One of Italy's most beautiful stadiums changes face

The Genoa City Council meeting was held yesterday and the main topic was the redevelopment of the Luigi Ferraris stadium, where both Genoa and Sampdoria play and which is to be rebuilt in the near future. One of the stadiums most appreciated by Italian fans for its English style and the warmth emanating from the stands, it is to be remodelled in a €70 million project to adapt it to current needs. Rumour has it that the biggest intervention will involve the installation of garden terraces and cloisters above the roof of the stands to increase the usable space of the facility. Lifts will also be built inside the four stadium towers to facilitate access for all.

The renovation is not linked to Italy's hosting of the 2032 European Championships, which will take place in October next year, deputy mayor and councillor for public works Pietro Piciocchi said yesterday, but it is essential to free up the necessary budget. "Regardless of whether Italy wins the competition, and regardless of whether ad hoc funds are available, an intervention on the Ferraris is necessary to bring it in line with current regulations," he said. In any case, the redesign of the Ferraris is one of the administration's objectives, and the proof of this is the fact that we have already submitted a project to the Ministry'. The estimated cost is around €70 million, which will be split equally between Sampdoria and Genoa, both of whom have already been approached by the municipality, councillor Francesca Corso confirmed. "The teams have already expressed their interest and are ready to plan a transformation that takes into account the standards of this stadium,' said Corso, 'without losing the character of an English-style stadium with a capacity of no less than 30,000 spectators.