Fiorentina’s centenary overshadowed by Franchi delays and dismal start to the season

The centenary year of Florence’s ACF Fiorentina soccer team risks being marked by frustration both on and off the pitch. The long-awaited renovation of the Stadio Artemio Franchi is facing serious delays, and the new Curva Fiesole — the iconic stand of the Viola supporters — will not be ready in time for the club’s 100th anniversary in 2026.

According to the updated schedule presented by the city administration, work on the new Fiesole stand will now begin in early 2027, with full completion of the stadium expected only by 2029. The delays are linked to technical revisions and to the complexity of a construction site financed partly through Italy’s share of the EU Recovery Fund, which originally required projects to be completed by 2026.

Opposition groups in the Florence city council have already announced a motion of no confidence against Mayor Sara Funaro, accusing her administration of mismanaging the project and failing to meet the PNRR deadlines.

While the construction site remains behind schedule, the team itself is struggling to find form. After seven Serie A matches, Fiorentina sit at the bottom of the table with only three points, their worst start to a season since 1977–78.

The Viola have yet to win a single game, collecting three draws and four defeats, and have scored just five goals — one of the lowest tallies in the league — while conceding ten.

With a crucial home match against Bologna approaching, pressure is mounting on coach Stefano Pioli. Club officials have publicly confirmed their confidence in him, but another negative result at the Franchi could further deepen the crisis.

For many fans, the combination of a half-demolished stadium and a struggling team feels symbolic of a centenary that was meant to celebrate the club’s history but instead risks highlighting its current uncertainty.

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