The new Stadio Flaminio for Lazio is a project that Claudio Lotito, the club's president, has been working on for months. It is also the home that Biancocelesti fans dream of.

Reassessment of Roma Nuoto’s project

The stadium proposal presented by Roma Nuoto in 2020 for the area at the foot of Parioli was previously rejected by the Preliminary Services Conference (CSP). However, an appeal filed with the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) compelled Capitol administration to convene a new CSP to reassess the project.

The CSP is expected to issue a second ruling by November 20, offering one of three possible outcomes: a negative opinion, a positive opinion, or a conditional positive opinion. Lazio’s president will observe this administrative verdict. Alessandro Onorato, the Councilor for Sport, Tourism, and Major Events, has emphasized that under current regulations—which differ from those in 2020 when Roma Nuoto submitted its initial proposal—the CSP can evaluate two competing proposals for Stadio Flaminio simultaneously, though this process carries significant legal risks.

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What would a positive outcome for Roma Nuoto mean for Lazio?

Journalist Fernando Magliaro of Il Messaggero notes that if Lotito submits an initial feasibility study for Flaminio after November 20, Roma Nuoto’s consortium could initiate legal action to block Lazio’s project. According to Onorato, following CSP approval, the city council would decide who ultimately manages Flaminio. To avoid appeals from other applicants, Lazio must submit their proposal by November 20, when the CSP will rule on Roma Nuoto’s project, Magliaro explained. Will they make the deadline?

Claudio Lotito, during the Gran Galà del Calcio Italiano, commented on the situation regarding the future of Flaminio. The stadium does not have an expiration date; it is not yogurt. We said that by the end of the month we will present the preliminary project on schedule. We want to create a functional structure that respects the regulations and is useful for the fans. We are working with international experts and have engaged figures connected to the history of the Flaminio Stadium’s architecture, such as the Nervi family. It will be a futuristic stadium that will respect its surroundings and highlight its history.

Lotito faces a major challenge. Roma Nuoto’s project, proposing minimal changes to Flaminio’s current state, is more likely to gain approval from residents and, in particular, the descendants of the Nervi family, who oppose drastic changes to the 1959 structure. Conversely, Lazio’s proposed modernization involves substantial alterations to the Via Flaminia area, presenting more complex challenges. Chief among these are concerns about the visual impact, particularly the stadium roof, as well as mobility and safety issues. The Flaminio case is just beginning, and political decisions, patience, and legal-urban planning aspects will play crucial roles.

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Can Lotito secure a key partner?

Despite these challenges, Lazio’s president remains optimistic. A few days ago, he expressed confidence in successfully completing the Flaminio project. Collaboration with Legends appears to be a key element. According to Il Messaggero, the firm could attract a major commercial partner such as Emirates to help finance the modernization, which might cost up to €300 million. Lotito has openly stated his intent to replicate the Real Madrid model, which benefited from Emirates’ support in renovating Santiago Bernabéu.

Leveraging Legends, Lotito plans to hire a project manager to oversee a business plan expected to be submitted, at least in theory, by November 20. The competition with Roma Nuoto adds urgency to the process, but Emirates’ involvement could provide crucial momentum in the final stretch. Although Emirates is currently only an interested party, developments could accelerate soon.