2013–14 Serie B


The 2013–14 Serie B was the 82nd season since its establishment in 1929. A total of 22 teams contested the league: 15 of which were returning from the 2012–13 season, 4 of which were promoted from Lega Pro Prima Divisione, and three relegated from Serie A.
The league features three clubs relegated from Serie A: Pescara returned after a one-year stint, Siena after two seasons, and Palermo after nine seasons.
Four teams were promoted from Lega Pro Prima Divisione, with only two certain as of May 2013: Avellino, after four seasons, and Trapani, which will make their debut in the league. On 16 June, the winners of the Lega Pro Prima Divisione play-off finals were determined as two newcomers: Carpi and Latina.

Changes from last season

Playoff format

A new playoff format changes the number of playoff participants from four to a variable-size playoff including up to six teams. Qualifying teams must finish the season within a "playoff margin" of 14 points from the third place team. Similar to previous seasons, if the third-place team finishes 10 or more points above the fourth place team, no playoffs will be held.
The following formats will be used for playoffs consisting of two to six teams:
  • Two teams, single round: 3 plays 4.
  • Three teams, two rounds: 4 plays 5 in semifinal; semifinal winner plays 3.
  • Four teams, two rounds: 3 plays 6 and 4 plays 5 in semifinals; semifinal winners play each other.
  • Five teams, three rounds: 6 plays 7 in opening round; 3 plays 6/7 and 4 plays 5 in semifinals; semifinal winners play each other.
  • Six teams, three rounds: 5 plays 8 and 6 plays 7 in opening round; 3 plays 6/7 and 4 plays 5/8 in semifinals; semifinal winners play each other.
Semifinals and finals are two-legged ties, while opening round matches are single legs hosted by the higher-ranked team.

Team changes

From Serie B

;Promoted to Serie A
;Relegated to Lega Pro Prima Divisione

To Serie B

;Relegated from Serie A
;Promoted from Lega Pro Prima Divisione
;Promoted from Lega Pro Prima Divisione

Teams

Stadia and locations

TeamHome cityStadiumCapacity2012–13 season
AvellinoAvellinoPartenioPrima Divisione/B Champions
BariBariSan Nicola10th in Serie B
BresciaBresciaMario Rigamonti6th in Serie B
CarpiCarpiSandro CabassiPrima Divisione/A play-off winners
CesenaCesenaDino Manuzzi14th in Serie B
CittadellaCittadellaPier Cesare Tombolato15th in Serie B
CrotoneCrotoneEzio Scida12th in Serie B
EmpoliEmpoliCarlo Castellani4th in Serie B
Juve StabiaCastellammare di StabiaRomeo Menti16th in Serie B
LatinaLatinaDomenico FrancioniPrima Divisione/B play-off winners
ModenaModenaAlberto Braglia8th in Serie B
NovaraNovaraSilvio Piola5th in Serie B
PadovaPadovaEuganeo11th in Serie B
PalermoPalermoRenzo Barbera18th in Serie A
PescaraPescaraAdriatico20th in Serie A
RegginaReggio CalabriaOreste Granillo17th in Serie B
SienaSienaArtemio Franchi19th in Serie A
SpeziaLa SpeziaAlberto Picco13th in Serie B
TernanaTerniLibero Liberati9th in Serie B
TrapaniTrapani
ProvincialePrima Divisione/A Champions
VareseVareseFranco Ossola7th in Serie B
Virtus LancianoLancianoGuido Biondi4,67818th in Serie B

League table


When rumors about Siena's probable collapse arrived to the FIGC in May, the Federation decided to seize the opportunity to reduce the league. However, Novara appealed the decision in June. When the CONI agreed with the Piedmontese club, the angry FIGC decided to choose a Lega Pro team instead of Novara.

Play-offs

Promotion play-offs

Starting from this season, six teams played in the promotion playoffs instead of four. A preliminary one-legged round, played at the home venue of the best placed one, involved the teams from 5th to 8th place. The two winning teams then play against 3rd of 4th-placed teams in a two-legged semifinal. The higher placed team plays the second leg of the promotion playoff at home. If scores are tied after both games in the semifinals the higher placed team progresses to the final. The same conditions apply to the final except for there being extra time played if scores are tied after both games, the higher placed team will be promoted if scores are still level at the end of this period.

Relegation play-out

In case of an aggregate tie, the best placed team wins.

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerClubGoals
1

Attendances

#ClubAverage
1Bari11,569
2Palermo11,129
3Cesena10,724
4Pescara8,739
5Avellino8,000
6Spezia6,134
7Siena5,984
8Padova5,690
9Latina5,352
10Ternana5,352
11Trapani5,179
12Modena5,116
13Novara5,069
14Crotone4,590
15Empoli4,421
16Reggina4,324
17Brescia4,233
18Varese3,539
19Virtus Lanciano3,083
20Cittadella2,598
21Carpi2,420
22Juve Stabia2,390

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