Coppa Italia will undergo a significant overhaul next season as only the 40 Serie A and Serie B teams will participate. The reduced cup will begin on August 15th and will have fewer and more diluted rounds. Yesterday’s council of the top league also established the dates for the 2021-2022 season, Italian news agency Ansa reports.
The previous format comprised 78 sides, including some representatives of the lower divisions. According to its supporters, the new formula will feature more appealing games to broadcast right away and will relax the schedule for Serie A clubs, some of which will be involved from the get-go.
The decision will have to be upheld by the Italian Football Association. The modification has been met with criticism by Lega Pro (the third division) president Francesco Ghirelli: “The choice made by Serie A to exclude Serie C teams from Coppa Italia violates acquired rights and is an expression of an elitist vision of football, rather than a systemic one. We will take any possible initiative to protect our outfits and safeguard a culture that is respectful of the most authentic values of the sports.”
In 2021-2022, Serie A will return to its regular schedule after the condensed calendar caused by the pandemic-related stoppage. The next campaign will start on August 22nd and end on May 22nd. It will have a longer Christmas break, from December 23rd to January 6th. The upcoming summer transfer market window will terminate on August 31st. The top division will also ask FIGC to up the number of outfits in the top Primavera championship from 16 to 18.