Serie A
Italian football league.
Serie A, officially known as Serie A Enilive in Italy and Serie A Made in Italy abroad for sponsorship reasons, is the top professional football league in Italy and the highest level of the Italian football league system. Contested by 20 clubs since the 2004-05 season, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Serie B. The season typically runs from August to May, with each team playing 38 matches: two against every other team, one home and one away.
Founded in 1898, Serie A has undergone several structural changes, transitioning to a round-robin format in 1929. The league is organized by Lega Serie A and is regarded as one of the most prestigious football leagues in the world, known for its tactical play and rich history. The current champions are Inter Milan, who secured their 20th title in the 2023-24 season. Juventus holds the record for most championships, having won the title 36 times.
The league has a significant following both domestically and internationally, with matches broadcast worldwide. The competitive nature of Serie A has seen various clubs rise to prominence over the years, including AC Milan and AS Roma, alongside Inter Milan and Juventus. The league is known for its passionate fan base and historic rivalries, notably the Derby della Madonnina between AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Serie A clubs compete not only for domestic glory but also for qualification to European competitions. The top four teams earn spots in the UEFA Champions League group stage, while other teams qualify for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League based on their final standings.
Historically, Serie A has produced some of the greatest players in football history, including legends like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Del Piero, and Roberto Baggio.