Serie A reveals short-term plan to bring competitive matches to USA

A Serie A executive indicated on Monday that the Italian top flight could stage games in the United States within the next three years.

Speaking from Serie A’s office in New York City, Michele Ciccarese, the league’s commercial and marketing director, indicated the organization’s desire to be a ‘trendsetter’ and become the first European soccer league to stage competitive games in America. 

‘Yes, we would love to do it,’ Ciccarese told a group of reporters, including Mail Sport. ‘As the [Serie A] President [Ezio Simonelli] said, we are working in order to potentially do it, but there are barriers that we need to overcome with the right strategy [in] place and with the support of the clubs, without forgetting that players are players…,’ he concluded, noting the sport’s congested playing schedule.

Ciccarese didn’t fully commit to Serie A bringing competitive football to the United States by 2028, saying ‘who knows’ and ‘potentially’ regarding the timeline.

Nonetheless, his comments represent a growing trend of European clubs and leagues expanding their reach across the Atlantic. 

Clubs from Serie A, La Liga and the Premier League have routinely held their preseasons in the USA in recent years, and there’s been an expectation from many that England’s top flight will travel to the USA at some point for a competitive fixture.

Juventus’ Tim Weah (right), seen playing against Inter, is another American starring in Serie A

‘It’s always a race to try to be the trendsetter, because then the followers come and the trendsetter [gets] more benefits, more potentially, in terms of revenues… it should be done in a way that makes sense for the club, without forgetting the fans,’ Ciccarese said.

The executive conceded that playing a Milan derby in America, for example, would not be possible due to the historic nature and ‘big meaning’ of the game in Italy.   

‘So we can play in a way that is respectful of our audience,’ he added.

Ciccarese noted that any such plan would have to be approved by UEFA and FIFA, and said Serie A would need to ‘present the proper strategy to the authorities.’

Nonetheless, he spoke with enthusiasm and seriousness about the plan and mentioned the NFL’s expansion into Germany, the United Kingdom and – as of next season – Australia in speaking of Serie A’s vision.

‘How can you get the close audience?’ he asked. ‘Only [by] bringing the product.’ 

‘If I can take you all tomorrow to a San Siro experience, or to an Inter experience, you would love it,’ he continued. ‘So the only way is to bring the club closer to the fans.’