Italy: New SSC Napoli stadium – city raises concerns, decision postponed

source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

Italy: New SSC Napoli stadium – city raises concerns, decision postponed The meeting of the ZES Services Conference (Unified Economic Zone), which was set to decide on the validity of the “Feasibility Project for the New SSC Napoli Stadium” in the Caramanico area of Poggioreale, has been postponed from Thursday, September 4, to Wednesday, September 18.

Advertisement

Reason for the delay

As requested by the competent authorities, the document reads, ZES may require the applicant to provide additional documentation necessary to carry out the procedure. To submit this, the applicant may request a suspension of the process for up to 30 days.

The core issue is that the Naples municipal authorities, led by Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, submitted an extensive opinion on the new SSC Napoli stadium project to ZES. This body, directly under the Italian Prime Minister’s Office, accepted the local government’s remarks – a key player in the investment, as everything happens on city-owned land. Aurelio De Laurentiis, president of the Italian champions, requested an additional two weeks to respond to these comments.

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona (Stadio San Paolo)© Instagram: @dronaut.video

Several points of contention

The city highlighted several critical points but has not closed the door to the investor. According to leaks, Mayor Manfredi has not rejected De Laurentiis’ proposal but demands adjustments. He repeatedly emphasized that, given a feasible and concrete project, he will not erect barriers. The most sensitive issue concerns the Caramanico market vendors – over 300 families who would need to relocate with their businesses if the stadium is built. Alternative locations must be found, and SSC Napoli is expected to assist.

Another issue involves parking zones – De Laurentiis wants 8,000 spaces. The new Caramanico stadium is planned on land obtained by demolishing certain road arcs along via Traversa Caramanico and parts of via Vesuvio, allowing space for stadium parking. However, these plans clash with the location of the new sports hall near the Management Center. The city requests an environmental impact assessment and consideration of reasonable alternatives.

Stadio Diego Armando Maradona (Stadio San Paolo)© GaeC86

What about Stadio Maradona?

The Euro 2032 context remains. Regardless of whether a new stadium is built, the city does not plan to abandon Stadio Maradona, which will remain Napoli’s home for at least five more years. To host Euro 2032 matches, Palazzo San Giacomo faces time pressure: by the end of September, the city must formally register with FIGC as a host; in July 2026, project verification will take place; in October 2026, FIGC will select five UEFA stadiums; and by May 2027, any new constructions should commence.

<h2>Reason for the delay</h2>


<p>“As requested by the competent authorities,” the document reads, “ZES may require the applicant to provide additional documentation necessary to carry out the procedure. To submit this, the applicant may request a suspension of the process for up to 30 days.”</p>


<p>The core issue is that the Naples municipal authorities, led by Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, submitted an extensive opinion on the new SSC Napoli stadium project to ZES. This body, directly under the Italian Prime Minister’s Office, accepted the local government’s remarks – a key player in the investment, as everything happens on city-owned land. Aurelio De Laurentiis, president of the Italian champions, requested an additional two weeks to respond to these comments.</p>


<h2>Several points of contention</h2>


<p>The city highlighted several critical points but has not closed the door to the investor. According to leaks, Mayor Manfredi has not rejected De Laurentiis’ proposal but demands adjustments. He repeatedly emphasized that, given a feasible and concrete project, he will not “erect barriers.” The most sensitive issue concerns the Caramanico market vendors – over 300 families who would need to relocate with their businesses if the stadium is built. Alternative locations must be found, and SSC Napoli is expected to assist.</p>


<p>Another issue involves parking zones – De Laurentiis wants 8,000 spaces. The new Caramanico stadium is planned on land obtained by demolishing certain road arcs along via Traversa Caramanico and parts of via Vesuvio, allowing space for stadium parking. However, these plans clash with the location of the new sports hall near the Management Center. The city requests an environmental impact assessment and consideration of reasonable alternatives.</p>


<h2>What about Stadio Maradona?</h2>


<p>The Euro 2032 context remains. Regardless of whether a new stadium is built, the city does not plan to abandonStadio Maradona, which will remain Napoli’s home for at least five more years. To host Euro 2032 matches, Palazzo San Giacomo faces time pressure: by the end of September, the city must formally register with FIGC as a host; in July 2026, project verification will take place; in October 2026, FIGC will select five UEFA stadiums; and by May 2027, any new constructions should commence.</p>


Advertisement