Napoli set to host Euro 2032, confirmation due 10-15 October

Regional councillor Nino Simeone told Stile Tv that UEFA has approved the renovation project for the Maradona stadium put forward by the Region and the Municipality, with official word expected within weeks.

by Rosaria CimminoThursday 24 September, 16:12 CET· 2 hours ago

Euro 2032, Simeone: «Napoli città ospitante, ufficialità tra il 10 e il 15 ottobre» — Grafica Arena Napoli

Nino Simeone, a regional councillor, said on Stile Tv that Napoli has been chosen as a host city for Euro 2032 and that UEFA has approved the renovation project for the Diego Armando Maradona stadium submitted by the Region and the Municipality.

"We will rebuild the Maradona stadium. In a few days we will have official confirmation that Napoli will become a host city for Euro 2032, with a major renovation," he said.

When the confirmation is expected

Simeone was precise on the timing: "Between 10 and 15 October we should have official confirmation that Napoli is a host city, so we'll start at full speed — our project is already finalised and approved."

On the competition from other candidate cities, he said: "The cities are almost decided. I don't want to jinx it, but let's say Napoli is right there and playing it well." The project, he added, "has its financial backing in place" and the city "is in a position to host such an important event".

Simeone framed the stadium as part of a wider push on the city's appeal: "Italy simply cannot do without Napoli, which draws people in and has become the country's leading tourist attraction, nationally and internationally. The America's Cup will be another moment of international attraction — we just need to be ready for it." He paired that with more of a warning than a compliment: "Neapolitans have that extra gear; the authorities need to be ready too."

The subject touches on the chill that emerged in recent days between Sports Minister Abodi and Aurelio De Laurentiis over the Maradona restyling, and on the parallel project for a new stadium in Napoli Est that the Napoli president has himself discussed recently.

What changes at the Maradona

On the renovation of the Fuorigrotta ground, Simeone explained that the stands will be brought closer to the pitch by removing the athletics track: "It cost us a lot, because removing the track also takes away the chance for many young people to train there — it cost us. But we are doing it because we want to meet supporters' request. We have protected the gyms, so the Maradona project is moving ahead."

If Simeone's words are confirmed, the official announcement will land in the window he named, between 10 and 15 October — close to Napoli-Frosinone on 10 October, the club's first official home game after the international break. Until then, the news rests on the word of a regional councillor, not on a UEFA statement.