Serie A (Italy) 2026/27

The Italian Hockey League – Serie A (IHL Serie A) stands as the premier professional ice hockey competition in Italy. Established in 1925, it operates under the **Federazione Italiana Sport del Ghiaccio (FISG)** and sits at Level 1 of the national pyramid. The league’s primary objective is to crown the national champion, with the winner claiming the Scudetto.

Unlike transnational tournaments, the Serie A is restricted to clubs holding Italian licences. While teams such as Ritten, Gherdeina, and Merano also compete in the international Alps Hockey League, their domestic campaign remains distinct. The Serie A has no direct promotion or relegation pathway to the AlpsHL. Instead, participation is driven by strict financial and licensing criteria set by the **Lega Italiana Hockey Ghiaccio (LIHG)**. A club may be excluded for failing to meet economic standards regardless of its position on the ice, while a lower-division side may be invited based on solvency.

The competition’s structure has shifted significantly in recent years. Historically, it featured a long round-robin season followed by playoffs. The 2024–25 edition operated with a condensed format, featuring four teams from the AlpsHL contesting a best-of-3 semi-final and final series. SG Cortina claimed the title in that shortened campaign. Before this reduction, the league typically hosted seven to eleven teams, including a "Master Round" before the knockout stages.

HC Bolzano holds the record for the most all-time titles with 19 championships. Recent success has also been shared by Ritten Sport and SG Cortina. The current season involves six clubs: Asiago, Ritten, Vipiteno Broncos, Gherdeina, Val Pusteria HC, and Merano. These sides navigate a dual existence, balancing international commitments with the pursuit of the domestic crown. The league serves as the central hub for Italian hockey, determining which clubs represent the country at the highest level.