Interest in Italy’s Serie A is on the rise across North America, particularly in Canada. This growing enthusiasm for the Azzurri is further amplified by recent player movements.
The transfers of Jonathan David to Juventus and Ismael Koné to Sassuolo during the 2025 summer window have significantly boosted the Canadian fan base for Serie A. This surge in interest coincides with Canada’s preparation to co-host the 2026 World Cup, the most significant football event ever staged.
In Canada, Serie A matches are primarily accessible through DAZN Canada and TLN TV, which broadcast three live games weekly.
The appeal of Serie A, including the Scudetto race and its historic rivalries, is drawing an increasing number of international viewers. Lega Serie A reported a substantial rise in popularity across the United States in 2025.
Lega Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli stated at the time, “Never before has Italian football been so widely accessible across the country. The upcoming CBS Main Network broadcast of Juventus-Genoa on March 29 is yet another key moment in our mission to bring Serie A to as many fans as possible.”
Andrea Pirlo, a legendary Italian player and former star for Milan and Juventus, commented on this growth, saying, “It’s incredible to see how much it’s grown, with broadcasts and events like this bringing fans even closer to the game.”
The significant Italian-Canadian community, notably in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, has also had the opportunity to witness many Italian stars play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in recent years.
Sebastian Giovinco played for Toronto FC from 2015 to 2019. Later, Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, both winners of Euro 2020 with Italy, also joined MLS teams.
Another Italian icon, Alessandro Nesta, played for the Montreal Impact in 2012-13. His illustrious Serie A career with Lazio and Milan included three Serie A titles and two Champions League titles.
Following his playing career, Nesta transitioned to coaching in the USA, managing Miami FC from 2015 to 2017. He subsequently returned to Italy to coach Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana, and Monza.
The connection between Italian football and Canada is multifaceted. It is reinforced by the substantial Canadian population of Italian descent, with over 1.5 million individuals reporting full or partial Italian ancestry (4.3% of the total population). Furthermore, numerous talented players have moved between the two countries, contributing to the global appeal of the sport.
It is unfortunate that a potential match between the two national teams in Group B of the 2026 World Cup will not occur, as the Azzurri have failed to qualify for the tournament for the third consecutive time.
