Regarding the Franchi stadium restyling, the Municipality of Florence has successfully reobtained 55 million euros from the Integrated Urban Plans funds. These funds were initially cut in 2023 but have now been reinstated as part of the project. Former Florence mayor, Dario Nardella, commented on this development during an interview with Radio FirenzeViola: “When I was mayor, I always said that our facilities should not be left unused or neglected. We had already reobtained these 55 million euros last March, and now everything has been finalized, which is a great outcome.”
Reporter: Are these funds specifically designated for the Franchi, as was originally planned?
Nardella: “The 55 million were initially intended for the stadium. Therefore, the resources coming from the government will be used for metropolitan city projects, and consequently, other public funds will be redirected to the stadium.”
Reporter: It`s positive news that the Franchi has regained these funds.
Nardella: “All`s well that ends well. I am not claiming any credit; I only ask that the history be recounted accurately: we dedicated a significant amount of time to the redevelopment of the Franchi. Everyone thought the work wouldn`t start, but it did. We must be ready, in a short time, to host the 2032 European Championship. And there is nothing strange about using public resources, because it works the same way in other countries; Turkey, which will host the tournament with Italy, has done the same.”
Reporter: Why wasn`t the stadium rebuilt by Commisso (Fiorentina owner)?
Nardella: “During my years as mayor, there was never a formal act that prohibited the possibility of building the stadium elsewhere. The project at Campi (a potential alternative site) ultimately didn`t go through, but as mayor, I had to protect the Franchi, and we would have found ourselves needing to redevelop it regardless. Now, the tramway will arrive at Campo di Marte (the area where the Franchi is located), along with parking; it will be a comprehensive project. I want to emphasize that in Madrid, Barcelona, and Turin, the current stadiums were built exactly where the old ones previously stood.”
