Will Italy Miss Out On Hosting Euro 2032? Stadium Renovations Continue To Be An Issue For Azzurri

Italy could lose its position as one of the host nations for Euro 2032 as stadium development continues to be an issue for the Azzurri.

Will Italy Miss Out On Hosting Euro 2032?

In 2032, the European Championships are set to take place in Italy and Turkey, as the two nations decided to submit a a combined bid back in October 2023.

This marked a moment in history for Turkey as Euro 2032 will be the first time the competition has been hosted in the European nation – but it will be the fourth time Italy have hosted after doing so in 1968, 1980 and partly in 2021.

However, despite Serie A being one of the most prolific leagues in Europe and boasting some of the biggest spenders during the summer transfer window – the nation has faced a major issue over hosting Euro 2032.

The quality of stadiums has been a problem across Italy that has split opinion for multiple years now, with some preferring the historic feel to a ground and some looking to keep up with the renovation across Europe.

FIGC President, Gabriele Gravina, leans towards the latter and claimed that Italy is ‘lagging behind’ when it comes to stadiums – a problem that could see Italy miss out on hosting in 2032.

Gabriele Gravina said: “Italy is lagging behind. We have only got six stadiums built or renovated in the last 15 years, compared to 12 in France, and 33 in Turkey.

“EURO 2032 is an unrepeatable opportunity for stadiums, but we risk losing it. We need modern arenas and the support of the Government. Private enterprise is ready to invest, but the procedure has to be simplified.

“Without a commissioner that can accelerate the whole thing, we risk wasting this huge chance.”

At this current moment in time there have been no concrete reports over the possibility of Italy missing out on Euro 2032, but Gravina’s words will send concerns across the country.

Which Stadiums Will Be Used At Euro 2032?

In April 2023 both Turkey and Italy submitted their proposed venues, with both countries suggesting 10 stadiums that could play host to European Championship matches.

FIFA will choose the 10 stadiums (five from each country) in October 2026 and Italy have opted for the most notable venues in Serie A, selecting:

• San Siro* (AC Milan / Inter Milan)
• Stadio Olimpico (AS Roma / Lazio – Rome)
• Stadio San Nicola (Bari)
• Stadio Diego Armando Maradona (Napoli – Naples)
• Stadio Artemio Franchi (Fiorentina – Florence)
• Allianz Stadium (Juventus – Turin)
• Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Genoa / Sampdoria – Genoa)
• Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi (Hellas Verona)
• Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (Bologna)
• Unipol Domus (Cagliari)

* new stadium expected by 2032

The San Siro has been in the headlines recently, as AC Milan and Inter have recently purchased the iconic ground and plans over a new stadium have started.

As for Turkey, the selected stadiums may not have the reputation that is held by the Italian venues, however, given the concerns around Italy there may be more selected than expected.

Turkey have submitted 10 stadiums of their own, obviously including Galatasaray’s and Fenerbahce’s ground, with the full list being:

• Ataturk Olympic Stadium (National Team – Istanbul)
• RAMS Park (Galatasaray – Istanbul)
• Sukru Saracoglu Stadium (Fenerbahce – Istanbul)
• New Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium (Ankaragucu – Ankara)
• Timsah Arena (Bursa Metropolitan Stadium) (Bursaspor – Bursa)
• Senol Gunes Sports Complex (Medical Park Stadium) (Trabzonspor – Trabzon)
• Konya Metropolitan Stadium (Konyaspor – Konya)
• Gaziantep Kalyon Stadium (Gaziantep FK – Gaziantep)
• Eskisehir Stadium (Eskisehirspor – Eskisehir)
• Antalya Stadium (Antalyaspor – Antalya)