According to Emanuela Ferrante, Councilor for Sport and Equal Opportunities for the City of Naples, speaking to Napolità, the restyling of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium has not yet entered the operational phase, but the project is already administratively and technically complete.
Ferrante explained that Palazzo San Giacomo is now awaiting funding from the Region to begin construction.
In the interview, the councilor highlighted among the key points of the project the increase in capacity, which would also include the opening of the Third Ring, and a series of works aimed at removing architectural barriers, with the goal of making the facility more accessible to people with disabilities.
Ferrante also linked the plan to an international perspective, clarifying that the Municipality's intention would be to make the stadium eligible—and hopefully usable—for Euro 2032.
On the inclusiveness front, Ferrante noted that measures such as noise-cancelling headphones and audio description tools have been introduced at the stadium in recent months, adding that, over the past year, the Municipality has found in SSC Napoli a willing partner, aware of the importance of these interventions.
According to Napolità, Ferrante maintained that the projects completed so far were "the most compatible" with the structural limitations of the facility, but that further initiatives were already in the works thanks to the club's collaboration.
Also questioned about gender-based violence and discrimination against women in sports, the councilor noted that football and other sports continue to be affected by dynamics that hinder equality. In particular, she deemed discriminatory behavior by managers and members—even at the highest levels—intolerable, arguing for the need for sanctions.
Ferrante also criticized the FIGC's lack of adequate responses, pointing to the inclusion of more women in senior roles within the federations as a necessary step.
The interview also cites the case of Napoli Women's Football Team, which the councilor uses as a starting point to highlight how sexist comments can emerge even among young people. Hence, the call for investing in education about respect and affection, starting with children and adolescents, to create lasting cultural change.
Regarding the goals of her mandate, Ferrante stated that she wants to leave Naples more responsible and inclusive, both in terms of sport and society. According to reports to Napolità, the councilor mentioned approximately €30 million already invested in the redevelopment of the city's sports facilities, with the aim of making them accessible to all.
Among the priorities, she listed support for women and people in difficult circumstances, explicitly mentioning the LGBTQI+ community, as well as the opening of anti-violence centers and shelters to strengthen a network of protection and autonomy. Ferrante finally emphasized the city's traditional welcoming character, arguing that the administration's goal is to make it even more accessible to those at risk of exclusion and discrimination.
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Comments (1)
The idea of renovating the stadium is interesting, but I wonder when the work will actually begin. Increasing the capacity is also important, as are the measures for disabled people, which are essential for everyone.