Although it looks decent at first glance, in reality it is one of the most powdered stadium old-timers in the world. At Stadio Diego Armando Maradona they are preparing for further repairs, but it is still a drop in the ocean.

If one wanted to repair this venue properly, the structure of the stands and the roof would need a complete redevelopment. The new exterior facade is something that would definitely improve the appearance. Then the old stadium could compete with much younger ones. Today it is far behind them.

© Gaetano Capaldo

The location of the venue is the only aspect related to the arena that other European clubs might envy SSC Napoli. It is situated on the Gulf of Naples, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. All the photos showing Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in front of the landscape are literally breathtaking. At the same time, they distort reality, because the closer we look at the details, the more euphoria gives way to disappointment.

In recent days the media reported that concrete fragments have broken off from the Curva A stand of the Neapolitan stadium and fallen to the ground. Apparently this is nothing new at the facility. Moreover, if the city does not find €10-15 million in the near future to carry out the necessary repair works, Napoli may not be allowed to open up the stadium for the next season.

© GaeC86

At least that is what local councillor Emanuela Ferrante said on fanpage.it. During the interview she pointed out that the concrete structures along with the steel frame of the grandstand extension need immediate repairs. Another urgent problem is the leaking roof over the press stand. And we are only talking about the most important needs related to the safety of use.

So far, the municipal council has approved a reconstruction design of the space between the changing rooms, the tunnel leading to the pitch and the entrance for the club coaches. The cost of the works will be around €1.5 million. It will be covered by the Campania regional government.

© Gaetano Capaldo

It will be another upgrade done in recent years. In 2019, the Napoli authorities, who own the stadium, carried out works worth around €23 million at the time. As a result, we’ve seen a spectacular resuscitation of the old facility. The decaying stands were covered with 55,000 eye-catching multicolor seats. In addition, modern lighting, screens and an audio system also appeared at the venue.

As for the current problem of falling concrete and a section of leaking roof, the local government has already taken action and ordered the executive design for the repairs. First we need to finalise the project, get it approved by the council and look for funding - said Emanuela Ferrante. She also pointed out that current season’s games will not be affected, but if the local government does not find funding, some sectors could be shut down for the next season.

© Instagram: @dronaut.video

Even if there is a happy ending and the required funds are secured, the necessary repairs will only postpone the inevitable. And it will be either a complete redevelopment of the stadium or the construction of a completely new arena - perhaps a typical football one without a track. Decisions may be made soon, as the Italian federation has recently confirmed that it intends to apply to host the Euro 2032.