Key Takeaways
- Canadian internationals Jonathan David and Ismael Koné have signed for Juventus and Sassuolo, driving Serie A’s popularity across the country.
- Over 1.5 million Italian-Canadians form a passionate supporter base, with stars like Lorenzo Insigne and Sebastian Giovinco having played in Major League Soccer.
- Despite Canada co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, Italy will not participate after failing to qualify for the third consecutive tournament.
Interest in Italian football is spreading rapidly across Canada. The North American nation is embracing Serie A like never before. This surge comes as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Two major transfers have fuelled this excitement. Striker Jonathan David has completed a move to Juventus. Midfielder Ismael Koné has joined Sassuolo. Both deals were finalised during the summer 2025 transfer window. These high-profile signings have drawn more Canadian viewers to the Italian top flight.
Supporters can follow the action on DAZN Canada and TLN TV. These broadcasters show three live fixtures every week.
The connection between the two countries runs deeper than television rights. More than 1.5 million Canadians claim Italian ancestry. This figure represents 4.3% of the total population. Most of these communities live in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Several Italian legends have also appeared on the pitch in Canada. Sebastian Giovinco starred for Toronto FC from 2015 to 2019. More recently, Euro 2020 winners Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne joined the same club. Alessandro Nesta played in central defence for Montreal Impact between 2012 and 2013. The former Lazio and AC Milan star won three Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies during his career in the Peninsula.
After hanging up his boots, Nesta moved into management. He coached Miami FC in the United States before returning to Italy to take charge of Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and Monza.
Lega Serie A has confirmed record growth across North America. League President Ezio Maria Simonelli highlighted the expansion. He stated that Italian football has never been so accessible across the region. He pointed to the CBS Main Network broadcast of Juventus against Genoa on March 29 as proof of this commitment.
Andrea Pirlo shares this optimism. The former Milan and Juventus midfielder, who won the 2006 World Cup with the Azzurri, said modern coverage brings overseas fans closer to the game.
However, one anticipated clash will not take place. Canada will host matches during the 2026 World Cup. Sadly, Italy will not be there. The Azzurri have failed to qualify for the tournament for the third time in a row. This means fans will not see the two national teams meet in Group B as once proposed.