The authorities in Naples are preparing for the redevelopment of Stadio Maradona as part of the city’s bid to host the UEFA Euro 2032. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and infrastructure councillor Edoardo Cosenza handed two documents to the UEFA and FIGC delegation.

Documents delivered, dispute resolved

The first is a plan for the stadium upgrade, which includes reopening the third tier and a €10 million investment – a clear signal that Naples prioritises the project. The second document contains the full redevelopment plan along with a letter from the mayor to the outgoing president of the Campania Region, Vincenzo De Luca. In the letter, Manfredi calls for financial support from the region to ensure the completion of the investment.

He stresses that the region has already backed stadium upgrades in other cities – €120 million for Salerno and €40 million for the Collana Stadium in Naples – both financed with EU funds. Despite being listed in a regional resolution as a redevelopment target, Stadio Maradona has received no funds, as the budget had already been allocated.

The issue also highlights political tensions related to the unequal distribution of EU funding. Manfredi notes that Naples and its metropolitan area make up 60% of the region but receive disproportionately fewer resources. Only the intervention of former minister Raffaele Fitto led to a more balanced allocation, enabling major urban projects such as the Bagnoli regeneration, America's Cup preparations, and the restoration of the monumental Albergo dei Poveri.

The plan for Stadio Maradona aims to increase capacity to 65,000 by reopening the third tier and expanding the roof to cover the entire venue. The athletics track will be removed, and stands will be placed just 7 meters from the pitch. The design draws inspiration from Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracanã. All UEFA requirements will be met, including parking and public transport accessibility – areas where Naples is considered among the best-prepared Italian cities.

© Instagram: @dronaut.video

Napoli to get an entirely new stadium?

Meanwhile, an alternative proposal has emerged: a brand-new stadium in the Poggioreale district, presented by SSC Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. The project has been submitted as part of the ZES (Special Economic Zone) and is expected to be assessed by early September. Although De Laurentiis was invited to city hall, he is unlikely to attend the meeting at Palazzo San Giacomo. Still, local authorities insist they do not view the initiative as a competing one.

Councillor Cosenza emphasized that the city is not opposed to De Laurentiis, and if the new stadium aligns with urban planning, it could bring many benefits. According to Cosenza, the redevelopment of Stadio Maradona is a cost-effective investment with a fast return, also thanks to concerts and cultural events. However, the main goal remains to expand seating capacity and secure Naples a host role at Euro 2032. If a new stadium is built at the same time – all the better for the city, Cosenza concluded.

© Matt Rayns - Groundhopper