Mantova played a pivotal role in Venezia's promotion to Serie A, scoring a decisive 96th-minute winner against Monza. This dramatic 3-2 victory ensured the Lagunari's automatic return to Italy's top flight, an unexpected and thrilling conclusion in the penultimate round of Serie B.

Venezia themselves had drawn 2-2 away to La Spezia, after squandering a two-goal lead in the final moments. The Venetians initially believed they would have to wait another week to book their Serie A ticket, but Mantova's result altered their fate entirely.

With Mantova's victory over third-placed Monza, Venezia reached 79 points, mathematically guaranteeing them one of the top two spots in the league standings. This secured automatic promotion, avoiding the need for play-offs, much to the relief of the team and its supporters.

Venezia, owned by American investors since 2015, is preparing for its 15th season in the top flight in August. Their primary objective will be to avoid the "yo-yo effect" of returning to Serie B after just one season, a fate they have experienced following their three previous promotions.

Frosinone could join them automatically in Serie A, having moved into second place with 78 points on Friday at Monza's expense. After winning 1-0 against Juve Stabia, Frosinone are now three points clear of Monza and need just one point to secure their fourth season in Serie A.

The third and final ticket to the top flight will be decided through play-offs, featuring the teams ranked from third to eighth at the end of the regular Serie B season.