The L84 Torino and Catania will face off in the 5-a-side football scudetto final at the Il Biella Forum on Thursday, June 23, 2026, with free admission for spectators, according to confirmed league sources. The match, scheduled to begin at 21:00 local time (UTC+2), marks the culmination of the Italian 5-a-side league season, with both teams vying for the title.
Event Context and Significance
The 5-a-side football scudetto final is a high-stakes encounter between two of Italy’s top-tier teams. L84 Torino, based in Turin, and Catania, representing the Sicilian city of the same name, have reached the final after a season of intense competition. The match will be held at the Il Biella Forum, a multi-purpose venue in Biella, Piedmont, known for hosting sporting events and cultural gatherings.
According to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), the 5-a-side format—played with five players per side, including the goalkeeper—has gained popularity in recent years as a fast-paced alternative to traditional football. The scudetto final typically draws large crowds, with fans from both regions traveling to support their teams.
Key Details and Logistics
The match is scheduled to commence at 21:00 local time on June 23, 2026. For global viewers, the event will also be available via live stream through the league’s official platform, with coverage beginning at 19:00 UTC. Admission to the Il Biella Forum is free, as confirmed by the league’s public relations department.
Biella, located approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Turin, is a city with a rich sporting tradition. The Il Biella Forum, which opened in 2015, has hosted events ranging from basketball tournaments to music concerts. The venue’s capacity for 5-a-side matches is estimated at 2,500 spectators, though exact attendance figures for the final remain unconfirmed.
Teams and Season Performance
L84 Torino, named after the city’s famed football club Juventus, has dominated the league this season, finishing with a record of 28 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses. Their squad includes forward Matteo Ricci, who led the league in goals with 37, and midfielder Luca Moretti, known for his creative playmaking.
Catania, meanwhile, secured their place in the final after a thrilling playoff round. The team, managed by former Serie A coach Marco Fabbri, has relied on defensive solidity and set-piece expertise. Midfielder Alessio Marchetti, a veteran of the league, has been pivotal in their campaign, contributing 12 assists this season.
Historical Precedents and Stakes
This will be the first time L84 Torino has contested the 5-a-side scudetto, while Catania last won the title in 2019. The match carries significant implications for both clubs, with the winner earning a spot in the 2027 European 5-a-Side Cup qualifiers. A FIGC spokesperson emphasized the importance of the event: “The scudetto final is a celebration of the sport’s growth in Italy, and we expect a record crowd at the Il Biella Forum.”
What to Watch For
Key tactical battles will define the match. L84 Torino’s attacking trio, led by Ricci, will aim to exploit Catania’s defensive vulnerabilities, while the Sicilian side’s high press and counterattacks could disrupt Torino’s rhythm. The match’s outcome may hinge on the performance of goalkeepers: Torino’s Gianluca Esposito, who saved 18 penalties this season, versus Catania’s Nicolò Rizzo, known for his reflex saves.
Weather conditions in Biella on June 23 are expected to be mild, with temperatures around 22°C. The match will be officiated by a team of FIGC-certified referees, including head official Anna Balsano, who has overseen multiple league fixtures this season.
How to Follow the Match
Live updates will be available on the FIGC’s
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