Serie A is experiencing a surge in popularity across North America, particularly in Canada, mirroring the growing interest in the Italian national team, the Azzurri.
The recent transfers of Jonathan David to Juventus and Ismael Koné to Sassuolo for the 2025 summer transfer window have further amplified the fanbase for Serie A in Canada. This increased interest coincides with Canada’s preparation to co-host the monumental 2026 World Cup.
In Canada, Serie A matches are most readily accessible through DAZN Canada and TLN TV, which broadcast three live Serie A games each week.
The excitement of the Scudetto race and the compelling narratives of historic rivalries in Italy are captivating an expanding international audience. Lega Serie A confirmed this trend in 2025, reporting a record increase in viewership across the United States.
Lega Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli previously stated, “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 celebrated former player for Milan and Juventus and a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, added, “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, predominantly located in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, has also witnessed numerous Italian football stars gracing the MLS pitches in recent years.
Sebastian Giovinco played for Toronto FC from 2015 to 2019. Subsequently, Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, both Euro 2020 winners with Italy, also joined MLS clubs.
Another Italian football icon, Alessandro Nesta, played for the Montreal Impact between 2012 and 2013, following a highly successful Serie A career with Lazio and Milan, where he amassed three Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies.
After retiring from playing, Nesta transitioned into coaching, managing Miami FC from 2015 to 2017 before returning to Italy to lead clubs such as Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana, and Monza.
Evidently, a substantial connection exists between Italian football and Canada. This link is not only forged by the over 1,500,000 Canadians (4.3% of the population) who identify with Italian heritage but also by the numerous talented players who have made the move between the two nations to pursue their careers in the beautiful game.
It is unfortunate that a potential match-up between the two national teams in Group B of the 2026 World Cup will not materialize, as the Azzurri have failed to qualify for the tournament for the third consecutive time.