In a recent morning interview, the president of the Serious A League, Ezio Maria Simonelli gave a lengthy interview on Rai Radio 1 in the program Radio Anch’io Sport and provided some interesting information about the future of the Italian championship, discussing the format for 18 teams and the new calendars for the next season.
There are many problems. I would cite the issue of stadiums, we have to be able to solve the problem above all else. Minister Abodi agrees with me, there is a need for a single commissioner to streamline work and procedures. I hope that the commissioner for stadiums will be appointed by the end of February, which would be useful to modernize the scenery, the president began regarding the stadium issue.
For some time there has been talk of a possible reduction in the number of teams in the championship to raise competitiveness and to lower the amount of matches. This is the thought of the number one of the League: A championship with 18 teams would mean four fewer games, but it would also mean a less exciting championship, less representative of all of Italy. The format change does not seem feasible to me in the short term.
Simonelli then also talks about the introduction of a possible team-called VAR: Absolutely yes. As a tennis fan, being able to call in the event of doubt seems like a positive evolution to me. It would also give responsibility to the teams. I’m in favor.
Finally, an interesting piece of news that emerged from the president’s statements is that the Italian Super Cup is played abroad and on the start dates for the Serie A 2025/26: These finals played abroad aim to increase the fan-base and visibility of our football and to increase revenue. […] I can anticipate that, with 99% certainty, the next championship will start on the weekend of 23-24 August. We want to avoid football in mid-August.
