Latest Naples Football – Bad news for the Maradona Stadium and the Neapolitan city: incredible exclusion, Gravina’s announcement leaves no further doubt
In the midst of the last day of the soccer market, Gabriele Gravina was confirmed as president of the FIGC for a third consecutive term. After being called into question because of his exclusion at the World Cup and the bad figure at EURO 2024, the number one of Italian soccer managed to keep his post firm. And at the conference, he made some important statements that also concerned the future of the city of Naples.
In fact, regarding EURO 2032, when Italy will host the competition along with Turkey, the FIGC president has virtually ruled out the Maradona Stadium and the city of Naples as possible locations for the tournament matches.
Napoli fuori dai giochi per EURO 2032: l’annuncio di Gravina
There has long been talk of restyling Maradona Stadium. Even President De Laurentiis would like it all to himself, but in fact without a buyout with the City of Naples it is an unverifiable scenario. The Fuorigrotta facility, however, would not be in line with the parameters imposed by UEFA for a possible European Championship. And the country has stadiums that are evidently put in better condition or would have more inviting designs than what the city of Naples would offer.
Gabriele Gravina esclude Napoli da EURO 2032 (LaPresse) SpazioNapoli
Thus, Gabriele Gravina stated in a conference that four of the five stadiums are already up to standard and can host the matches of the 2032 European Championships:
“Out of five stadiums, three are accepted or acceptable: Milan, Turin and Rome. By October 1, 2026, we have to indicate five stadiums and they must have these characteristics: an approved design and financing, and by March 2027 we have to ensure the laying of the foundation stone. We can already point out the fourth stadium, Florence.”
Then the number one in Italian soccer went on to effectively exclude Naples from the nomination race:
“Then there is Palermo, thanks to the intervention of the City Group, which has initiated a very good dialogue with the city administration. Bologna and Cagliari are well on their way, Bari is very busy.”
There is no mention of the Campania capital, which would remain excluded from a major international event. Months ago, the City of Naples was quite optimistic about the candidacy for EURO 2032, but after this conference more facts and a greater commitment are needed to convince the organizers to bet on the Maradona as well. It would be an unforgivable missed opportunity for everyone.
