Serie A matches could be played in USA: ‘We want to be the first in Europe’ | OneFootball

Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has confirmed that he and the league are working on a project to bring Serie A football to the United States, claiming that the Italian top flight wants to become the first division in Europe to play a league fixture on American soil.

Simonelli, who replaced Lorenzo Casini as Serie A President in December, confirmed his proposals in front of the cameras after a meeting in New York on Monday.

The world of football is seen as a growing market in the United States, which will host the newly-revamped Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup over the next two summers. There is also a growing connection between the United States and Serie A, given that nine teams in the division are American-owned, plus one Canadian-owned.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Mattia Liberali of AC Milan reacts during a Pre-Season Friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid at Soldier Field Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The possibility of playing Serie A matches in the United States is seen as an opportunity to grow the league’s brand on a commercial level and further increase the league’s exposure on an international level.

Simonelli confirms plans to play Serie A matches in USA

Simonelli confirmed that playing Serie A matches is a ‘definite goal’ during a talk with the press during his visit to New York.

“I was elected two months ago and it’s no coincidence that I chose to come here to the USA for a meeting with the local representatives,” Simonelli said, reported via La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“This is a market on which we count a lot, we have nine American owners and one Canadian, to whom I owe a lot given that they elected me, so it’s normal that we want to focus on this area.

“The product is beautiful, and not only are we the league with the most American owners, but there are also potential buyers window shopping, so it means that certain groups believe in the possibility of making money in Italy.”

Inter Milan’s Argentine forward #10 Lautaro Martinez lifts the trophy with teammates during a ceremony for the Italian Champions following the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Lazio in Milan, on May 19, 2024. Inter celebrates his 20th Scudetto. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Simonelli continued: “It’s definitely a stimulating challenge. We, at the league, of course have to take not of the fact that another event could clog an already congested calendar. We will have to find the right balance with the needs of the national league, but the Club World Cup will definitely be a fascinating event.

“For us, this project is definitely a goal. We will need the approval of the local federation for such an event to happen, but we believe in it and we want to be the first in Europe to do it.”