Soccer in Italy: Italian Soccer Leagues
When people think of soccer in Italy, they imagine roaring stadiums, smoke-filled celebrations, and fans who live and breathe every second of the match. Serie A legends, dramatic goals, and those fiery rivalries — it’s all part of what makes Italian football one of the most passionate in the world.
But if you’re a player — or a parent of one — thinking about Italy as a potential destination, there’s a lot more to know than just the highlights. The Italian system has a deep structure, clear development routes, and some unique challenges, especially for players coming from outside Europe.
The Structure of Soccer in Italy.
Italy’s men’s game is built like a true pyramid, where every level connects to the next. At the top sits Serie A — the world-famous league that’s home to clubs like AC Milan, Juventus, Inter, and Roma. That’s the dream destination, but below it lies a whole ecosystem where thousands of players build their careers.
Serie B sits just beneath, with 20 clubs battling for promotion each season. The top two automatically go up to Serie A, while others fight through playoffs for the final spot. Below that is Serie C, which has 60 professional teams divided into three regional groups. This is often the proving ground — where players with ambition and persistence make their names.
Then comes Serie D — technically amateur under Italian federation rules, but it’s still fiercely competitive. Many players here receive small stipends or bonuses, and strong performances can earn them a shot at a professional contract in Serie C. For foreign players, this level can be a realistic entry point into the Italian system.
The Women’s Game: A New Era of Growth
Women’s soccer in Italy has seen incredible growth over the past few years. The big turning point came in 2022–23, when Serie A Femminile officially became professional — the first time women in Italy could sign full contracts with benefits and protections.
At the top, Serie A Femminile now features some of Europe’s most exciting talent. Serie B Femminile sits just below, operating in a semi-professional space where many international players — including Americans — get their start. Beneath that are regional leagues (Serie C and lower), where the game is still mostly amateur but growing fast.
Many U.S. players arrive in Italy after college or time in the NWSL, bringing an athletic, disciplined, and competitive style that Italian clubs value highly. With the women’s leagues expanding and becoming more professional, more doors are opening for players from the United States to make an impact.
Player salaries
Like anywhere, salaries in Italy vary widely depending on the level. In men’s Serie A, the average salary lands around €1.7 to €1.8 million per year — though of course, the stars earn many times that. But drop down to Serie D and the situation looks completely different: players there are technically amateurs, often receiving just small reimbursements or match bonuses.
On the women’s side, the pay scale is improving but still lags behind the men’s game. The real victory came when the top league gained professional status, guaranteeing fair contracts, benefits, and a career structure that didn’t exist before. The progress is steady — and it’s creating more sustainable careers for female athletes.
The Reality for Americans Hoping to Play Soccer in Italy
For U.S. players, the biggest hurdles aren’t always about skill — they’re often about paperwork. Italy, like many European countries, has strict rules about “non-EU” players. In men’s Serie A, each club can only have a limited number of players from outside the European Union, making it tough to earn a spot unless you hold dual citizenship.
FIFA has very strict rules on minors playing abroad. You can learn more about these here at https://gosoccerpro.com/fifa-rules-for-minors/
The women’s leagues are more flexible, with fewer restrictions on international players. That’s one reason why American women often find it easier to join Italian teams than their male counterparts.
FIFA rules also come into play, especially for younger players. Transfers for players under 18 are tightly controlled, and clubs may owe training compensation to youth academies — something worth understanding before making a move.
Americans playing in Italy
Right now, Italy’s top flight features a handful of familiar American faces. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah are both playing for AC Milan, while Weston McKennie continues to be a key player for Juventus. Each of them followed a slightly different path — Musah and Pulisic came through European academies, while McKennie began his journey in the U.S. before heading overseas.
On the women’s side, there’s a growing number of Americans joining Serie A and Serie B clubs. Many are former NCAA or NWSL players who bring a competitive edge and leadership qualities that Italian teams value. The connection between U.S. and Italian soccer continues to grow stronger every year.
Do Italian Clubs Look at U.S. Talent to Play Soccer in Italy?
Typically, no. The US style of playing tends to be very different. Although many American players wish to play soccer in Italy, there are very few who are able to do so. There is no shortage of pay to play programs that offer European training to young US players. Many of these will improve a player’s technical and tactical skills; however, these athletes are still often behind their Italian counterparts.
Opportunities to play abroad, as a female player, are still better than for the men’s side. For many years, US Soccer has dominated the international scene, although other clubs have now begun to invest more into their women’s sides.
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