Serie A has opened the bidding process for Coppa Italia broadcast rights covering the 2027-30 cycle, with the league presenting broadcasters with two different tournament options.
The first option is based on the current 44-team format: 20 clubs from Serie A, 20 from Serie B and four from Serie C. The second option would expand the field by bringing in 32 Serie C clubs, increasing the chances for third-tier sides to appear on mainstream television and more often face higher-level opposition. A central theme of the tender is how each round could be staged. Under the expanded model, Coppa Italia ties would be decided by single matches, rather than relying on the structures that can allow bigger clubs to manage results across legs.
Serie A is also considering whether home advantage should be handled differently. The league is looking at the possibility of granting home ties rather than automatically giving the higher-ranked team the advantage, which would mean lower-league clubs could host top-flight opponents.
No final decision has been made on home advantage. Which format is used in 2027-28 will depend on the offers Serie A receives during the tender process, because broadcasters would effectively be purchasing different products.
Separate Supercoppa tender and wider cup reform rationale
The Supercoppa Italiana will be tendered separately, rather than being included in the Coppa Italia package. Serie A’s move reflects ongoing pressure on the Coppa Italia format, which has long been criticised for protecting bigger clubs through mechanisms such as byes and home advantages in later rounds. Critics argue that can reduce the number of surprise results that typically drive audience interest in knockout cups.
By increasing participation from Serie C and shifting to single ties, the competition could become more volatile—and therefore more unpredictable for supporters, and more valuable for broadcasters who want higher-stakes matches earlier in the tournament.
Mediaset currently holds the rights, but the 2027-30 tender opens the door for rival broadcasters to win the next cycle of coverage.
