Under the deal, Serie A will obtain access to some Meta tools for real-time monitoring, reporting and fast removal of any Serie A games illegally streamed on the US giant’s social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.

“In particular, we are helping the league to develop a software which would make the reporting process easier and faster,” said Luca Colombo, country director for Meta in Italy.

TV rights make up the bulk of revenue for Serie A teams including champions Inter, AC Milan, Napoli and Juventus.

Online search giants and social media platforms have often been blamed by right holders for facilitating access to illegal live-streaming services.

Under five-year contracts to show games in its home market until 2029, Serie A has pocketed some €4.5 billion (US$4.7 billion) from sports streaming platform DAZN and Comcast’s pay-TV unit Sky.

“The cooperation with Meta is a first step, and I hope that other platforms will join our efforts,” said Serie A chief executive Luigi De Siervo.

Italian authorities have intensified efforts to counter online piracy, which is costing billion of euros to broadcasters and sports leagues globally.

Rome last year approved a law which enabled the country’s communication watchdog (AGCOM) to swiftly suppress pirate streaming channels with a focus on live events, including sports.

This month Italian police dismantled a video piracy network which had over 22 million users across Europe, with an alleged turnover of €3 billion a year.