-paolo-bianco-as-coach-and-eyes-napoli-midfielder-luis-hasa ### 2026-06-12: Catanzaro club close to 2026‑27 plan and new coach decision Catanzaro’s director Ciro Polito and president Floriano Noto are near a 2026‑27 program deal and are weighing new coach candidates, with a decision expected shortly. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-club-close-to-202627-plan-and-new-coach-decision ### 2026-06-10: Italian football clubs Antella and Monza undergo coaching changes Antella dismisses Marco Brachi and looks for a new coach; Monza's Paolo Bianco resigns for Pisa, leaving the promoted club seeking a replacement. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-football-clubs-antella-and-monza-undergo-coaching-changes ### 2026-06-06: Monza assesses Paolo Bianco's future after Serie A promotion Monza, promoted to Serie A, is deciding whether to keep coach Paolo Bianco, whose contract runs to 2028, amid interest from other clubs and potential replacements such as Ignazio Abate. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-assesses-paolo-biancos-future-after-serie-a-promotion ### 2026-06-05: Monza to open 2026‑27 Serie A season against Inter as club leaders discuss league outlook Monza will open the 2026‑27 Serie A against Inter, and Giorgio Perinetti critiqued Juventus and Milan’s missed Champions League spots at the Serie A Festival. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-to-open-202627-serie-a-season-against-inter-as-club-leaders-discuss-league-outlook ### 2026-06-05: Italian football clubs Catania and Catanzaro announce key managerial changes Catania dismissed coach Domenico Toscano amid a slump, while Catanzaro renewed key youth‑sector staff, highlighting managerial shifts in two Italian clubs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-football-clubs-catania-and-catanzaro-announce-key-managerial-changes ### 2026-06-04: Catanzaro's Ciro Polito reflects on playoff loss and Serie A prospects Catanzaro's sporting director Ciro Polito discussed the playoff loss to Monza, his career highlights, potential interest from Serie A clubs, and a forthcoming meeting with the president about his future. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaros-ciro-polito-reflects-on-playoff-loss-and-serie-a-prospects ### 2026-06-01: Italian clubs Catanzaro and Catania vow continued investment after missing Serie B promotion Catanzaro’s Floriano Notoparla praised progress but lamented missing Serie A, while Catania’s Ross Pelligra thanked fans after a playoff semifinal loss, reaffirming investment and retaining vice‑president Vinc 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-clubs-catanzaro-and-catania-vow-continued-investment-after-missing-serie-b-promotion ### 2026-05-30: Catanzaro supporters flood Monza for emotional Serie B showdown Catanzaro fans flocked to Monza for a dramatic Serie B finale, creating an emotional atmosphere despite a narrow loss, and earned praise on social media. 54 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-supporters-flood-monza-for-emotional-serie-b-showdown ### 2026-05-30: Monza clinches promotion to Serie A after playoff triumph Monza won the Serie B playoff final over Catanzaro, earning promotion to Serie A for 2024‑25 after a record 76‑point season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-clinches-promotion-to-serie-a-after-playoff-triumph ### 2026-05-23: Catanzaro faces Monza in Serie A promotion playoff final Catanzaro and Monza clash in a Serie A promotion playoff first leg tomorrow at 20:00 in Lamezia, with both sides aiming for top‑flight glory. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-faces-monza-in-serie-a-promotion-playoff-final ### 2026-05-23: Catanzaro vs Monza Serie B Playoff Final First Leg to Air Live on TV8 and Pay Platforms Catanzaro and Monza play the Serie B playoff final first leg on 24 May, 20:00 at Nicola Ceravolo, streamed free on TV8 and also on DAZN, Sky Sport, Prime Video and OneFootball. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-vs-monza-serie-b-playoff-final-first-leg-to-air-live-on-tv8-and-pay-platforms ### 2026-05-20: Catanzaro clinches Serie B playoff final spot after beating Palermo Catanzaro advances to the Serie B playoff final after a 3‑1 aggregate win over Palermo, despite a 2‑0 second‑leg loss. The match sparked a stand clash and ticket‑sale chaos ahead of the final against Monza. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/redel-viola-vs-basket-barcellona-clash-at-palacalafiore-decides-serie-b-playoff ### 2026-05-19: Catanzaro coach Aquilani celebrates Serie B playoff final qualification Catanzaro coach Aquilani praises the team’s dramatic win over Palermo that clinches a Serie B playoff final spot, despite a firecracker incident. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catanzaro-coach-aquilani-celebrates-serie-b-playoff-final-qualification --- Cite as: Catanzaro 2026-27: Playoff results and squad rebuilding. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/liga-endesa-playoff-race-sharpens-with-fresh-victories-and-leaguestructure-debate