The line graph illustrates the average attendance at top-tier football matches in Italy, England, and Germany from 1980 to 2004. Overall, while Italy started and remained the leading country in terms of football match attendance for much of the period, it ultimately experienced a decline. In contrast, both England and Germany witnessed upward trends and overtook Italy by the end of the timeframe.
In 1980, Italy recorded the highest average attendance, with around 35,000 spectators, rising slightly to a peak of approximately 37,000 in 1986. However, the following years saw a steady drop, and by 2004, the number had fallen to around 25,000.
Meanwhile, England and Germany started with similar figures—roughly 25,000 attendees in 1980. Both nations saw declines mid-period, reaching their lowest points in 1986 at about 23,000 and 18,000, respectively. However, Germany showed a continuous rise from that point on, finishing at over 33,000 by 2004. England followed a similar pattern, rising steadily to reach just under 35,000 by the end of the period, thereby surpassing Italy.