‘We cannot afford to miss out on €4.6 bn in economic benefits – or the chance to redevelop our stadium’
Institutional backing is gathering pace for Verona’s bid to host matches at the UEFA Euro 2032 tournament, which will be jointly staged by Italy and Turkey. The latest show of support comes from the Veneto regional government, where Matteo Pressi, leader of the Stefani List group in the Regional Council, has tabled a motion urging the region to throw its weight behind Verona’s campaign to become one of Italy’s five host cities.
In recent weeks, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) identified ten stadiums considered capable of staging matches during the tournament. Alongside Milan, Turin, Rome, Florence, Naples, Bari, Genoa, Cagliari and Bologna, Verona also made the shortlist. It is the only city on the list that is not a regional capital and the sole representative of north-eastern Italy.
Securing a place among the final host venues would provide Verona with another major international showcase following its role in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It would also carry regional significance, as the Bentegodi would be the only stadium in both Veneto and north-eastern Italy to meet UEFA’s hosting requirements.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity
Pressi’s motion pursues two objectives: securing formal political backing from the Veneto Region for Verona’s bid and ensuring that the 2028–2034 programme for EU funds allocated to Veneto includes the possibility of financing the redevelopment of the city’s Bentegodi stadium.
“I have submitted this motion,” Pressi said, “to guarantee the Region’s support for Verona’s candidature and to ensure that future EU funding programmes include the option of contributing to the stadium’s redevelopment, rather than leaving the entire financial burden to the city council.”
He argues that the investment would deliver long-term returns. Citing research by Banca IFIS, Pressi said Euro 2032 could generate an overall economic impact of €4.6bn through increased tourism, higher consumer spending and greater international visibility for the host regions.
“This is an opportunity to modernise the stadium using a combination of European, national and regional funding,” he said. “Once redeveloped, the Bentegodi will remain a valuable asset for the city for decades to come.”
Beyond the potential boost for retail, tourism and local services, Pressi also stressed the need for cooperation between institutions despite political differences between the regional and municipal administrations.
“We may belong to different political camps, but institutions must work together when the interests of the territory are at stake,” he said. “If Verona fails to seize this opportunity, another city will. Presenting a united front to the Italian government and the FIGC strengthens our position. Our goal is to act in the best interests of local communities and the region.”
