How to Watch a Soccer Match in Italy – A Guide to Serie A

Whether you’re a sports lover or not, almost anyone can appreciate the excitement in the air when you’re in Italy on match day. And if you want in on the action, you’ll need to know how to watch a soccer match in Italy.

Soccer is pretty much Italy’s unofficial national obsession, followed by a fervor that borders on religion, and that’s a good thing. From small village clubs to Serie A giants’ grand stadiums, calcio (that’s soccer in Italian) brings people together.

Here, you’ll find everything you need, from the top teams in the Italian league to how to buy tickets, and everything in between. So, if you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to join in on this cultural experience, keep reading.

Why Is Soccer So Important In Italy?

While soccer is widely loved globally, it’s undoubtedly the most popular sport in Italy. It’s become deeply woven into local culture and tradition, whether that means gathering at the local bar to watch a match or arguing over refereeing decisions at family lunches.

Italy’s national soccer federation, or Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC), was founded in 1898 and currently oversees everything soccer-related in the country. That includes everything from the Italian national team to the teams in Serie A. That means soccer has over 120 years of history, bringing communities together through the love of the sport.

The national team has won the World Cup four times, making it one of the most successful teams in the world, and who wouldn’t want to brag about that? Soccer also gives Italians a sense of self-identity. Every region has its team, so families are more likely to support their local teams and pass those loyalties to their kids. And, of course, there will always be a few gatherings where families put a match on TV and have a fun time together.

What Is Serie A?

While Italy has two other professional soccer leagues (Serie B and Serie C), Serie A is the most famous and prestigious. It’s the highest level of soccer in the country and is considered one of the best leagues in Europe, alongside La Liga in Spain and the English Premier League.

Serie A is made up of 20 of the top teams in the country, including favorites like AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus. These teams go head-to-head with one another throughout the season, and the results determine the teams competing in the series the following year. While the team at the top spot enjoys the champion status, the bottom three teams will be relegated – or sent down – to Serie B. In turn, the top two performers of Serie B get automatically promoted to Serie A for the following year to replace them. The third team is decided through playoffs between the next-best teams.

Serie A Teams

Now that you know what Serie A is, let’s take a closer look at the teams.

As mentioned, there are currently 20 Italian soccer teams in Serie A. Here’s a quick breakdown of each team name, the city they’re based in, and their home stadium.

Keep in mind, these are the current teams for the 2025-2026 season:

1. Atalanta BC: Bergamo, Lombardy – Gewiss Stadium  
2. Bologna FC 1909: Bologna, Emilia Romagna – Renato Dall’Ara Stadium
3. Cagliari Calcio: Cagliari, Sardinia – Stadio Sant’Elia
4. Como 1907: Como, Lombardy – Stadio Comunale G. Sinigaglia
5. U.S. Cremonese: Cremona, Lombardy – Stadio Giovanni Zini
6. ACF Fiorentina: Florence, Tuscany – Artemio Franchi Stadium
7. Genoa CFC: Genova, Liguria – Luigi Ferraris Stadium
8. Hellas Verona: Verona, Veneto – Stadio MarcAntonio Bentegodi
9. Juventus FC: Turin, Piedmont – Allianz Stadium
10. SS Lazio: Rome, Lazio – Stadio Olimpico
11. US Lecce: Lecce, Puglia – Stadio Ettore Giardiniero (Via del Mare)
12. AC Milan: Milan, Lombardy – San Siro Stadium
13. Inter Milan: Milan, Lombardy – San Siro Stadium
14. SSC Napoli: Naples, Campania – Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
15. Parma Calcio 1913: Parma, Emilia Romagna – Stadio Ennio Tardini
16. Pisa S.C: Pisa, Tuscany – Arena Garibaldi Stadio Romeo Anconetan
17. AS Roma: Rome, Lazio – Stadio Olimpico
18. U.S. Sassuolo: Sassuolo, Emilia-Romagna – Mapei Stadium Città del Tricolore
19. Torino FC: Turin, Piedmont – Stadio Olimpico Grande
20. Udinese Calcio: Udine, Friuli Venezia Giulia – Dacia Arena 

How Many Games Are In Serie A?

Serie A consists of 38 matchdays, with each team getting the chance to play in front of their home fans, playing 19 home and 19 away games. These matches are structured as a round-robin tournament, so each team gets the chance to play every other team twice, so you get to see a few epic comeback games.

With all of that said, the total number of Serie A games played throughout the season is a whopping 380 – that’s ten games per matchday.

Most games throughout the season are played on either a Saturday or Sunday, but there are a few instances where a match may take place on a weekday.

When Does Serie A Start?

The Italian soccer season for Serie A usually begins around mid-to-late August and runs until late May, so if you want to watch a match in person, visit Italy during that time.

In June, a couple of months before the season starts, there is a summer transfer period where clubs can make changes to their team. Then there will usually be another short winter break mid-season, around the end of December or the beginning of January. This is for transfers, too, but also for players to recoup and spend time with family over the holidays.

It’s also important to remember that schedules are always subject to change depending on international tournaments, other European competitions, or unforeseen events. It’s always a good idea to double-check the fixtures closer to your travel date. Almost any sporting website has a schedule, but it’s better to use the official Lega Serie A website.

How to Buy Serie A Tickets

With the basics of Serie A under your belt, the next thing you’ll want to know is how to buy tickets to see a game. Buying Serie A tickets as a visitor from another country can seem daunting, but it’s actually pretty straightforward – just make sure to plan ahead, especially for big matches, like the Milan derby.

Now, let’s look at the most common ways to buy tickets.

Official Club Websites

The first method you can use is to purchase tickets directly from official club websites. Most teams sell tickets directly, showing seating maps, availability, and pricing. They also send you the ticket digitally, so you can download it and show the QR code at the gate when you arrive.

Buying from official club websites, especially for bigger teams like AC Milan, Inter Milan, or AS Roma, can have some benefits. Of course, it means that tickets are 100% legitimate, so you won’t be getting caught by scammers. The prices can also be great value, and there may even be some exclusive deals or early access (though this is usually only for club members).

On the downside, not all teams have the option to buy from them directly, and even if they do, you may have to register a profile on the site, and not everyone wants to do that. Tickets can also sell out very quickly, especially for high-profile matches.

Trusted Ticket Resellers

Your second option is to purchase soccer tickets from resellers. So, if there’s a match you want to see but the tickets are sold out, you can opt for a trusted reseller. However, with this option, you’ll need to be extra careful, as there’s always the risk of running into a scam on an unverified website.

Even if they are verified, they can sell tickets at much higher prices and have some extra service fees, which may go slightly over budget. But if you don’t mind spending extra to see your favorite team playing, or are booking at the last minute, then they can be beneficial.

Some teams have official ticket partners, like TicketOne or Vivaticket, that are pretty reliable. You can also try LiveFootballTickets or SeatPick.

Guided Matchday Tours

Next, and possibly the most worthwhile option, is guided matchday tours. Some tour companies offer complete packages that include the ticket, transportation, and sometimes a guide to explain chants, rules, and traditions. These are ideal for first-timers who want the full fan experience without the stress.

Not only will planning be much easier (because you aren’t really doing much), but you’ll get insight into team history, stadium rituals, and other secrets you wouldn’t have known otherwise.

There will be a few negatives, like limited availability, less flexibility in your itinerary, or much higher prices. But at the end of the day, you’re paying for more than a ticket to a soccer game – you’re paying for an experience.

Here is an amazing tour options to try if you’re thinking of going down this route:

• AS Roma Tickets with VIP Hospitality – LivTours (Get 5% off with code: UntoldItaly)

Top Places to Watch a Soccer Match in Italy

The best place to watch an Italian soccer game ultimately depends on the team you’re supporting, as you’ll want to choose a location that caters to those specific matches. But if you have no particular affiliation or simply love the sport, you can go almost anywhere.

If you’re keen to attend a match while visiting Italy, here are just five of the most iconic cities and stadiums to consider.

Milan

Milan is likely the city in Italy most known for its love of soccer. Here, you’ll find the legendary San Siro stadium (also known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza), home to AC Milan and Inter Milan. This stadium has seen decades of soccer history and remains one of the most electrifying venues in the world.

If you want an experience of a lifetime, try attending a game here during the Derby della Madonnina. This is a highly anticipated match between the two rival Italian teams, AC and Inter Milan, and one of the most significant in soccer history.

Turin

While in Turin, it’s always a good choice to watch Juventus play at Allianz Stadium. The stadium is a top attraction for the city, attracting plenty of visitors for its matches.

Juventus supporters, like any others, are enthusiastic and proud, wearing their black and white kits and cheering their team on in the stands. The atmosphere is truly something else, especially during the Derby della Mole, the match between Juventus and Torino FC.

Rome

Next, we have Rome, home to the Stadio Olimpico, shared by AS Roma and Lazio, and the Italian national team. This stadium is considered one of the most historic, since it hosted major sporting events during the 1990 FIFA World Cup and the 1960 Olympic Games. Plus, Roma fans in the Eternal City certainly don’t hold back when it comes to supporting their teams, with their cheers, singing, and chanting sounding through the stadium.

Another significant event here is the Derby della Capitale between AS Roma and Lazio, another Italian soccer rivalry, and one that matches AC and Inter Milan in terms of its intensity.

Naples

Naples is another city that offers unforgettable experiences, especially when visiting the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Napoli’s fans are famously passionate – seriously, this city lives and breathes soccer. Match day here is filled with excitement and socializing, whether that be in the stadium itself, or a local restaurant or sports bar.

Since SSC Napoli is the only Serie A team based in Naples, fans have an even deeper loyalty, and almost everyone is ready to wave their team colors in support. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.

Florence

The last place to try is Florence, the home ground for ACF Fiorentina and the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The stadium is located just outside the city center, so it’s close to all of Florence’s main attractions, meaning you can plan your soccer match-watching around other activities.

Florence has a fascinating history with the sport, which makes it more unique than any other place in Italy. Calcio Storico is a form of “historic football” that originated here around the 16th century, and a tradition that continues to this day.

You can also watch one of the most thrilling games against ACF Fiorentina and their main rival, Juventus. Trust that the fans are ready to sing, cheer, and support their team with pride. There’s no doubt you’ll have a fantastic time basking in the atmosphere there.

Tips for Attending a Soccer Match in Italy

Whether it’s your first game or you’re a seasoned pro, there may be a few things you’re unsure about when watching an Italian soccer game. We’ve rounded up some handy tips and tricks to make the Italian soccer experience much easier.

• Arrive early – Gates can open around an hour or two before the match, so arrive as early as possible to enjoy shorter lines and time to prepare for the game.
• Bring your ID or passport – Tickets are associated with a single person, so you need to have some form of identification with you that corresponds to the name on your ticket.
• Buying tickets in person – Sometimes, there may be an opportunity to purchase tickets at a physical venue, usually from official vendors or at club ticket offices near the stadium. Don’t rely on this! It’s always better to buy them online and in advance.
• Fan loyalty cards (tessera del tifoso) – Despite what you may have heard, you don’t need to have a specific team’s loyalty card to be able to watch a match. You’ll only need the tessera del tifoso if you want priority tickets.
• Support the local team – Tourists visiting a specific city should consider wearing something in the local team’s colors to show their support and fit in with the locals.
• Learn some chants – You don’t need to speak fluent Italian to join in on a sing-along. Before attending a match, try to learn the local team’s anthem and some of the chants.
• Avoid wearing rival team colors – If you’re attending a derby or rivalry match, be mindful of what you wear to avoid attracting unwanted attention. You may upset a few local people.
• Use public transport – Stadiums can get quite hectic before and after matches. Using public transportation, and even walking, are often the main ways to get in and out.
• Check the weather – Many stadiums are only partially covered, so be mindful of the weather so you can prepare for scorching sun or heavy rain.
• Bring cash – Credit cards are rarely used, so it’s essential to have cash on hand for food and drinks while watching a match.

Watching Soccer Games in Italy – Wrapped Up

And there you have it – everything you need to know about attending a soccer game in Italy.

Not visiting Italy during the football season? You can still experience the passion of Italian soccer with these top stadium tours and behind-the-scenes experiences:

• Walk in the footsteps of Maradona with a Local, Naples – GetYourGuide
• Official San Siro Stadium Tour, Milan or Private Stadium Tour with Milan Highlights Included – Viator

It’s no secret that soccer is an integral part of Italian culture and one of the most memorable experiences you can have. Whether you’re watching Juventus at home in Turin or witnessing the Rome derby in Stadio Olimpico, each match offers a glimpse into Italian life.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick your city, book your seat, and get ready to cheer “Forza!” for your favorite team. 

Just be prepared – once you’ve experienced calcio in Italy, you might never watch soccer the same way again.

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