The Italian government is set to launch its Sport Decree initiative next month which aims to progress works on stadium construction and redevelopments.
The ruling will allow the appointment of a commissioner to stadium projects which is aimed at reactivating blocked renovation plans or starting new ones entirely.
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has spoken in favour of the measure which could eliminate regulatory gaps that prevent works from being completed.
“We do not want to intervene with both feet in realities that are territorial, but we want to provide simplified tools and procedures,” Abodi told Il Sole 24 Ore.
“We have made a leap in quality with the configuration of the commissioner structure, with all that follows in terms of powers that do not override but use best practices to speed up the process.
“This is to respond to a need that is that of 2032, which is brought forward to 2026 for the definition of the five Italian stadiums.
“UEFA has imposed the opening of the various construction sites for April-May 2027, under penalty of revocation of the assignment.
“Therefore, there is not much time.”
In Florence, work has already begun on the Stadio Artemio Franchi which is estimated to cost the public around €150m (£128m/$170m) while work is also being carried out on projects in Cagliari and Rome among others.
“I am convinced that through the commissioner structures, also using the will of the clubs, especially those with foreign ownership, and of the administrations that in some cases have moved forward and with the portfolio of financial opportunities that we will make available, we will be able to open two more construction sites between the end of this year and next, in addition to the one in Florence that is already operational,” said Abodi.
“Bologna and Cagliari are two other projects ready, like Empoli and Parma.”
