The City of Naples has officially greenlit a ambitious €200 million modernization project for the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi confirmed the news this Thursday, marking a historic turning point for the 66-year-old venue as it prepares to host the 2032 European Championship.
The renovation aims to transform the historic ground into a world-class arena, addressing long-standing structural issues and safety concerns that had previously led to UEFA’s hesitation in approving the site for major tournaments.
The “Maracanã Style” Expansion
The most striking feature of the renovation is the addition of a third seating tier, which is expected to increase the total capacity by 10,000 seats, bringing the stadium closer to a 65,000-70,000 capacity range. This “Maracanã-inspired” design will not only modernize the silhouette of the stadium but also bring fans closer to the action.
Key Features of the Renovation:
- Capacity Increase: Reopening and expanding the third ring.
- Maradona Experience: A dedicated club museum and interactive exhibit honoring the legendary No. 10.
- Premium Upgrades: New VIP boxes and luxury hospitality areas to boost matchday revenue.
- Modern Infrastructure: Enhanced safety systems, energy efficiency, and seismic reinforcements.
Racing Against Time for Euro 2032
Italy and Turkey will co-host the European Championship in 2032, and Naples is determined to be a centerpiece of the tournament. “Naples deserves a stadium worthy of its history and its fans,” stated Mayor Manfredi.
Construction is slated to begin at the end of the 2025/26 season. This timeline is crucial, as the city must present the finalized project for UEFA verification by July 2026.
The Club’s Perspective
While the city administration moves forward with the renovation, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has previously expressed interest in building a private stadium elsewhere. However, this massive public investment supported by both local and national institutions suggests that the “Blues” will remain at their spiritual home in Fuorigrotta for the foreseeable future.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
