Italian cities submit Euro 2032 bids on deadline day as Palermo secures last-minute deal

The deadline for Italian cities to join the Euro 2032 hosting roster passed on 31 July, with Palermo submitting its candidature in the final hours after a week of turbulence over its stadium funding deal. Naples also delivered its 200 million euro project for the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, a 70,000-seat renovation that will proceed even without UEFA’s nod.

Palermo’s last-minute rescue

The Sicilian capital formalised its bid on the evening of 31 July, just before the cut-off, salvaging an agreement with City Football Group that finances the restyling of the Renzo Barbera with more than 200 million euros. The municipal council had been forced into an intense, last-ditch legislative sprint after modifications in the partnership threatened to derail the city’s participation. The documentation was transmitted to the FIGC together with a project developed by Palermo FC alongside the international studio Populous and Turner and Townsend. The path started “from a disadvantage compared to other Italian venues,” the club stressed, but the rapid authorisation process – completed in under a year – had already drawn UEFA’s attention and appreciation.

Napoli submits its dossier

Naples sent its own bid on the same day: a 200 million euro overhaul of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona that removes the athletics track and lifts capacity to 70,000 spectators. The submission contained more than 500 attachments totalling roughly 7 GB. Assessor Edoardo Cosenza, the city official in charge of public works, described the moment.

Just now the crucial moment: the certified email to FIGC and UEFA, by 31 July as requested.

The track will be relocated to the Parco dello Sport in Bagnoli, and the stadium works will go ahead regardless of UEFA’s decision, with the planned reopening of the third ring and the fusion of the first and second rings to bring fans to the edge of the pitch.

A crowded race of over a dozen cities

More than a dozen stadia in as many municipalities applied, from Verona and Genoa to Bari. Rome alone fielded three candidates: the Olimpico, Pietralata, and Flaminio. Many of the entries are seeking the economic windfall of the event rather than a genuine bid for one of the five host slots, but a handful carry serious upgrades. Three of the most visible projects involve budgets above 150 million euros.

The Olimpico’s restyling, led by Sport e Salute with an investment of about 150 million euros, pushes capacity towards 80,000 seats and repositions the maxi-screens. Minister for sport Andrea Abodi said the venue “can aspire to host the final not only for what it already is, but for what it is ready to become with an investment plan.” The overhaul also feeds into Rome’s candidacy for the 2036 Olympics.

Selection timeline and what comes next

With the bid window closed, the Italian football federation (FIGC) now has until 30 September to whittle the field to five main venues and two reserves. UEFA has dispatched Michele Uva, one of its most experienced stadium experts, to advise and coordinate. The total Italian investment linked to the tournament is estimated at 4 billion euros over the next five years.

The FIGC’s shortlist will be presented to UEFA on 30 September. In the first week of October the body’s Nyon headquarters will announce the definitive host cities – a list that may not exactly match the federation’s own preferences. The coming weeks will see an intense back-and-forth between the FIGC and the bidders to clarify details and head off any last-minute snags.