Napoli stadium: Manfredi open to Poggioreale, needs solid plans | OneFootball

The debate over the future stadium of Napoli is once again at the center of attention. Bringing clarity to the matter is the mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, who steps in to clarify the municipality’s position on the now-abandoned idea of building the new facility in the market area of Poggioreale, specifically in the Caramanico market zone.

Napoli Stadium, Manfredi clarifies: “Never said no to Poggioreale, but we need concrete and feasible projects”

The mayor’s words come on the sidelines of an event dedicated to the America’s Cup sailing competition, held at the “Marie Curie” High School in Naples, and aim to tone down the controversies that have arisen in recent weeks.

Poggioreale and the Caramanico area: why the project is complex

Manfredi is clear in stating that there has never been an ideological rejection from the city administration: “We have never been against the possibility of building a new stadium.” However, the main issue remains the actual feasibility of the operation.

“The Caramanico area is a market with about 500 concessionaires, all holding long-term concessions. Moving them is extremely difficult because we are talking about acquired rights,” explained the mayor. This legal and social aspect makes the Poggioreale option particularly complicated, if not unfeasible, within the required timeframes.

The message is clear: the administration is open to dialogue, but only on solid foundations. “If the club wants to build a new stadium, we are absolutely in favor, but it must be a technically and administratively feasible proposal.”

Dialogue yes, but with timelines compatible with Euro 2032

Another key element is the deadlines linked to Euro 2032, which Italy will host together with Turkey. Manfredi emphasizes that timing is a decisive factor: “For the European Championship, we have very tight schedules. For this reason, the municipality can only discuss concrete projects that have a real chance of being completed.”

In this context, the idea of a brand-new stadium in a complex area like Poggioreale risks slowing down the entire process, jeopardizing Naples’ bid as a host city.

Maradona Stadium and Euro 2032: moving forward with planning and resources

At the same time, the municipality continues to work on the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, currently considered the core of the project linked to Euro 2032. Manfredi confirms that contacts with the government are ongoing: “We are in constant contact with Minister Abodi to identify positive solutions for the city and for the European Championship.”

Regarding the Maradona, work is progressing on two fundamental fronts: planning and financial coverage. “We are moving forward both in terms of design and in securing resources. The goal is to proceed with concrete and sustainable prospects,” added the mayor.

Naples, stadium and future: realism before suggestions

The administration’s message is one of pragmatism. There is no prejudicial closure to new sports infrastructure, but a clear line: proposals must be compatible with urban planning constraints, existing rights, and international deadlines.

The future of Napoli’s stadium therefore remains an open issue, but it will have to be addressed with realistic and shared solutions. Poggioreale, at present, seems more like a suggestion than a viable path. The Maradona, on the other hand, remains the concrete point of reference for the city’s European ambitions.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.