Simy Nwankwo secures Serie A for Crotone

Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker Simy Nwankwo scored twice as Crotone secured automatic promotion back to Serie A after their 5-1 hammering of Livorno with two games left to play.

This will be Crotone’s third-ever campaign in Serie A, after finishing 17th in 2016-17, then 18th position in 2017-18. Nwankwo, 28, scored Crotone’s third goal in the 35th minute and his side’s fifth in the 59th minute from the penalty spot to take his tally this season to 20 in 35 Serie B league appearances (21 in 36 games across all competitions).

Livorno took the lead early on Friday through Matthias Found. Niccolo Zanellato leveled for Crotone in the 31st minute before Nwankwo doubled his side’s lead four minutes later.

Second-half goals from Alberto Gerbo and Salvatore Molina made it 4-1 for Crotone before Nwankwo completed the rout, adding a fifth from the spot.

The Pitagorici had to wait until late Friday evening to celebrate after their 5-1 win at Livorno, as Spezia’s failure to get all three points at Cremonese proved decisive. Crotone joins Serie B winners Benevento, who had booked their spot in the Italian topflight next season, several weeks ago.

They will face Frosinone and Trapani in their remaining Serie B fixtures. Benevento are currently 28 points clear of Crotone, who secured second place in Serie B with 19 wins, eight draws and nine defeats.

The third and final promotion spot will be awarded via play-offs with Spezia, Pordenone, Frosinone, Cittadella, Salernitana and Empoli all battling for the final promotional spot.