One year after being awarded the prestigious Euro 2032 co-hosting rights alongside Turkey, Italy is facing scrutiny from UEFA due to slow progress in stadium preparations. Michele Uva, UEFA director, has issued a warning regarding the lack of development in Italy, contrasting it sharply with Turkey’s advancements in getting ready for Euro 2032.
Italy initially considered a solo bid for Euro 2032 but opted for a joint effort with Turkey, acknowledging the challenges of upgrading or building the required number of stadiums independently. While Turkey is reportedly on track with its stadium commitments for Euro 2032, Italy is struggling to keep pace, hampered by political obstacles that are delaying crucial infrastructure projects across the nation.
Uva emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Italy needs five stadiums up to code for EURO 2032, with projects that are already approved and financed. At the moment, only one is ready, the Stadium in Turin.” He further elaborated on the status of other proposed venues, stating, “The Stadio Olimpico in Rome needs a few changes, while the situation at San Siro is more complicated.” This paints a concerning picture of Italy’s readiness to co-host Euro 2032.
The UEFA director pointed out that a significant amount of time has passed since the hosting rights were granted, yet tangible progress remains limited. Uva stressed that the need for stadium investment extends beyond just the five venues required for Euro 2032, highlighting the broader importance of modernizing football infrastructure throughout Italy, including facilities for smaller clubs. He drew a comparison with Turkey’s proactive approach, noting, “For example, in Turkey they have built 13 new stadiums over the last few years, not just those that will host the Euros.” This comparison underscores the disparity in stadium development between the two co-hosting nations for Euro 2032.
Uva also referenced examples of stadium modernization in other footballing nations to illustrate the necessity for Italy to act decisively. “In England they knocked down Wembley, in Brazil they rebuilt the Maracanà , these were temples of football,” he stated. He acknowledged the sentimental value attached to historic stadiums like San Siro but argued for a pragmatic approach: “I realise people are fond of the stadiums, but we mustn’t think they are eternal. San Siro is a beautiful monument, but the two Milan clubs ought to each have their own modern home ready to bring in fresh revenue.” The future of San Siro is a critical point in Italy’s Euro 2032 stadium plans.
Currently, Turin, Rome, and Milan are the Italian cities nominated to host Euro 2032 matches, with two more cities yet to be finalized. Stadium projects in Rome and Milan are facing considerable delays. AS Roma’s new stadium project is experiencing slow progress, while AC Milan and Inter Milan are entangled in ongoing discussions with the Milan city council regarding the future of San Siro – debating between renovation, demolition and rebuild, or constructing new separate stadiums.
Other potential host cities in Italy, including Florence, Naples, Cagliari, and Bologna, are also facing uncertainty with their respective stadium projects. In Florence, despite initial construction work at Stadio Artemio Franchi, a funding gap of approximately $60 million has emerged, jeopardizing the completion of the renovations. This financial hurdle is another challenge for Italy’s Euro 2032 preparations.
Italy faces a deadline of October 2026 to nominate the final two host cities. Failure to demonstrate substantial progress in stadium development by then could result in the country losing its co-hosting rights for Euro 2032 altogether.
Italy’s past experience with hosting major tournaments adds another layer of concern. The 1990 World Cup in Italy saw significant cost overruns in stadium construction and renovation, with the financial burden lingering for 27 years. This historical precedent highlights the potential risks associated with large-scale stadium projects in Italy.
The challenges in stadium development are not new to Italian football. Years of bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of consistent political backing have hindered clubs from building modern stadiums. Juventus’ Allianz Stadium, opened in 2011, remains the last major stadium project completed in the country, illustrating the difficulties in progressing such initiatives. Atalanta’s Gewiss Stadium renovation, finalized after acquiring the stadium from the Bergamo city council, stands as another relatively recent, albeit smaller-scale, success story.
As the clock ticks down to Euro 2032, Italy must overcome these stadium obstacles to ensure its place as a co-host. UEFA’s warning serves as a clear call to action for Italy to accelerate its stadium preparations and demonstrate its commitment to delivering a successful Euro 2032 tournament.
