Italian Stadiums in Comatose State: Euro 2032 at Risk of Revocation, Warns Simonelli
By Staff Reporter, August 26, 2025
Italian football is facing a critical juncture as UEFA’s preparations for Euro 2032, co-hosted with Turkey, are thrown into uncertainty due to the dire state of Italy’s stadium infrastructure. Alessandro Simonelli, a prominent Italian sports infrastructure analyst, has issued a stark warning: without urgent modernization, Italy risks losing its hosting rights for the prestigious tournament.
Ailing Stadiums: A National Embarrassment
Italy’s football stadiums, once the pride of European football, are now described as being in a “comatose state.” Iconic venues like Rome’s Stadio Olimpico and Milan’s San Siro, while steeped in history, are plagued by outdated facilities, inadequate safety measures, and insufficient capacity to meet UEFA’s stringent requirements for major tournaments. Simonelli points out that only Juventus’ Allianz Stadium currently meets UEFA’s Category 4 standards, a damning indictment of Italy’s broader infrastructure. “The rest are relics of a bygone era,” Simonelli stated in a recent interview. “We’re sleepwalking into a crisis that could see Euro 2032 stripped from us.”
Recent posts on X echo this sentiment, highlighting the broader decline of Italian football infrastructure. One user lamented, “The piracy kills football narrative is a distraction. The real issue is our stadiums—only Juventus’ is ready for 2032.” Simonelli’s analysis aligns with this frustration, noting that bureaucratic red tape, lack of investment, and regional mismanagement have stalled renovation projects for years.
UEFA’s Green and Modern Standards
UEFA’s vision for Euro 2032 emphasizes sustainability and fan experience, standards that many Italian stadiums fail to meet. For instance, Udine’s Stadio Friuli, praised for its 2,409 solar panels generating 3,000 kWh daily, is a rare exception in a landscape of aging venues. Most stadiums lack modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, accessible seating, and eco-friendly energy systems, all of which are non-negotiable for UEFA. Simonelli warns that without at least five compliant stadiums by 2028, UEFA could redirect hosting duties to Turkey or another nation.
Economic and Cultural Stakes
The potential revocation of Euro 2032 hosting rights would be a significant blow to Italy’s economy and footballing prestige. The tournament is projected to generate €2.5 billion in revenue, with millions in tourism and infrastructure investment. Losing it could further erode Italy’s standing in global football, already weakened by the exodus of young talents like Leoni to clubs like Liverpool.
Simonelli has called for a national task force to fast-track stadium upgrades, pointing to successful models like England’s Wembley renovation. “We need political will and private investment, not excuses,” he urged. However, challenges remain, including resistance from local governments and fan groups, such as AC Milan’s Curva Sud, who face restrictions that could dampen the atmosphere in modernized venues.
A Race Against Time
With less than seven years until Euro 2032, Italy must act swiftly. Proposed projects, such as the renovation of Florence’s Stadio Artemio Franchi, are mired in delays, while new stadium plans in Milan and Bologna remain on paper. Simonelli’s warning is clear: “Italy must wake up, or we’ll lose more than just a tournament—we’ll lose our footballing soul.”
As the clock ticks, the question remains: can Italy revive its comatose stadiums in time to secure its place on the Euro 2032 stage?