Abandoned stadiums in Italy: Stadio Flaminio and other forgotten grounds

Italy's status as one of Europe's great footballing nations is not in doubt, even in spite of their struggles on the international stage.

Some of the world's most famous and storied clubs call the country home, and it comes as no surprise that some of the most famous stadiums in world football can be found in Italy.

Most footballing fans will be aware of the historic importance of AC Milan's and Inter Milan's San Siro, which will unfortunately be demolished in either 2031 or 2032.

However, there are numerous venues across Italy that have been left abandoned, be it for sporting or commercial reasons.

There are hopes that some stadiums could be revived for future generations, though bringing those grounds back from the dead will no doubt prove costly after years of neglect.

Football Ground Guide takes a look at some of the most notable abandoned football stadiums across Italy.

Stadio Flaminio

• Team: Roma, Lazio
• Construction began: 1957
• Opened: 1959
• Last used: 2006 (football)
• Location: Rome

Stadio Flaminio was originally built to host the 1960 Olympic Games, but it became home to a number of teams over the years, including both Roma and Lazio in 1989-90 at club level, meaning the likes of Diego Maradona and Roberto Baggio played at the ground.

The stadium eventually became the home of Italian rugby, but it was last used by either professional or rugby teams in 2011 due to the Stadio Olimpico becoming the home of the rugby, and the stadium has since been abandoned.

Fortunately, Lazio announced in February 2026 their plans to renovate the arena, with their plans coming to a cost of £380m, but it should be noted that their plans have to be approved by the Municipality of Rome.

Stadio Arturo Collana

Stadio Arturo Collana, Napoli#napoli #Stadiums pic.twitter.com/n9KZNJt1dH

— Football Memories (@footballmemorys) September 22, 2015

• Team: Napoli
• Construction began: 1925
• Opened: 1929
• Last used: 2017 (football)
• Location: Naples

Originally built as a multi-function sports arena in the Vomero district of Naples in 1929, Stadio Arturo Collana became more widely used for its ability to host football matches, and it was often the home of Napoli, particularly in the post-World War Two period.

It has also twice been home to Napoli's women's team, though the last season it was used for any competitive football was 2016-17, with its pitch in such poor condition that it was not deemed suitable for matches or training, while the stands have undergone significant deterioration.

The ground itself has not been completely abandoned, with some renovations taking place, though it could be some time – if ever – before professional football matches are played at the venue.

Stadio della Vittoria

U20 | We've arrived at a vocal Stadio della Vittoria ahead of this afternoon's clash with Italy.

Around 50 minutes until we get started here in Bari. Keep up with all the action here on Twitter! pic.twitter.com/d19OfjwTCj

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 16, 2018

• Team: SSC Bari
• Construction began: 1933
• Opened: 1934
• Last used: 1990 (football)
• Location: Barri

SSC Bari called Stadio della Vittoria home for 56 years, playing at the stadium from 1934 until 1990, when they moved to San Nicola.

The reason for the move was because of the smaller and outdated nature of the venue, while the ground also lagged behind in terms of safety and infrastructure, with the last professional football game being played in May 1990.

Stadio della Vittoria has become home to rugby and American football, though there is hope that football can be played at the ground again due to ongoing work aimed at improving safety which should allow amateur games to take place.

Stadio Silvio Appiani

💪 Some Wednesday morning motivation, in case you needed it…

Courtesy of Stadio Silvio Appiani, historic home of @PadovaCalcio pic.twitter.com/VqaAUT3aQR

— Calcio England (@CalcioEngland) October 25, 2023

• Team: Calcio Padova
• Construction began: 1933
• Opened: 1934
• Last used: 1994 (football)
• Location: Barri

Calcio Padova called time on their use of Stadio Silvio Appiani in 1994 after achieving promotion to Serie A for the first time in 32 years, and that was a fitting end to nearly 70 years at the ground.

Parts of the stadium are now demolished, meaning portions of the former 25,000-seater venue have been forever lost, although the parts that remain are still used by Padova's youth teams, so there is a chance that it could still foster the next great generation of Padova footballers.

The club currently use Stadio Euganeo, and while there have been positives to the stadium in regards to safety and infrastructure, seasoned supporters still yearn for the old intensity of Stadio Silvio Appiani.