Serie A CEO Criticizes Premier League and LaLiga Governance
Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo has recently made headlines by criticizing the governance of the Premier League and LaLiga while touting the success and appeal of the Italian top-flight league. De Siervo claims that the broadcasting figures for recent Italian games have been boosted by the presence of parity in Serie A, highlighting the balance in the standings that has allowed unexpected teams to rise to the top.
In a statement, De Siervo praised the interest in Serie A, stating, “The excellent television ratings of last weekend reflect the great interest in our league, where at the start of this season, there is a balance in the standings that allows all fans to dream.” He emphasized the unique competitive nature of Serie A compared to other major European leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga, where traditional powerhouse clubs have dominated for years.
De Siervo pointed out that in Serie A, three teams currently lead the standings that were not in the top eight last season, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the Italian league. He added, “This is the strength of Serie A compared to the others, we are the most tactical and hard-fought tournament of all and the public appreciates this uncertainty of results, filling the stadiums and following the matches on TV.”
The CEO’s comments come in light of the dominance of clubs like Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich in their respective leagues. Manchester City, under manager Pep Guardiola, has secured four consecutive Premier League titles, while Bayern Munich enjoyed a streak of 11 straight German championships before being dethroned last season. Meanwhile, Barcelona has consistently finished either first or second in La Liga since 2008.
Juve’s previous decline has helped increase interest in Serie A
While other top European leagues have been characterized by the reign of a few select clubs, Serie A has seen more diversity in its champions in recent years. Over the last five seasons, four different Italian teams have lifted the Scudetto, including Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli.
Inter Milan stands out as the only club to have won the Serie A title twice during this period, showcasing the competitive nature of the league. Furthermore, underdog teams like Torino have also made their mark, with Torino currently leading the table in the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign.
The landscape of Serie A was not always as balanced as it is now, with Juventus dominating the league between 2011 and 2020. During this period, Juventus claimed every Italian top-flight title, establishing themselves as the dominant force in Italian football. However, Juve’s subsequent decline has brought about a more level playing field in Serie A, attracting increased interest from fans, both domestically and internationally.
Serie A experiencing a boost in TV viewership
In recent seasons, Serie A has seen a surge in television viewership, with broadcasters reporting increased interest in the league. DAZN and Sky Italia hold the broadcasting rights for Serie A matches in Italy, with DAZN covering the majority of games and Sky airing three matches per week.
Recent figures released by broadcasters reveal that nearly six million viewers tuned in to watch the 10 matches played last weekend, with two million viewers watching the highly anticipated Milan derby between Inter Milan and AC Milan. American star Christian Pulisic starred for AC Milan in their 2-1 victory over rivals Inter Milan.
One of the standout fixtures of the season so far was the clash between Juventus and Napoli, two of Italy’s most popular clubs. Despite the hype surrounding the match, it ended in a goalless draw, but both teams remain in the top four of the Serie A standings.
Luigi De Siervo, the Serie A CEO, commended the recent television ratings, stating, “The overall figure of over seven million viewers on DAZN and Sky for the fifth round is in line with the best results of the past seasons.” The positive reception from viewers reflects the growing appeal of Serie A as a competitive and entertaining football league.
In Conclusion
Serie A continues to attract attention and interest from fans around the world, thanks to its competitive nature and the unpredictability of results. The league’s parity and diverse range of champions have set it apart from other major European leagues, drawing praise from Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo. With television ratings on the rise and exciting matchups on the horizon, Serie A looks set to captivate football fans for seasons to come.