Alessandria beat Padova on penalties in the Serie C play-off Final returning to Serie B after 46 years. ‘We have achieved something extraordinary,’ said the ‘Greys’ coach Moreno Longo.

The Piedmont club have booked their place in Italy’s second tier for the 2021-22 campaign beating Andrea Mandorlini’s side on penalties.

Alessandria, also known as the Greys, due to the colour of their jerseys, had appointed Longo, a former Torino coach, just five months ago.

“We have achieved something extraordinary, it’s a great emotion,” the Italian tactician said at a press conference.

“I arrived here five months ago to begin a long-term project and we return to Serie B after almost 50 years. The club and the fans deserved that. I am proud of what we did.

“The team have improved day by day,” Longo continued.

“I’ve seen them evolve and this is a special success, I dedicate it to my family, which is always supporting me.”

Alessandria joined Como and Ternana that had been promoted from Serie C after the regular season.

These are the clubs that will participate in the Serie B campaign in 2021-22.

Alessandria

Ascoli

Benevento

Brescia

Chievo Verona

Cittadella

Como

Cremonese

Crotone

Frosinone

Monza

Lecce

Parma

Perugia

Pisa

Pordenone

Reggina

Spal

Ternana

Vicenza