The renovation of Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples is currently the main topic of discussions between Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, and Napoli club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. Even though new problems keep emerging, work is ongoing to find solutions.

Who will take responsibility?

There are three main positions on the table that need to be reconciled: the Italian government's stance, which insists that Naples must be one of the five Italian cities chosen by UEFA to host the 2032 European Championships (a decision that will be made in October 2026); De Laurentiis’ desire to own the stadium outright, as he is legally entitled to fund the project; and Mayor Manfredi, as the owner of the stadium, considering either leasing the stadium for 99 years or even selling it outright, provided the project is accepted by the city. However, the plan would need to include athletics infrastructure.

According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, a new proposal emerged during recent talks, modeled on the Florence plan, where the municipality approved projects financed from the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) for redevelopment around the stadium.

In Naples, these funds have been allocated for other investments so far, but officials in Palazzo San Giacomo believe the fund could be restructured to allow its use for interventions around Stadio Maradona, especially in the Piazzale Tecchio area. These funds wouldn’t be used directly for the stadium itself (as that’s not allowed under the fund’s regulations), but could instead support projects like building athletic tracks and gym facilities at Mostra d’Oltremare, constructing a hotel behind Stand A, or reopening underground parking that’s been closed since the Italia 90 World Cup.

© Gaetano Capaldo

A special stadium fund?

It’s all possible because, according to UEFA, the stadium already meets key requirements: there is ample space around it, it is served by the metro and railways, and it is adjacent to the ring road and near San Paolo hospital. Crucial parameters, such as capacity, are already in place, as Naples is one of the few cities (besides Rome, Turin, and Milan) with a stadium that seats approximately 50,000.

As a result, the government has allowed a Sace guarantee for any bank loan Calcio Napoli would need to undertake for the renovation. Additionally, the government could create a stadium fund to support new construction or renovation projects in many Italian cities.

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