Tuesday, 12 Nov 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Watching Soccer Games in Italy

italy soccer season

Are you a football enthusiast looking for an unforgettable experience in Italy? Watching a soccer game in Italy is not just about the sport itself—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and passion. From the roar of the crowd to the beauty of the green pitch, attending a football match in Italy offers a truly authentic and familial experience that goes beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to watch a soccer game in Italy. From the top-tier Serie A matches to lower league games, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your football experience in Italy.

Serie A: Italy’s Premier Soccer League

Serie A

Serie A is the premier soccer league in Italy and is followed closely by Italians. Consisting of 20 top-tier teams, each team plays twice against all the others throughout the season. The Serie A season typically runs from August/September until the end of May/beginning of June, with breaks for international competitions such as the Euro Cup and World Cup qualifiers.

Serie A: 2023-24 Season

The upcoming 2023-24 Serie A season is set to begin on August 19, 2023. It features three newly promoted teams: Cagliari, Frosinone, and Genoa. You can find the full schedule here, as provided by Gazzetta dello Sport.

If you want to catch all the Serie A action, you can watch every match live on Paramount+.

Serie A Teams for the 2023-24 Season

When it comes to deciding which Serie A team to watch, several factors come into play, such as ticket availability and your travel itinerary. Here are some popular options based on the regions they represent:

  • Florence: Fiorentina, Empoli
  • Naples: Napoli, Salernitana (located in Salerno, nearby)
  • Rome: AS Roma, SS Lazio (both play at the Stadio Olimpico)
  • Milan: AC Milan, Inter Milan
  • Genoa: Genoa
  • Turin: Torino, Juventus
  • Bologna, Sassuolo (both from Emilia-Romagna)
  • Verona: Hellas Verona
  • Udinese (located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
  • Lecce (located in Puglia)
  • Cagliari (located in Sardinia)

Please note that ticket availability can vary, and it’s best to check the individual team websites or other legitimate ticketing platforms for more information and to purchase tickets.

Champions League and Europa League Matches in Italy

Champions League

Italy also hosts Champions League and Europa League matches. The top four Serie A teams from the previous season compete in the Champions League against other top finishers from European leagues, while the Europa League features fifth- and sixth-place Serie A finishers and some teams that didn’t advance from the Champions League group stage.

Tickets for these matches can be more expensive and harder to come by than regular Serie A tickets. Prioritization is given to fans with loyalty cards, which can be purchased from authorized ticketing platforms like Ticketone or VivaTicket. Secondary ticket sites like ViaGoGo may also have tickets available.

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Serie B, Serie C, and Serie D: The Lower Leagues

Serie B

In addition to Serie A, Italy has lower leagues known as Serie B, Serie C, and Serie D. These leagues serve as a development system for young talents and feed into the top teams of Serie A and even other leagues worldwide.

Serie B

Serie B, also known as Lega B, is Italy’s secondary league. It features a similar season length to Serie A. The top three teams from Serie B are promoted to Serie A each year, while the bottom three Serie A teams are relegated to Serie B. Tickets for Serie B matches can be purchased online from club websites or platforms like VivaTicket, ViaGoGo, or StubHub.

Serie C and Serie D

If you’re interested in experiencing grassroots football, Serie C and Serie D are the leagues to watch. These leagues consist of teams from smaller Italian towns and cities. Serie C is divided into three groups, each with 20 teams, while Serie D has a total of 166 teams split among nine groups. Tickets for lower-tier matches are generally available on the day of the match or can be purchased in advance from the individual team’s websites or platforms like ViaGoGo or VivaTicket.

Other Tournaments and Friendlies

Coppa Italia

Coppa Italia

The Coppa Italia is Italy’s domestic knockout tournament organized by Serie A. It involves 44 teams from Italy’s top three leagues: all 20 Serie A teams, all 20 Serie B teams, and the top 4 Serie C teams. Matches are played throughout the year, usually on weeknights, with the final held in May at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Tickets for Coppa Italia matches can be obtained from participating teams’ websites or from ticketing platforms like ViaGoGo.

Supercoppa Italiana

The Supercoppa Italiana is a single match that pits the winner of Serie A against the winner of the Coppa Italia from the previous season. This event usually takes place in winter and has occasionally been played outside of Italy as a way to promote Serie A.

Friendlies/Amichevoli

Friendlies, or amichevoli in Italian, are exhibition matches that provide an opportunity to watch teams in a more relaxed setting. Friendlies are typically played during breaks in the regular season, such as in July and early August. You can find information about upcoming friendlies on the websites of the teams you are interested in.

Primavera League

The Primavera League, named after the Italian word for “spring,” is a tournament for the youth squads (under-19) of Serie A and some Serie B teams. Information about Primavera squads and matches can usually be found on the respective team websites.

The Italian National Team – Gli Azzurri and Le Azzurre

Italian National Team

The Italian National Team, known as Gli Azzurri (the Azures), represents Italy in international competitions. If you’re lucky, you may be able to watch a national team match during your visit to Italy. The Italian National Team plays qualifiers and tournament matches for events like the World Cup and Euro Cup, as well as exhibition and friendly matches.

Tickets for Italian National Team matches can be purchased through Italian ticketing sites like Vivaticket and Ticketone, secondary ticket-selling platforms like StubHub or ViaGoGo, or directly from the FIGC (Italian Football Federation). This includes tickets for both the men’s team and the women’s national team (Le Azzurre), as well as youth squads and the national futsal team.

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How to Get Tickets to a Soccer Match in Italy

Should I purchase my tickets before I go?

If you want to secure your spot at a soccer game in Italy, it is recommended to purchase your tickets online before your trip. Visit the official website of the team you wish to watch to check their game schedule. In many cases, purchasing tickets directly from the club is easier and often more affordable, as they have more control over their ticket sales. However, not all Serie A teams offer online ticket purchases. In such cases, physical ticket locations or secondary sellers are alternative options.

For single-game tickets, ticket resale sites like ViaGoGo, Ticombo, or StubHub are good options. TicketOne and VivaTicket, authorized online ticketing sites for Serie A, sell season ticket packages and individual tickets for several teams. Note that most clubs release tickets for purchase about one to two weeks prior to each match, so be prepared for potential itinerary adjustments. Secondary sellers like ViaGoGo or StubHub offer tickets that have been purchased in advance by long-time season ticket holders or corporate events departments.

Can I buy tickets at the stadium?

Yes, it is possible to purchase tickets in person, even on the day of the match, for certain teams. Many teams have physical stores in city centers where you can buy tickets if any are still available. Stadium ticket counters typically open about two to three hours before kickoff. However, to avoid disappointment, it’s best not to wait until match day to get your tickets.

For a complete list of Serie A teams and direct links to their websites or secondary ticket markets, refer to the end of this article.

Other Considerations When Attending a Soccer Game in Italy

When is the soccer/football season in Italy?

Professional football leagues in Italy usually play from the end of August until the end of May. Most Serie A matches take place on Sundays, with some games on Saturdays and Mondays. Saturday is the typical day for Serie B matches, with a few games on Fridays and Sundays. Other leagues also primarily play on weekends.

Champions League and Europa League matches are typically held from mid-September to mid-June on weekday evenings to accommodate league schedules. Serie A and lower league matches might occasionally take place during the week for Coppa Italia matches, in the lead-up to holiday weekends, or to make up postponed games.

Is it safe to attend a soccer game in Italy?

Attending a soccer game in Italy is generally safe, as long as you use your best judgment and follow basic safety precautions. Keep in mind that wearing the shirt of the opposing team while sitting with the home team’s supporters may not be advisable. Additionally, all soccer game tickets in Italy must be associated with a name, and you will be required to show your ID at the stadium entrance.

Food and Gear at the Stadium

Food options at Italian stadiums are limited compared to other sporting events. It’s common for spectators to bring their own snacks or sandwiches to enjoy at halftime. Some stands within the stadiums may sell chips, crackers, and beverages like beer, soda, and water. Outside the stadium, you’ll find plenty of food vendors selling local street snacks, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

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As for team gear, some stadiums have small stands inside that sell official merchandise, but availability can vary. Most Italian teams rely on official team stores located in city centers to sell their merchandise. If you want to show your support by wearing team gear, it’s best to purchase it beforehand from a team store or online.

Common Italian Football Terms

Here are a few common football terms translated into Italian:

  • Allenatore: Coach
  • Arbitro: Referee
  • Autogol: Own goal
  • Biglietto/Biglietti: Ticket(s)
  • Calcio: Soccer/Football
  • Calcio d’Angolo: Corner
  • Calcio Libero: Free Kick
  • Campionato: Championship
  • Capitano: Captain
  • Capocannoniere: Lead goal scorer
  • Cartellino Giallo/Rosso: Yellow/Red Card
  • Classifica: Standings or Scoreboard
  • Giocatore: Player
  • Maglia: Jersey
  • Maglia da trasferta: Away jersey
  • Panchina: Bench
  • Portiere: Goalkeeper
  • Rigore: Penalty
  • Rovesciata: Bicycle Kick
  • Squadra: Team/Club
  • Stadio: Stadium
  • VAR: VAR!

Have More Questions?

If you have any other questions or need further information about soccer in Italy, feel free to reach out to us at Pesstatsdatabase. We’d be happy to assist you in any way we can.

Remember, watching a soccer game in Italy is not just about the sport—it’s an opportunity to connect with the country’s rich football culture and create lasting memories. Immerse yourself in the passion, cheer for your favorite team, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that only Italian football can offer.

FAQs

Q: Can I buy tickets at the stadium?

Yes, it is possible to buy tickets at the stadium for some teams. However, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance online to secure your spot, especially if you have a specific match in mind.

Q: When is the soccer season in Italy?

The soccer season in Italy typically runs from the end of August until the end of May. However, there may be breaks for international competitions and occasional midweek matches.

Q: Is it safe to attend a soccer game in Italy?

In general, attending a soccer game in Italy is safe. However, it’s always recommended to use common sense and follow basic safety precautions. Avoid wearing apparel of the opposing team if you are sitting with the home team’s supporters.

Q: Can I buy team merchandise at the stadium?

Some stadiums have stands that sell official team merchandise. However, it’s more reliable to purchase team gear from official team stores or online before the match.

Conclusion

Watching a soccer game in Italy is an experience like no other. From the passion of the fans to the skill of the players, Italian football offers a unique blend of excitement and culture. Whether you choose to attend a Serie A match, explore the lower leagues, or cheer for the Italian National Team, your football journey in Italy is bound to be unforgettable.

Remember to check the schedules, purchase tickets in advance, and immerse yourself in the rich football atmosphere. Enjoy the game, embrace the chants, and savor every moment of your Italian soccer adventure.