Football: Minnows Benevento reach Serie A for the first time

MILAN (REUTERS) - Minnows Benevento were promoted to Serie A for the first time in their history on Thursday after beating Carpi 1-0 to win a two-legged play-off.

Romanian forward George Puscas, on loan from Inter Milan, scored the winner in the 32nd minute amid delirious scenes at the club's modest 12,000-capacity Ciro Vigorito stadium.

The first leg had ended 0-0.

Benevento, from the southern Italian region of Campania, had not even reached Serie B before this season.

They finished the regular season in fifth place before beating Spezia and Perugia in previous play-off rounds.

Benevento joined SPAL and Verona who won direct promotion by finishing in the top two of Serie B.

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