Serie B play-off and play-out dates

The Lega Calcio have approved the dates for the play-off and play-out matches that may be needed in Serie B at the end of the season.

The end-of-season promotion play-offs will only take place if the third-placed side in Serie B finish no more than nine points ahead of the team that finishes in fourth. If the difference is 10 points or more, the third-placed side will be automatically promoted to Serie A along with the league champions and runners-up.

If the play-off conditions exist, the competition will involve sides that finish third, fourth, fifth and sixth in the final standings.

Semi-finals will take place on Wednesday 2 June with the return matches on Sunday 6 June. The winners will progress to the play-off final, which will also be played over two matches on Wednesday 9 June and Sunday 13 June.

At the other end of the table, a play-out final between the teams placed in 18th and 19th will only take place if the club that finishes in 19th is no more than four points behind the club in 18th.

If the club in 18th is five points are more ahead, then the 19th-placed club will be automatically relegated to Lega Pro Prima Divisione along with the teams that finished in 20th, 21st and 22nd.

If the play-out conditions exist, the tie will be played over two matches on Friday 4 June and Saturday 12 June.

The regular league phase of the Serie B season concludes with Week 42 on Sunday 30 May.

Meanwhile, the Lega has announced next season's newly-rebranded Serie B will kick off on Sunday 22 August and end on Sunday 29 May 2011.

Serie B 2009-10 Play-off/Play-out Schedule
Play-off Semi-Final, First Leg
Wednesday 2 June 2010
[6th-placed team] v [3rd-placed team]
[5th-placed team] v [4th-placed team]

Play-off Semi-Final, Second Leg
Sunday 6 June 2010
[3rd-placed team] v [6th-placed team]
[4th-placed team] v [5th-placed team]

Play-off Final, First Leg
Wednesday 9 June 2010
[?] v [?]

Play-off Final, Second Leg
Sunday 13 June 2010
[?] v [?]

Play-out Final, First Leg
Friday 4 June 2010
[19th-placed team] v [18th-placed team]

Play-out Final, Second Leg
Saturday 12 June 2010
[18th-placed team] v [19th-placed team]

* Kick off times will be announced at a later stage.

Source: Lega Calcio