Italian soccer fans, if you don’t know about Helbiz Live, you’re missing out.
In the football streaming wars, established players dominate the scene. Depending on your preferences, many of us subscribe to a mix of ESPN+, Peacock, and Paramount+, among others. However, there is a universe of league-based streaming services that are more specific. For example, iFollow exists specifically for fans of lower league English soccer.
But when it comes to Italian soccer, a name many of us aren’t familiar with is Helbiz Live.
Helbiz is an Italian company established in New York in 2015. Readers living in big cities may have seen their scooters or bikes parked along the sidewalks among the other scooter rental companies. The brand has expanded its presence. Instead of street bikes and scooters, Helbiz focused on a niche audience that spent money on loyalty. In this case, they were Italian soccer fans. The service began offering Serie B (second division) streaming this season for a monthly or yearly subscription price. CBS’s deal with Series A does not cover the lower tiers.
Lower divisions in Italy
The Series B is a worthwhile investment. I have been a supporter of Italian football for a long time. Even then, Series B can sometimes channel the worst stereotypes. Diving and hand gestures are rampant. Like other second divisions, it is excessively physical. However, the level of talent in the league is top notch, leading to a higher quality of play than can be expected from Serie B.
Then there are the clubs competing. Start with a club like Venezia. One of America’s favorite soccer clubs had a good run in Serie A. Now, it’s fighting for survival in the second division. Whether it’s the beautiful stadium by the sea, the trendy uniforms or the extreme American influence, Venezia matches are not to be missed.
The club is struggling this season. As of early February, Venezia is just a few points above the relegation zone. If they sit out of Serie B this season, you won’t be able to legally stream their matches. So, you’ll want to check them out this season, just in case.
Serie B also has several family clubs. Genoa, Bari, Cagliari, Parma and SPAL among others. The last two have an American influence. There are also a number of interesting trainers roaming the bench. That includes recently returned Claudio Ranieri at Cagliari, Daniele de Rossi at SPAL and Filippo Inzaghi at Regina. The table is tight at all times and there are several recognizable players.
Helbiz Live subscription for Serie B
Now that I’ve convinced you that the league deserves your attention, what about the streaming service? At this time, the monthly subscription cost is approximately $6 per month. Granted, this is a bit high to receive a league, even if it’s not as high as the MLS Season Pass. However, you do have access to all matches, including replays.
The streaming is top notch, but the quality is top notch. I’ve watched matches on a computer, phone, tablet, and streamed to a TV. Each time, the image and audio were clear. If you miss a live match, the replay is available with no score spoiler. There are also add-ons like Weekend Highlights, Interviews, and Match Highlights. You can identify a favorite team and easily access their schedule and matches. Also, some subscription options come with Helbiz rental credits.
There are some key downsides. Helbiz as a company has been through some growing pains. Consequently, it is not as established a sports provider as ESPN. There are essentially four commercials that air throughout matches, so you might get tired of beautiful people riding scooters or kids in awe of former Serie B players. application. So you may have to look elsewhere to see what position each club comes into the match. Also, the content is in Italian and you need to make sure you subscribe via the English site, which may not be the first to come up in search. If you don’t speak the language or need to hear what’s going on, you may find it difficult to follow the matches.
I bought a full season subscription in September to watch my favorite club and have not regretted it. The streaming service is good and presents the league well, both with passion in the stands and with quality on the pitch. However, I hope I don’t have to buy it again next season as my favorite club is still fighting for promotion.
At least I know that Helbiz Live will allow me to legally enjoy the atmosphere and experience if they stay in Serie B.
PHOTO: IMAGO/LaPresse
