After months of standstill and a complicated tender process, work has officially resumed at the municipal stadium in Foggia. Thanks to funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the venue is set to undergo modernization and get a new look ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Official inspection and new phase of the investment

On the morning of Monday, June 23, an official inspection took place at Stadio Comunale Pino Zaccheria, marking the handover of the construction site to the new contractor. The event was attended by Foggia’s mayor Maria Aida Episcopo, city councillor for public works Giuseppe Galasso, councillor for sports Domenico Di Molfetta, municipal engineers, and representatives of the newly appointed construction firm.

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This ceremony marked the symbolic and administrative start of a new phase in the project. According to city authorities, it resumed works that had been interrupted earlier this spring after the termination of the contract with the original contractor. The decision was made on March 27 due to serious breaches of the agreement.

80 days of administrative work

Exactly 80 days passed between the termination of the previous contract and the start of collaboration with the new contractor, during which city offices had to carry out a series of complex administrative, technical, and procedural steps. A key milestone was drafting the compliance status document on April 17 — a record securing progress made so far and allowing for a smooth transition of Stadio Comunale Pino Zaccheria.

After reviewing the technical and legal situation, on May 27 the city invited the company that had placed second in the original tender to enter negotiations. Ultimately, on June 20, a contract was signed with a temporary consortium formed by Società Costruzioni Firenze s.r.l. and Consorzio Innova società cooperativa. According to the revised schedule, the work is to be completed within 182 days — exactly the time remaining under the original contract.

© Robert Saganowski, Stadiony.net

A new life for the stadium – higher capacity and new standards

The modernization plan involves not only technical upgrades but also expansion. The stadium’s capacity will increase from the current 11,318 to 15,657 seats. Several improvements are also planned in terms of accessibility, functionality, and sustainability. The venue is expected to meet current safety regulations and infrastructure standards for professional sports.

As councillor Giuseppe Galasso stated, after months of intensive administrative work, we are finally able to resume construction, starting from the same schedule approved by the Gruppo Operativo Sicurezza (Operational Safety Group) at the beginning of last year.

The first step in this new phase will be completing the away supporters’ section — the area initially targeted in the first round of work before it was interrupted. The city hopes this stand will be ready in time for one of the first home matches of the 2025/26 season.

The voice of local government

Foggia’s officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of Zaccheria Stadium not only for the football club but for the local community. Today we are sending a concrete signal to our residents said Mayor Maria Aida Episcopo. Stadio Zaccheria is a symbol of Foggia’s identity and a fundamental piece of our city’s sporting and social life. Resuming work after a complicated phase is an act of responsibility and determination that we took on with great commitment, together with all involved departments, whom I would like to thank for their dedication and effort.

Councillor for sport Domenico Di Molfetta added, Zaccheria is not just Foggia’s pitch — it’s a shared space of belonging and unity that deserves reinforcement and safety. We aim to have everything ready for the return of the team and fans as soon as possible, knowing how important this project is.

© Robert Saganowski, Stadiony.net

More than just a sports investment

Although the stadium’s modernization is primarily seen as an infrastructure and sports project, local authorities point to its broader importance. By using PNRR funds (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), the project contributes to the city’s urban renewal strategy and enhances the quality of public space.

The works were commissioned under Article 5 of Decree Law 76/2020 and Article 124 of the Public Procurement Code, allowing for streamlined procedures and ensuring continuity after previous complications.

Italy's aging stadiums, and Euro 2032 is fast approaching

Italian stadiums have long struggled with outdated infrastructure, technical shortcomings, and painfully slow modernization efforts. While the list of potential Euro 2032 host venues includes as many as ten stadiums, realistically only three — in Rome, Turin, and Milan — currently meet UEFA standards. The rest require major upgrades, many of which haven’t even begun. Bureaucratic hurdles, local political disputes, and a lack of clear funding sources mean time is working against Italy.

UEFA has set a firm deadline: October 2026. By then, all proposed venues must fully comply with international requirements. If not, Italy risks losing half of its designated host cities to better-prepared Turkey. This would not only damage the country's reputation, but also signal that without deep structural reform, Italy’s football infrastructure will remain a shadow of its glorious past.

© Robert Saganowski, Stadiony.net