Minor soccer in Italy risks a lethal crisis. In Serie B, the 20 clubs have recorded an average deficit of more than €15 million a year. In Serie C it is becoming difficult to find 60 eligible clubs to register and complete the year. Last season was a trickle of penalties with Taranto and Turris excluded from the tournament in early March. There were a dozen clubs that suffered point deductions for failing to pay salaries, taxes and contributions on time. These included Lucchese, which went bankrupt for the fourth time in 17 years last May 22; Spal, which could not find the money in June to re-register for the championship; and Messina, which had attempted a popular subscription in April to pay players. Also sanctioned were Triestina (belongs to the U.S. fund LBK Capital), Novara, Rimini, Ternana and Catania. And for next season, penalties have already been decreed against Trapani (8 points), Triestina, which will serve 9 points, and Messina (14). Penalties could also be incurred by Foggia, the first club to operate in receivership for the past month due to criminal infiltration of ownership.