Teams
Chieri 1955
Borgosesia
Gavorrano
Lavagnese
Forli
Sestri Levante
Prato
Fezzanese
Vastese
Cavese
US Inveruno
Sambenedettese
Taranto
Fano
Vibonese
Pinerolo FC
Piacenza
San Marino Calcio
Tuttocuoio
Colligiana
Vis Pesaro
Trapani
Matera
Livorno
Robur Siena
Mantova
Pistoiese
Akragas
Lupa Roma
Casertana
Como
Arezzo
Bassano
Reggina
Viterbese
Fondi
Giana Erminio
Santarcangelo
Novara
Modena
Bari
Teramo
Sporting Recco
AV Herculaneum
Gubbio
Maceratese
Monopoli
Palermo
Lucchese
Racing Roma
Wikipedia - Serie D
The Serie D (Italian pronunciation: [ˈsɛːrje ˈdi]) is the highest level of semi-professional football in Italy. The fourth tier of the Italian league system, the competition sits beneath the third professional league, Serie C. It is administered by the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti and is organized by the Roman Comitato Interregionale (Interregional Committee), a "league in the league" inside the LND.
History
In 1948 the three leagues running Division 3 (Serie C) had to be reorganized due to an ever-growing number of regional teams. FIGC decided not to relegate the excess teams to regional championships. It chose the winners and a few runners-up from the 36 Serie C championships to be added to the new third division set up into 4 groups. The rest of the teams joined the new Promozione, which changed its name in 1952 into IV Serie (Fourth Division) and then in 1959 into Serie D.
From 1959 each player in the Serie D championships had to opt for semi-professional status, by signing a specially issued status attribution form. The championship was thus included in the Lega Nazionale Semiprofessionisti, today known as Lega Pro. Serie D was re-organized in 1981 when championships were reduced. The league name changed into the Interregional. Players lost semi-pro status and converted to amateurs. The championship subsequently passed into the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti. From 1992 to 1999 the name changed into Campionato Nazionale Dilettanti before eventually returning to the current Serie D name. With the merger of the Lega Pro's two divisions at the end of the 2013–14 season (as decided by the FIGC and Lega Pro in November 2012) to reestablish Serie C, Serie D and the leagues below it moved up by one level in the pyramid system, reducing the number of leagues in Italian football to nine.
The Italy Serie D is the fourth tier of the Italian football league system, serving as a crucial stepping stone for clubs aspiring to reach higher levels of competition, such as Serie C. Established in 2014, Serie D is a semi-professional league that features a diverse array of teams from across the country, showcasing the rich footballing culture of Italy.
**Structure and Format**
Serie D is divided into several regional groups, each comprising teams from specific geographical areas. This structure not only promotes local rivalries but also allows clubs to compete against teams with similar histories and fan bases. The league operates on a promotion and relegation system, with the top teams from each group earning the opportunity to ascend to Serie C, while the lower-performing teams face the risk of relegation to Eccellenza, the fifth tier of Italian football.
The season typically runs from August to May, with each team playing a round-robin schedule. Matches are held on weekends, and the league culminates in a playoff system to determine the overall champion and promotion spots.
**Talent Development and Community Engagement**
Serie D is renowned for its role in developing young talent, as many clubs prioritize nurturing homegrown players. This focus on youth development not only benefits the clubs but also contributes to the overall growth of Italian football. Additionally, Serie D clubs often have deep ties to their local communities, fostering a passionate fan base that supports their teams through thick and thin.
**Cultural Significance**
The Italy Serie D is more than just a football league; it embodies the spirit of grassroots football in Italy. With its rich history, passionate supporters, and commitment to developing future stars, Serie D plays a vital role in the Italian football landscape, bridging the gap between amateur and professional levels and ensuring that the beautiful game continues to thrive at all levels.