The UEFA website said the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) approved plans to divide the league into northern and southern groups after consultation with players, clubs and coaches as a means of redressing the balance between the wealthy and less wealthy clubs in Italy.
There is currently only one southern team in Serie A, Reggina Calcio, and the current Serie B table is also dominated by clubs from the wealthy north of Italy, with several southern clubs struggling against relegation at the foot of the table.
It is hoped that, with sides being promoted to Serie A from each of the regional divisions, the new system will see more southern sides represented in Serie A.
Decisions on the size of the new divisions and how relegation and promotion will be worked out will be made in September.
Italian soccer is set for a shake-up after plans were unveiled to divide Serie B into regional groups from the start of the 2005/6 season.
