FOOTBALL IN ITALY.

Football is the most popular sport in Italy. Imported from England in the late 19th century, Italian football has around 1.4 million players and 14,000 clubs, making it the most popular sport. It is managed by the Italian Football Federation which directs and organizes the various national teams, as well as controlling and coordinating the leagues which in turn organize championships and cups, both professional and amateur.

The Italian football league, whose highest level is called Serie A, is one of the most followed in the world, with the Spanish Liga and the English Premier League. In addition, the main Italian football clubs are at the top for the number of international trophies won, with 50 official titles (12 Champions League, 9 UEFA Cups, 7 Cup Winners’ Cups, 4 Intertoto Cups, 9 UEFA Super Cups, 7 Intercontinental Cups and 2 Cups in the world for FIFA clubs), which make Italy the most successful nation in Europe after Spain.

The men’s national football team of Italy is among the most successful in the world, with 4 world championships (tied with Germany and preceded only by Brazil), 1 European championship, 1 Olympic tournament and 2 International Cups, as well as numerous placings . The youth national teams also boast victories in the European category championships and football gold medals at multisport events, such as the Universiade and the Mediterranean Games.