The 2024/25 season in Florence was marked not only by sporting competition, but also by an agreement reached with the City Council regarding the redevelopment of Stadio Artemio Franchi. In the context of Italian bureaucracy, the signing of such an agreement paves the way for developments that would be purely procedural in other countries.

Summer enables uninterrupted construction work

The agreement allows the stadium to be used for Serie A and Coppa Italia fixtures until 31 May or 30 June 2026 – despite the ongoing renovations. Due to construction work, the stadium will operate at reduced capacity, leading to fewer spectators and lower revenue. In exchange, Fiorentina negotiated a reduction in annual rent, though this has yet to be formally approved.

After the final match of the season against Bologna, the long summer break began, during which the stadium was handed over entirely to renovation crews. Although work had already started earlier, only now – free from match-day interruptions – can it proceed without delays. Nearly 100 days of unrestricted access have provided contractors with a valuable time buffer, especially since the club requested to play the first three rounds of the 2025/26 season away from home. However, this request was only partially granted: Fiorentina will face Cagliari (24 August) and Torino (31 August) away, but will have to host Napoli at the Franchi after the international break (14 September).

© ACF Fiorentina

Progress and project timeline

According to the Palazzo Vecchio, a rotating work system will ensure continuity of the redevelopment. The first phase includes the Fiesole stand and the left section of the Maratona stand. This will be followed by the renovation of the Maratona tower and the upgrade of key infrastructure – including the relocation of toilets from the basement to the ground level.

The intensification of work comes at a crucial moment – not only due to the club’s centenary in 2026, but above all because of the deadline for completing all works funded by the PNC-PNRR (National Recovery Plan). The renovation is being carried out by contractors Cobas and Sac, with the final deadline set for the end of 2026.

© ACF Fiorentina

Fiorentina and the city – the financing issue

It remains to be determined how the club could support the city in covering the project’s costs. The estimated budget is around €100 million. There is still a funding gap preventing full implementation of the modernisation plan developed by Arup. Club president Rocco Commisso could play a decisive role here. Despite his significant resources, he has repeatedly stressed his preference to invest differently. At the end of the season, he emphasized the need for cooperation and a swift completion of the work: For the good of Fiorentina, we must work together and do everything possible to complete the renovation quickly. A partially functioning stadium makes no sense.

He also reminded the public that the Franchi stadium belongs to the city, which – like many other Italian municipalities – is unwilling to sell it. This leads to a fundamental dispute: We could have had a modern, functional stadium without having to demolish everything. It’s a pity I wasn’t allowed to make that happen. Marotta is right – only two new stadiums have been built in Italy, which clearly sets us apart from the rest of Europe.