Fantacalcio auctions become a major cultural ritual in Italy

In Italy, the annual Fantacalcio player auction has become a significant cultural ritual, often taking precedence over social and professional commitments. Participants engage in intense preparation, using everything from complex Excel spreadsheets and statistical studies to specialized apps and algorithms to build their fantasy teams.

The auction process is described as a solemn event where participants adopt the roles of sports executives and strategists. The competitive nature of the bidding often leads to heated debates among players regarding the perceived value of acquisitions, with participants frequently arguing that certain players have been purchased at too high a price.