The 1985–86 Serie C1 was the eighth edition of Serie C1, the third highest league in the Italian football league system.
Eighteen teams competed in Serie C1/A and Parma won the championship. It was decided that Parma and Modena would be promoted to Serie B. Pavia, Varese, Sanremese were relegated to Serie C2.
Also contested by 18 teams, the Serie C1/B champions were Messina.