Aurelio De Laurentiis has announced a significant development for Napoli, as he plans to build a new stadium for the club by 2027. Speaking with Sky Sport Italia, De Laurentiis confirmed it won’t be a refurbishment of the current Diego Armando Maradona Stadium but an entirely new project in Bagnoli. The Napoli president made several statements to Rai TGR Campania and Sky Sport, shedding light on the situation regarding the new stadium:
“I would have liked to refurbish the Maradona Stadium, but the Zavanella study has been working on a project for a month now. They surveyed the Maradona Stadium, and the only solution would be to build another stadium inside it. Unfortunately, the stands are too far apart; it would be like building a stadium within a stadium, and we would need to play at least three years away from Naples for safety reasons. So, I asked to design a brand-new, ultra-modern stadium and met with those involved in the Bagnoli project. I believe even the mayor of Naples is willing to support the idea of bringing a stadium to Bagnoli, along with a sports center with twelve fields, and providing social services for the less fortunate,” De Laurentiis explained.
Regarding the timeline for the new stadium in Bagnoli, De Laurentiis stated, “The reclamation work began last October, and it will take another 18 months. For my project, it will take about 12 months. So, we can lay the first brick in exactly 18 months. Then, in 12 months, we hope to build everything to have a stadium in 30 months to participate in the 2032 Euros. Everyone agrees because Bagnoli finally needs to find its reality. The Bagnoli land is vast, and it won’t just be Napoli; there will be a revival for the entire city.”
Regarding bureaucratic procedures, De Laurentiis emphasized the involvement of the state, not just the city. “Yesterday, we had the first meeting with state representatives, and there is great interest. I don’t need outside investments; it will all be mine, but I want to speed up and streamline. When I start hearing about supervisions… I lose interest. Unfortunately, those with entrepreneurial initiatives are stifled by people who cultivate idleness.”
Finally, De Laurentiis concluded his interview by envisioning Napoli in the new stadium. “When do I imagine seeing Napoli in the new stadium? I would say that in 2027, we could have a first friendly match to kick off the summer retreat. Perhaps on July 15, 2027, with an extraordinary fireworks display, even by sea, to reach the stadium with 60,000 people. It will be an inauguration worthy of Hollywood.”
