Euro 2020: RAI witness boost in ratings after Italy’s strong performances

Italy has been one of the most impressive teams at Euro 2020. Along with giving fans joy, the Italian team has also boosted broadcasters. The public service broadcaster Rai has clinched a boost in ratings as there were an average audience of 13.3 million viewers that watched Italy’s group stage clash against Switzerland in Euro 2020

Italy won the game 3-0 against Switzerland on Wednesday. A brace from Manuel Locatelli and a goal by Ciro Immobile secured Azzuri’s place in the round of 16 of the tournament and their victory was reportedly equivalent to a 51.9 percent market share. Their opening game against Turkey on Friday witnessed an audience of 12.7 million on Rai, which is equal to 50.7 percent share. 

Rai took over live free-to-air rights to 27 matches, which includes all the matches of Italy and also the semi-finals and the finals of the tournament. The public service broadcaster also secured the highlights right. Meanwhile, Sky Italia, a Pay-Television broadcaster secured rights for 51 matches. 

Italy also became the very first team in Euro 2020 to enter the round of 16. However, Roberto Mancini’s men will be looking to end the group stage on a strong note when they face Wales later this week. Apart from Italy, Netherlands and Belgium also booked their place in the next round on Thursday. 

The Group F match between France and Germany also attracted a significant audience on free-to-air broadcasters in both countries. The German public service broadcaster ZDF recorded an average audience of 22.6 million viewers per match, which is a 67.4 percent share. In France, the ratings also did reach heights as an average of 15.1 million viewers watched the game on commercial broadcaster M6. The ratings for the game between Portugal and France this weekend are also likely to record huge numbers in viewership. As the games get bigger in the knockout stages, broadcast companies will enjoy significant viewership.