By Marta Elena Casanova
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The Federal Council of the FIGC approved, during the meeting held on April 15, 2025, a major reform for Italian women’s football: starting from the 2025/26 season, the Women’s Serie A will expand from 10 to 12 teams. A crucial step to strengthen the movement, enhance competitiveness, and align with the top European leagues.
A Historic Turning Point for Women’s Serie A
After years of steady growth in visibility, technical quality, and media attention, Women’s Serie A is entering a new phase. The decision to increase the number of teams from 10 to 12 was strongly supported by football authorities to reinforce the professionalization process launched in 2022.
“This is a historic moment,” said Federica Cappelletti, president of the Women’s Serie A Division. “This reform will give even more momentum to the movement, which is now ready to face a broader and more challenging competition.”
What’s New in the 2024/25 Season
The transition to the new format will begin as early as the 2024/25 season, with significant changes in promotion and relegation mechanisms:
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In Serie A, only the last-placed team will be relegated directly to Serie B.
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In Serie B, the top three teams will be promoted, while the bottom three will be relegated to Serie C.
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The playoff between the second-to-last in Serie A and the runner-up in Serie B will be abolished.
This new setup will allow for a more dynamic exchange between the top two tiers and will facilitate access for emerging, well-structured clubs.
Serie B Expands Too: From 12 to 14 Teams
The reform is not limited to Serie A. Serie B will also expand, growing from 12 to 14 teams. The goal is to accommodate an increasing number of competitive clubs and to maintain a high technical level in the second division.
Laura Tinari, president of the Women’s Serie B Division, commented: “Our league has shown remarkable balance. With this expansion, we’ll have an even more exciting competition that can highlight new talents on a national scale.”
Strategic Goals of the Reform
This reform is not just a numerical adjustment, but part of a broader vision for the future of women’s football in Italy. The main objectives are:
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Increase competitiveness at the top levels;
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Improve media visibility of the competitions;
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Encourage the development of new women’s football realities by stimulating club investments;
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Align with the standards of leading European women’s leagues, such as those in England, Spain, and Germany.
The Professional Women’s Serie A Division and the Women’s Serie B Division, in collaboration with the National Amateur League, are already working to define the permanent formats of the leagues. It will be crucial to strike a balance between athletic growth, economic sustainability, and talent development.
The new format aims to create a more solid ecosystem, capable of attracting sponsors, fans, and media, making Italian women’s football a European benchmark.
The FIGC’s reform marks a turning point for the entire women’s football movement. The expansion of Serie A and Serie B sends a clear signal: a commitment to invest in the future of Italian women’s football, making it increasingly professional, followed, and competitive.
By Marta Elena Casannova
