Those who “root” for a Serie A with 18 teams instead of 20 should read the words of Ezio Maria Simonelli, the president of the Lega Serie A
Serie A a 18 squadre, arriva un annuncio importante: le parole del presidente (Foto: LaPresse) – serieanews.com
The discussion about the possibility of reducing Serie A from 20 to 18 teams is a topic that cyclically returns to the forefront, but until now it has never really materialized. And, apparently, the situation is not likely to change in the short term.
This is confirmed by the words of the new president of Lega Serie A, Enzo Maria Simonelli, who spoke at the microphones of Rai Radio 1 to express his position on the issue.
“This is a wide-ranging issue that affects the future of many teams. I always leave sovereignty to the assembly on these decisions. An 18-team league would mean four fewer games, but also a less compelling and less representative tournament throughout Italy,” Simonelli said.
According to the league president, the reduction in the number of teams would lead to a lower spread of professional soccer across the country, possibly affecting the overall value of the league.
In addition, Simonelli pointed out that the current structure of the Italian league is in line with major European tournaments, many of which maintain the 20-team formula. “Even abroad the most important leagues are 20-team, so I don’t see a real need to change this set-up,” he added.
Il vero problema: il calendario intasato e gli infortuni dei calciatori
One of the most critical aspects of modern soccer is the crowded schedule, with teams engaged in national, European and international competitions. This is a phenomenon that should also be taken into account because of the many injuries that are affecting Italian and international players.
Il vero problema in Serie A: il calendario intasato e gli infortuni dei calciatori (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
However, Simonelli stressed that this is an issue that does not depend directly on the Lega Serie A: “The clogging of the calendar is the real problem in soccer, but it is not something we can directly intervene in. Matches are organized by Uefa and Fifa, so it is not within our powers to reduce the number of seasonal commitments.”
While reducing the number of teams does not seem to be a priority, one innovation that could be introduced instead is the so-called “VAR on call,” one of the innovations being pushed hardest after recent refereeing errors. Simonelli spoke in favor of this possible innovation, although he pointed out that the decision is up to the League Assembly, “Personally, I am in favor of it. We still have to discuss it in the Assembly, but I think many colleagues share my point of view.”
The League president also anticipated the likely start date of the 2025/26 season: “We have identified the weekend of August 23-24 for the start of the championship, so as to avoid soccer in Ferragosto. It’s not official yet, but 99% this will be the start date of Serie A 2024-2025″.
The hypothesis of an 18-team Serie A remains, at least for now, a project far from realization. The priority for the Lega Serie A seems to be managing the calendar and maintaining the economic competitiveness of the league. In the meantime, possible innovations such as “VAR on call” and a more balanced calendar remain topics of discussion pending concrete developments.
This article Serie A to 18 teams, president’s words and Football League’s priorities appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
