Florence Approves Fiorentina’s €101 Million Proposal for Franchi Stadium

The city government has declared the football club’s redevelopment and management proposal to be in the public interest. The plan includes a 60-year concession, but further approvals and a public tender are still required.

Florence’s city government has approved a resolution declaring Fiorentina’s proposal for the redevelopment and long-term management of the Artemio Franchi Stadium to be in the public interest, marking a new stage in negotiations over the future of the venue.

The decision, announced on Monday, 19 October, 2026, follows a preliminary review by a conference of public authorities responsible for assessing the project.

Under the proposal, ACF Fiorentina would manage the stadium, located in Florence’s Campo di Marte district, for 60 years. The club would make an initial investment of €101 million to complete the redevelopment works and equip the stadium for use.

The future concession holder would also take responsibility for all operating costs and both routine and major maintenance across the entire stadium complex. The proposal includes a reduction in the concession fee payable by Fiorentina.

Financial assessment and conditions

The city commissioned the Polytechnic University of Milan to assess the economic advantages of Fiorentina’s proposal by comparing it with three alternative management models.

These included a stadium managed entirely by the municipality, a privately operated stadium with reduced facilities funded by the city, and a privately managed venue where the public administration would complete the construction works while Fiorentina provided the equipment and fittings.

The preliminary review also established conditions intended to ensure the stadium’s long-term viability, complete its redevelopment and protect the existing structure.

Fiorentina will have to incorporate these requirements into its final proposal before the project can move to the next stage.

Further approvals still required

Mayor Sara Funaro described the decision as an important development following extensive discussions among the public authorities involved.

However, she stressed that the declaration of public interest does not constitute final approval of the agreement.

The next steps include the submission of Fiorentina’s definitive proposal, its examination by a final inter-agency review conference and a subsequent competitive tender.

The tender means that the city’s declaration of public interest does not automatically award Fiorentina the 60-year concession.

The Franchi Stadium, designed by architect Pier Luigi Nervi and opened in 1931, is one of Florence’s most significant examples of 20th-century architecture. Its redevelopment has been a major issue for the city, both because of the stadium’s architectural importance and its role as Fiorentina’s home ground.

The latest decision provides a possible framework for completing the renovation and establishing who will be responsible for the stadium’s management and maintenance over the coming decades.

Cover photo by Sialko via Wikipedia)

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