Infantino: Italy deserves the ‘best stadiums’ but World Cup depends on players | OneFootball

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says Italy deserves the ‘best stadiums in the world’ and calls for rules on league games played abroad, like Milan-Como.

Infantino spoke to Italian media after the general EFC assembly in Rome on Thursday.

“I’m Italian, so I’m always happy to come here, especially in Rome. It’s always beautiful,” said Infantino via TMW.

Milan and Inter have just acquired the San Siro area to build their new co-owned stadium, but Roma are also working to build their new home in the capital in the coming years.

Just a few clubs in Italy actually own their stadiums, increasing the financial gap with the richest clubs in the world, especially in the Premier League.

‘Italy must have the best stadiums in the world’

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: General view inside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Italy will co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey, and the city of Milan needs a new stadium, given that the Stadio Meazza has not met the UEFA requirements to host games in the competition.

“If we don’t make it in Italy, we have to close down and go home, but surely we’ll make it. Italy is a country full of resources and creativity,” noted Infantino.

“I’ve seen the project in Milan and heard nice words from the Rome Mayor. Italy is the country of football, and it must have the best stadiums in the world. The World Cup depends on those who go on the pitch.”

Last but not least, Infantino discussed the recent approval for the Serie A match Milan-Como to be played in Australia in February 2026, as San Siro will be occupied by preparations for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games.

Infantino calls for rules on games played abroad

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 15: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is challenged by Gabriel Strefezza and Lucas Da Cunha of Como during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“In football, there is a structure, international and national. It’s a structure that has made football the first sport in the world, but it’s just a game, and I think assessments must be broader,” said the FIFA President.

“We want everyone to play where they want, but we want rules too. It was a request from the Italian Federation, but I still think it must be regulated; deregulation in this field helps nobody.

“FIFA is quite determined in this aspect,” Infantino added via Gazzetta.

“A system of rules that takes into account everybody’s interests is needed.