Stadium, Maradona revamp on Napoli’s agenda: Manfredi focuses on… | OneFootball

The future of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is back at the center of political and sporting debate. According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, Mayor Gaetano Manfredi has included the stadium’s renovation in the strategic plan called “Agenda Napoli,” symbolically handed over to Roberto Fico, former President of the Chamber and potential candidate for the presidency of the Campania Region.

Stadium, “Maradona” renovation in the “Agenda Napoli”: Manfredi is aiming for…

Manfredi, widely seen as the main supporter of Fico’s bid for governor, is said to have entrusted the Five Star Movement figure with “a major plan for the city,” aiming to ensure administrative continuity and secure new resources for infrastructure projects.

Maradona Stadium: a central issue between City Hall and SSC Napoli

Among the key points of the Agenda is the renovation of the Maradona Stadium, a matter that remains crucial in relations between the City of Naples and Aurelio De Laurentiis. The Napoli president has repeatedly stated that he does not want to invest his own funds in a facility he considers inadequate for the club’s needs and not well suited to modern football.

In response to this stance, the City has opted for an institutional route, putting Naples forward as one of the five Italian cities that will host the 2032 European Championship. Participation in the continental competition thus represents a political and financial lever for relaunching the Fuorigrotta venue.

Manfredi seeks 200 million for the “Euro 2032 Naples” project

With the tournament in mind, Manfredi aims to obtain 200 million euros in regional and state funding for the Maradona. The amount, which would be included in the “Agenda Napoli” plan, is considered essential to bring the facility up to UEFA standards, improve accessibility, safety, and hospitality, and redevelop the surrounding urban areas.

“Significant investments are needed to support Naples and the South ahead of the Euros,” the mayor is reported to have said, convinced that only strong synergy between the City, Region, and Government can provide the city with a modern, competitive venue.

Between politics and sport: the future of the Maradona runs through Fico

The Maradona renovation project thus also becomes a political contest, with Manfredi openly “rooting” for Roberto Fico’s victory in the regional elections. A possible alliance between Palazzo San Giacomo and Palazzo Santa Lucia could unlock resources and speed up the timetable for the major infrastructure plan, making the Maradona a symbol of Naples’ sporting and urban revival ahead of Euro 2032.

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