Napoli President Advocates 16-Team Serie A Shake-Up

Serie A is at the center of bold reform proposals as Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis pushes for a dramatic overhaul of Italian football’s top flight. De Laurentiis, never shy of voicing his opinions, has sparked fresh debate by suggesting a reduction of Serie A from its current 20 teams to a leaner, more competitive 16-team format. His vision is part of wider “revolutionary reforms” intended to revitalize the Italian game and address what he sees as fundamental flaws in the European football ecosystem.

De Laurentiis Calls for Serie A Transformation

At a recent industry event, De Laurentiis outlined his plan to reimagine Serie A, highlighting the need for a structural reset to boost the league’s quality and financial stability. “Serie A must be reduced to 16 teams if we want a sustainable and competitive future,” he stated, citing the oversaturation of fixtures and declining attendances as critical issues. According to the Napoli president, too many games dilute the product and stretch clubs’ resources, which can have a negative impact on performance both domestically and in European competitions.

Television Rights: Free Broadcasting a Priority

A cornerstone of De Laurentiis’s proposal is a radical shake-up of broadcasting rights. He contends that Italian football should embrace free-to-air broadcasting, believing that greater accessibility will reignite fan engagement and restore Serie A’s standing in Europe. “Football should belong to everyone,” De Laurentiis declared, arguing that the pay-per-view model has alienated fans and contributed to dwindling stadium atmospheres.

He also criticized the current television contracts, which he believes favor a few large clubs and broadcasters over the long-term health of the league. Moving away from exclusive paywalls, he argues, would widen the audience, boost commercial opportunities, and ultimately benefit Serie A as a whole.

Diagnosing a Broken European Football Model

De Laurentiis did not limit his criticism to Italian football alone. He expanded his critique to the broader European football framework, lamenting what he called a “broken system” riddled with inefficiencies and inequities. The Napoli president’s concerns echo growing frustration among club owners and supporters about the financial sustainability of top leagues, the gap between elite clubs and the rest, and the pressures of congested calendars.

He advocates for continental reforms, including fairer revenue distribution and a more balanced competitive structure. “The current model is unsustainable for all but the richest clubs,” De Laurentiis warned, calling for unity among Serie A clubs to push for meaningful change at both national and European levels.

Potential Impact on Serie A’s Future

De Laurentiis’s 16-team Serie A vision would represent the most significant change to the league’s format in decades. Proponents suggest that fewer clubs could elevate the overall standard, reduce player fatigue, and help Italian sides perform better in European competitions. Fewer matches could also help address fixture congestion, allowing for more focused preparation and higher-quality football on display each week.

However, critics caution that reducing the number of top-flight teams might hurt smaller clubs, erode local rivalries, and limit opportunities for ambitious sides in the lower divisions. There are also concerns about the economic ramifications for cities and regions that rely on Serie A football as a cultural and financial lifeline.

Next Steps and the Road Ahead

While De Laurentiis’s proposals have energized the debate around Serie A’s future, significant hurdles remain. Any structural change would require broad consensus among club owners, the Italian Football Federation, and league stakeholders. The complexities of television contracts and the potential resistance from clubs facing relegation from the top tier make the path forward far from straightforward.

Nevertheless, De Laurentiis’s outspoken advocacy is a reminder of the urgent need for renewal—and his ideas could serve as a catalyst for more thoughtful discussion and eventual reform. For those eager to stay updated on the evolving story, visit for more news.

Opinion: Is Serie A Ready for Radical Change?

It’s hard to deny that Serie A, like much of European football, faces mounting challenges from both internal and external pressures. De Laurentiis’s push for a 16-team league and free broadcasting is bold, perhaps even visionary, but the path to real reform will be complex and require compromise from all stakeholders. While his proposals may not be universally popular, they spark an essential conversation about how Italian football can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.