On February 20 precisely at 11:00, renovation works began at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence. First to go was the demolition of one of the venue's biggest symbols, the scoreboard installed in 1982 on the Curva Ferrovia stand.

Crucial first step

In recent days, preparations for the construction site have commenced, and demolition work on the scoreboard is set to be completed by March 14. To prevent dust dispersion from the demolition, water is sprayed on reinforced concrete, and a layer of sand is laid underneath to cushion the falling debris. This marks the beginning of the renovation works at Artemio Franchi.

What about missing amount?

During a recent appearance on Rtv38, Florence Mayor Dario Nardella elaborated on certain aspects regarding the modernization of Fiorentina's stadium. To complete all construction works, €55 million is still needed, followed by finishing works estimated at €25–30 million. If these missing funds are not provided by the government, as we still hope, we have two paths. If Fiorentina decides to return, it must request a concession, which can last for 99 years for a symbolic fee; otherwise, the stadium will remain under municipal ownership.

© ACF Fiorentina

Fiorentina returns for centenary

The mayor also expressed hopes of finding a title sponsor for the new Artemio Franchi who would pay more than €6 million. The €150 million must be invested by 2026, the year Fiorentina will return to play at Franchi on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. With the funds already available, we will also build a roof over Curva Fiesole. Completing the stadium's roofing entirely requires minimal financial resources and can be easily done within a few months. After 2026, we will have a new Franchi with all stands covered.

Will Artemio Franchi host European Championships?

A meeting between municipal authorities and the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) also took place recently. Gabriele Gravina announced that the new Artemio Franchi has been included in the list of selected venues to host the 2032 European Championships. Environmental protection and modernity blend on this multifunctional stadium, which focuses on sustainable development. The project for the new Franchi, including the redevelopment of the surrounding area, is a beautiful example of modern architecture, stated Gravina. I particularly appreciate the care for preserving greenery and the use of solar panels on the roof, as reported on mediaset.it.

© ACF Fiorentina