When young American footballers dream of playing in Europe, they usually picture the bright lights of the Premier League, the Bundesliga, or La Liga. Even within Italy, the ambition is to wear the jersey of a Serie A giant like Juventus, Milan, or Inter. But for many players, that direct leap is unrealistic and, more importantly, it might not even be the smartest path.
Italy’s second and third divisions (Serie B and Serie C) represent an overlooked but powerful developmental pathway for young American dual nationals with EU citizenship. These leagues may not grab global headlines, but they offer something that ambitious players desperately need: a competitive, tactical, and professional environment where growth is non-negotiable.
“Serie B and Serie C may not feature global superstars, but they provide a tactical and professional environment where young players must grow or fall behind.”
The value of Italian football culture
Italian football has always carried a reputation for its tactical sophistication. Serie B and Serie C may not feature global superstars, but the football is still demanding. Matches are tight, tactical battles where a single mistake can decide results. Young players who succeed here learn resilience, discipline, and the art of adapting to a tactical system, skills that too often get overlooked in the more open, athletic style of play in MLS, USL or college soccer.
For American players accustomed to the relative freedom of the U.S. game, stepping into a system where positioning, game intelligence, and situational awareness are drilled into you every week can be career-defining.
Why it works for Americans
There are several reasons why Italy’s lower leagues present a real opportunity for U.S. talent, especially those coming out of academy squads or college programs. Although Serie B clubs are limited in signing non-EU players and Serie C clubs are barred from signing non-EU players entirely, American dual nationals with an EU passport enjoy a unique advantage: they are eligible to play in these leagues where many others cannot. This opens doors that are closed to young players from non-EU countries.
For the players themselves, the competitive edge of European football is invaluable. Unlike MLS, USL (for now), or even college soccer which lack promotion and relegation, Italy’s promotion and relegation system means every match carries high stakes. A standout season in Serie B or Serie C is not just about survival, it can quickly draw attention from Serie A scouts and clubs across Europe. Tanner Tessmann and Gianluca Busio’s rise with Venezia, for example, shows how quickly strong performances in Serie B can lead to top-flight opportunities.
The benefits extend to the clubs as well. Dual nationals in the United States represent a relatively untapped market for Italian lower-division teams, allowing them to add talent while still working within strict foreign-player quotas. Financially, the arrangement makes sense too. Players fresh out of college or MLS academies are often eager for European experience and willing to sign on manageable wages. For Serie B and Serie C clubs, where budgets are often tight, signing a motivated dual national can be a smarter, more cost-effective option than relying on veteran lower-league players who may command higher salaries.
In short, dual national Americans can offer clubs both value and upside: a low-risk investment with the potential for significant long-term returns.
Challenges to consider
Of course, this pathway isn’t without its difficulties. Serie B and Serie C don’t come with the glamour, financial security, or visibility of Europe’s top leagues. Stadiums are smaller, media coverage is limited, and the pressure to perform is relentless.
For young Americans, the adjustment can be steep. Players must adapt not only to a new language and culture but also to Italy’s notoriously tactical style of play, where positional discipline and situational awareness are demanded in every match. Mistakes that might be forgiven in MLS, the USL or college soccer can quickly cost a place in the starting lineup.
Financially, the reality can be sobering as well. Salaries in the lower divisions often fall short of what a promising MLS player might earn, and contracts can be less stable. The margin for error is slim, especially for foreign players competing with locals who already know the league’s rhythms and expectations.
“Players who survive and thrive in these conditions emerge as more complete professionals: tactically educated, mentally tough, and accustomed to the high-stakes environment of promotion and relegation.”
Yet for those who persevere, the reward is significant. Players who survive and thrive in these conditions emerge as more complete professionals: tactically educated, mentally tough, and accustomed to the high-stakes environment of promotion and relegation. In many cases, these are the very qualities that attract the attention of bigger clubs.
A pathway worth exploring
For ambitious young Americans, Serie B and Serie C should not be viewed as consolation prizes but as proving grounds. These leagues are often filled with academy prospects from Italy’s biggest clubs, sent out on loan to gain experience and toughen their game. Sharing the pitch with hungry young Italians, veterans fighting for promotion, and clubs desperate to avoid relegation or earn promotion creates an environment where every match matters.
This system has shaped generations of Italian players who went on to star in Serie A and beyond. Leonardo Bonucci, for instance, spent time on loan in Serie C with Treviso early in his career before becoming one of Italy’s most decorated defenders. Ciro Immobile also spent crucial developmental years in Serie B before rising to the top of Serie A and winning a European Golden Shoe. The same pathway that produced Italy’s stars can provide a springboard for American players who embrace the challenge.
For Italian clubs, meanwhile, the U.S. remains a largely unexplored market. Dual national players in particular represent a valuable resource: hardworking, athletic, and eager to prove themselves in Europe. For a club with limited resources, uncovering a motivated American prospect can mean acquiring not just an affordable player, but one with resale potential and marketability both in Italy and abroad.
On top of that, the growing number of American investors in Italian football (from Serie A down to Serie C) could accelerate this trend. Ownership groups with U.S. ties are often more open to scouting the American market, which may create additional opportunities for young players looking to use Italy’s lower leagues as their path to Europe.
Conclusion
The next chapter of American success in European football may not come from the Bundesliga pipeline or the Premier League dream. It may come from the battlegrounds of Serie B and Serie C, where discipline is demanded, opportunities are earned, and young players grow into professionals.
As someone who understands both the American and Italian footballing cultures, I believe this pathway is more than viable, it’s underutilized. And the players and clubs who recognize that first may be the ones who benefit the most.
