€55 million is once again available for renovation works at Stadio Franchi. These funds come from the Integrated Urban Plans (PUI), which were part of about €200 million allocated by the government for the stadium but were cut from the budget in spring 2023.

Minister allocates funds for urban projects

At the beginning of July, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi — in agreement with the Minister of Finance, the Minister for European Affairs, Cohesion Policies, and PNRR — signed a decree allocating funds to 11 municipal projects. These projects qualify for PUI funding and, since they already have resources secured by Palazzo Vecchio, the saved millions can be redirected to the Nervi stadium.

Mayor Sara Funaro emphasized that this is an important achievement for Florence. She noted that dialogue with the government and ministers has never ceased, and thanks to the PUI funding, various strategic works for the city and its residents will be possible. The availability of an additional €55 million frees up resources dedicated to the Stadio Franchi renovation, where collaboration with Fiorentina continues. Next Tuesday, a meeting is scheduled at Palazzo Vecchio with UEFA, FIGC, and Fiorentina to discuss Florence’s candidacy for Euro 2032.

© Sailko (CC BY 3.0)

Fiorentina awaits details and work schedule

Fiorentina’s management welcomed the news, but before proposing a financing project to cover the remaining approximately €55 million needed to complete the Franchi renovation, they are awaiting answers from Palazzo Vecchio: what is the new work schedule? Which tasks remain unfunded despite the available €55 million? For how many years and at what cost will Fiorentina hold the concession and full control of the stadium?

In the coming days, a meeting will be held at city hall to support preparations for Euro 2032, ahead of UEFA’s planned October 2026 decision to select five Italian stadiums to host matches in the Italy-Turkey co-hosted tournament. We need to speed up, reminded Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, announcing the imminent appointment of a Stadium Commissioner, since construction sites must open no later than April or May 2027. Florence has long since started works, so this advantage must not be wasted.