Naples backs Maradona overhaul as Napoli pursue rival stadium vision
Naples has approved the technical and economic feasibility plan for a €200m redevelopment of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, advancing its UEFA Euro 2032 bid while Napoli continue to explore a privately funded new stadium elsewhere in the city.
The City of Naples has approved the feasibility plan for a €200m redevelopment of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, clearing a major procedural hurdle in its effort to secure UEFA Euro 2032 matches.The project would increase capacity from about 54,000 to 70,000, reopen the third tier, remove the athletics track and extend the roof. It is being developed separately from Napoli’s plans for a new privately financed stadium.Naples infrastructure councillor Edoardo Cosenza said: “The Municipality of Naples is fully adhering to the proposed timetable. We are ready to send the approved project to the FIGC and UEFA by July 31, along with the documentation required of all the venues competing to host Euro 2032.“The project is a synergistic effort of engineering and architecture with a strong identity.”Approval followed the conclusion of the Services Conference, which brought together municipal departments and external bodies responsible for planning, environmental, safety and transport assessments.The positive decision establishes formal backing for the technical and economic feasibility project and allows the city to continue work on the executive design.Naples must submit its documentation to the Italian Football Federation and UEFA by July 31 as it seeks selection as one of Italy’s five host cities for Euro 2032.Italy will stage the tournament jointly with Turkey, creating competition among domestic cities for a limited number of venue slots.The Maradona project dates back to a redevelopment masterplan delivered in April 2025. It also incorporates plans to improve the stadium’s energy efficiency and return the currently closed upper tier to use.The City of Naples and the Campania regional government signed a memorandum in April covering the financing and delivery of upgrades to the venue and surrounding area.Detailed funding arrangements have not been confirmed. The proposed investment is expected to require contributions from public authorities, with the city retaining control of the municipally owned stadium.The approval intensifies a longstanding debate over Napoli’s future home.Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has repeatedly criticised the limitations of the Maradona and argued that Napoli require a modern, club-controlled venue capable of generating stronger hospitality, retail and matchday revenues.Napoli recently signed a letter of intent with Kuwait Petroleum to assess the former Q8 refinery site in San Giovanni a Teduccio as a location for a new stadium.Chief executive Andrea Chiavelli said the club had inspected the site and believed it offered the characteristics required for a major venue development.Napoli have previously outlined ambitions for a 70,000-seat stadium with 120 hospitality boxes. The club have said existing design work could be adapted for the refinery site.Mayor Gaetano Manfredi has indicated that the city would support a viable privately financed proposal, while continuing to advance the Maradona redevelopment.Manfredi said: “Private investment is needed. If Napoli Calcio finds the resources and presents the project, it will only find support from the City. Now we have the Maradona and, as a good father would, let’s improve the house we have.”He estimated that a leading modern stadium could require investment of more than €1bn, substantially above the budget proposed for the municipal redevelopment.Napoli’s new-build option remains at an early stage and would require land negotiations, remediation work, financing and planning approval.The city will now submit the Maradona project for Euro 2032 consideration while Napoli continue assessing whether a separate stadium can offer a stronger long-term commercial model.