The City Council of Naples has officially greenlit a comprehensive renovation project for the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, earmarking an estimated investment of €200 million. The move aims to modernize the municipal facility and secure its position as a primary venue for the Euro 2032 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Italy and Turkey.
The municipal plan sets a different course from SSC Napoli’s management, which has recently advocated for the construction of a new stadium, citing the difficulties of adapting the aging structure to meet stringent UEFA requirements.
According to the proposal, the renovation will focus on several major structural interventions. Key among these is the removal of the athletics track, a move designed to improve sightlines and bring fans closer to the pitch. The project also includes the reopening of the stadium’s third tier and an expansion of the existing roof. These upgrades are expected to boost the stadium’s capacity from 54,000 to approximately 70,000 spectators.
Beyond the sporting infrastructure, the city intends to transform the venue into a year-round destination. The plan outlines the development of 30,000 square meters of commercial space, upgraded hospitality zones, and improved access points. A central feature of this commercial push is the “Maradona Experience,” a dedicated museum designed to leverage the stadium’s historical significance.
This announcement comes at a critical time for Italian football infrastructure. While Naples moves forward with its municipal plan, other projects across the country, such as the renovation of the Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, face potential stalls due to rising costs and bureaucratic delays. Naples now prepares to present its formal proposal to UEFA, aiming to lead the way in Italy’s stadium modernization efforts.