This year's World Cup will be a very interesting one as there will be some new faces there and some familiar faces not featuring. For the first time, none of the 64 games played in Russia will be shown on state-run television in Italy, and rather, Italian football fans can tune in thanks to a new deal signed by Mediaset, which is owned by none other than ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Berlusconi, who up until recently also owned AC Milan, paid a reported $93 million for the TV rights. Prior to that, the rights to the 2014 World Cup were shared between Sky Sports Italia and state-owned network RAI.
Below you will find all the info you need to stay on top of all the action taking place in Russia this summer...even though one notable team won't be actually taking part.
When is the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
This year's edition of the famous quadrennial tournament will be played between June 14, 2018 and July 15, 2018.
2018 FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights in Italy
As noted before, neither Sky Sports Italia nor RAI now have the broadcasting rights for this year's World Cup after Berlusconi's Mediaset acquired the rights for this year's edition. As such, all 64 games, from the opening game featuring the hosts Russia versus Saudi Arabia to the final on July 15th, will all be covered by varied channels on the Mediaset platform.
Watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup on TV
The options Italian football fans will have to watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup on TV include Canale 5, Italia 1 and 20 Mediaset.
Stream the 2018 FIFA World Cup online
Cord-cutters rejoice: Mediaset Live Italia has all 64 matches live for you to stream every single game via your phone, computer, or other mobile device.
Listen to the 2018 FIFA World Cup on radio
Hoping to do what your nonno did back in the good old days when he was just a young ragazzo? Then turn to Radio 105 Network to catch all 64 games of the 2018 FIFA World Cup for a more nostalgic feel.
2018 FIFA World Cup match times
The overwhelming majority of fixtures will be played between 14:00 CET and 20:00 CET with the exception of France vs Australia, which starts at 12:00 CET. Ambitious Nigeria will lock horns with a star-studded Croatian side at 21:00 CET, which is the latest match of this tournament. The opening game, which features hosts Russia vs Saudi Arabia, commences at 17:00 CET, while the final also will begin at 17:00 CET.
When does Italy play?
Unfortunately, thanks to Sweden, Italy were denied the chance to feature in the World Cup for the first time in nearly 60 years! Ironically, the last time the Azzurri failed to play in the World Cup, it was hosted in...Sweden. But as Italians obviously follow Serie A, there will be plenty of teams to support, as many of their favorite players hail from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Portugal, Germany, Colombia, Croatia, Serbia, Senegal, Morocco, and more.
Official 2018 World Cup Channels in Italy
World Cup Fixtures:
Below you will find a detailed list of all 64 games taking place at this summer's World Cup starting from 14th June through the final on 15th July:
