New to Serie A?

Your guide to how Italian football works

Serie A is Italy’s top football league, featuring 20 clubs competing across domestic trophies, European qualification, and relegation battles, all decided by the league table.

If you’re new, the structure can feel confusing. There are no playoffs, multiple trophies matter, and league position impacts everything. This page breaks down what Serie A teams play for each season, all in one place.

The Basics: How a Serie A Season Works

Serie A is made up of 20 teams that play each other home and away over the course of the season.

Each team plays 38 matches
3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss
The league table is ranked by total points

There are no playoffs. Final league position determines the champion, European qualification, and relegation.

Simple format. Massive consequences.

What Every Team Is Playing For

Domestic Competitions

Domestic competitions are tournaments played within Italy, where clubs compete for national trophies alongside the league season.

Scudetto (The League Title)

The Scudetto is awarded to the team that finishes 1st in the Serie A table .

Decided over 38 matches
No playoffs, consistency matters most
Winner earns the right to wear the Scudetto badge on their jersey the following season

Winning the Scudetto isn’t just a trophy, it defines eras, legacies, and rivalries in Italian football.

Coppa Italia

Coppa Italia is Italy’s domestic knockout tournament, running alongside the league season.

Single-elimination matches
Open to Serie A and Serie B (2nd tier) clubs
Final played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome
Winner qualifies for European competition (Europa League)

For clubs not in the Scudetto race, the Coppa Italia offers a real shot at silverware and often produces surprise runs and rivalry drama.

Supercoppa Italiana

Supercoppa Italiana is the first available trophy contested by the winners of Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Typically a one-off match (or mini-tournament in recent years)
Often played outside Italy to grow the league globally
Prestige trophy that kicks off the new season

While it doesn’t carry the weight of the Scudetto, the Supercoppa is still silverware and a chance to set the tone early.

European Competitions & Qualification

European competitions pit top clubs from leagues across Europe against each other in season-long tournaments, with qualification earned through domestic league performance the year before.

UEFA Champion's League

Europe’s premier club competition, featuring the top teams from each league and representing the highest level of prestige, competition, and revenue in world football.

League Position for Qualification: typically 1st-4th

UEFA Europa League

A high-level European tournament for strong domestic performers, offering a real path to silverware and a route into the Champions League.

League Position for Qualification: typically 5th & Coppa Italia winner

UEFA Conference League

Europe’s newest competition, designed to give more clubs continental experience and a legitimate opportunity to compete for a European trophy.

League Position for Qualification: typically 6th

Domestic League Position

Promotion & Relegation

At the end of each season, the bottom three teams in Serie A are relegated to Serie B, while top teams from Serie B are promoted in their place.

There are no playoffs or safety nets, league position determines survival, making every point critical.

Why Mid-Table Still Matters

Mid-table teams aren’t playing meaningless matches. League position impacts European qualification, finances, and future momentum.

Strong finishes can push clubs toward Europe, while poor runs risk pulling them into relegation battles.

Why Follow Serie A

Serie A blends tactical depth, historic clubs, and unmatched matchday culture. Every match feels connected to something bigger...rivalries, survival battles, and European ambitions.

From iconic cities to passionate supporters, Italian football isn’t just about results. It’s about identity, style, and chaos. That's what keeps people coming back.

If you’re getting into Serie A, Calcio Culture is your weekly guide, breaking down matches, storylines, and context so you can follow the league without the noise.

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