Serie A is sometimes seen as the fallen giant of Europe's top soccer leagues, based in a country where a stifling bureaucracy has prevented its clubs from competing on level terms with rivals from England, Spain and Germany.
Yet, AS Roma's imminent takeover by Texas-based billionaire Dan Friedkin, announced on Thursday, shows that it can still attract foreign investors who believe in the potential of both the league and its clubs.
Undeterred by current president James Pallotta's fruitless six-year quest to build Roma's own stadium, the Friedkin Group has agreed a €600 million ($712 million) deal for a club which, despite its size and prestige, has managed only three Serie A titles in its 93-year history.