The race for the final promotion spot to Serie A for the 2026-27 season is heating up, as the Serie B play-offs have narrowed down to just four contenders. Following Tuesday night's first-round action, Monza, Juve Stabia, Catanzaro, and Palermo are now locked in a battle for the ultimate prize—a place in Italy's top flight.

Venezia and Frosinone have already secured their automatic promotion spots, finishing first and second in the regular season. But for the teams that placed third through eighth, the play-offs offer a last chance at glory. The top four qualifiers—Monza (3rd), Palermo (4th), Catanzaro (5th), and Juve Stabia (8th)—are now set for the semi-finals, while Modena and Avellino were eliminated in the first round.

The first round delivered drama and upsets. Eighth-placed Juve Stabia stunned sixth-placed Modena with a 1-0 away victory, courtesy of an 87th-minute strike from AC Milan loanee Kevin Zeroli. Meanwhile, fifth-placed Catanzaro made the most of their home advantage, thrashing Avellino 3-0 with goals from Simone Pontisso, Tommaso Cassandro, and a late penalty from Pietro Iemmello in stoppage time.

The semi-finals will be played over two legs, with the first matches scheduled for May 16-17 and the return legs on May 20-21. The final, also a two-legged affair, will take place on May 24 and May 29. Here's the full schedule:

Semi-final First Legs:
- Monza vs. Juve Stabia: Saturday, May 16
- Palermo vs. Catanzaro: Sunday, May 17

Semi-final Second Legs:
- Monza vs. Juve Stabia: Tuesday, May 20
- Palermo vs. Catanzaro: Wednesday, May 21

With high stakes and passionate fanbases behind each club, this play-off promises edge-of-your-seat action. Whether you're cheering for a historic return or a fresh face in Serie A, one thing is certain: every match counts, and the dream of top-flight football is just 180 minutes away.