Stadio Franchi is getting ready for Fiorentina's first home match of the 2024/25 season, where on Thursday, August 22, Puskás Akadémia will visit for the Conference League playoffs. The stadium is currently under construction and must be adapted to safely host the games.

Clean-up in progress

The functional testing of electrical and fire safety systems is nearing completion, and the inspection of structures separating the construction site from the audience is also underway. A tarp will be installed behind the Curva Fiesole goal to cover the construction work. Additionally, extra restrooms for fans are being built on the Maratona stand. Debris and all types of trash are being cleared out. According to Italian media reports, around 8,000 fans are expected to attend Thursday's match.

Staying at home?

President Rocco Commisso is expected to arrive in Florence at the end of the summer. After his arrival, city authorities and the club will sit down to outline future scenarios. It remains uncertain whether Viola will want to play in Padovani next season, and if so, whether Commisso would be willing to invest €5 million needed to adapt the venue to Serie A standards. Otherwise, Viola’s home will remain at Franchi, but the work will be completed in 2028, not 2026, as originally planned.

What about visiting fans?

Everyone is also awaiting decisions regarding the participation of visiting fans during the current season. On Thursday, 50 Hungarian fans will be present at the stadium, which should not pose a problem for public order. For the matches against Venezia and Monza, Fiorentina has requested a waiver from hosting the full quota of visiting fans and will only admit 250 supporters. For European cup matches, UEFA regulations require 5% of the seating capacity to be reserved for visiting fans.