Top leagues:

Serie A (UEFA ranked 4)
Average attendance 2010/11: 24,957
20 teams.
Top 4 into Champions League, 5th, 6th and cup winners into Europa League. Bottom 3 relegated.
League website: http://www.legaseriea.it

Serie B:
Average attendance 2010/11: 5,430
22 teams. Top two promoted, 3-6 play off for final promotion place.
League website: http://www.legaserieb.it/

Season: September to early May, no winter break

Kick off times: Serie A, Sunday afternoon main kick off time with further fixtures on Saturday evening, Sunday lunchtime & evening, Monday night and occasionally Friday night. Serie B fixtures usually 3pm on Saturday.

Let's head to southern Europe with a legendary heartland of the game - Italy.

It may have slipped slightly from its lofty perch as the leading league of European football - and attendances have slipped in recent years.

But its sides can still land the Champions League prize with a swagger, and the fact crowds are a bit down makes it easier to grab tickets for some iconic stadiums.