The three biggest clubs in Italian football – AC Milan, Juventus and Inter – are leading the charge to reduce the number of teams in Serie A from the 2025-26 campaign.
This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com) reports that on Monday morning morning the managements of Inter, Juventus and Milan met in the offices of the Nerazzurri club headquarters in Viale della Liberazione in Milano.
During that meeting, they decided to follow a common line for the reform of the league, with the aim of reducing the teams participating in Serie A from 20 to 18 from the start of the season after next (2025-26).
Then, in the Lega assembly the strategy was announced to the other clubs, with a mixed response. Some were in favour of the proposed ‘streamlining’ of the league, while some lesser-ranking sides (led by Adriano Galliani’s Monza) are against it and ready to do battle.
In order for the motion to be passed, 14 votes in favour are needed. What is Milan, Inter and Juve’s motivation for reducing the league? It is all about the volume of games.
The belief of the trio is that there are too many fixtures, especially given that from next season there will be new formulas for the European competitions and the Club World Cup every four years, plus of course international commitments for the best players.
Within a week the FIGC will present the project to reform Italian football and from there a vote will be taken.
Going back to 18 would be good.
They need to reduce the number of games,
Yes. Serie A was the best league in the world when it had 18 teams. 20 teams increases the mediocrity at the bottom of the league.
PR argument, the real reason is greed and TV rights. With 18 teams, you get rid of two bad teams from the bottom, so you can hope that the league becomes more competitive and attractive, so the rights are sold at a higher price. Then, it’s more money for each when you divide by 18 and not by 20.
I fail to see why it’s greedy to stay international relevant and have a sustainable business model?
Serie A is a dinosaur. The league needs to modernize, not to mention address racial abuse in a real manner. The league also needs to work with owners and local governments to renovate archaic stadiums.