Genoa, Sampdoria secure 90-year Stadio Luigi Ferraris lease amid £95m Euro 2032 redevelopment plans

Genoa and Sampdoria have secured their long-term future at Stadio Luigi Ferraris as plans to transform the historic venue continue to gather momentum.

A new 90-year lease has now been approved, with the £95m redevelopment targeting completion before Italy co-hosts Euro 2032.

Italian duo agree Stadio Ferraris deal amid redevelopment plans

Genoa City Council has approved a new 90-year lease allowing Serie A side Genoa and Serie B outfit Sampdoria to continue using the Ferraris, with free building rights for the first 50 years and at least 20 days of free stadium use for city events each year.

The move follows July's positive decision on the renovation project, with the city now preparing the technical-economic feasibility project, financial plan and tender documents.

The aim is to award the project by March 2027 and complete the redevelopment by March 2031.

The privately funded project is expected to cost around €108m (£95m), with government support available after the Ferraris was included in Italy’s strategic national works.

The redevelopment is also designed to strengthen Genoa's bid to host matches at Euro 2032.

The current 33,000-capacity stadium dates back to 1911 and hosted matches during the 1990 World Cup. Genoa have played there since its opening, while Sampdoria have called it home since 1946.

Mayor Silvia Salis said the redevelopment would provide Genoa with a “modern and safe stadium” while keeping the historic venue in public ownership.

FGG says: A sensible way forward for one of Italy's most iconic stadiums

This feels like a sensible way forward for one of Italy's most historic stadiums.

The Ferraris has enormous character and history, so modernising it rather than simply replacing it should allow Genoa and Sampdoria to benefit without losing an important part of the city's identity.

The 90-year lease also provides much-needed certainty for both clubs while giving the city a clear framework for investment and redevelopment.

If the project stays on schedule, Genoa could have a vastly improved stadium ready for Euro 2032 while retaining one of the most recognisable football grounds in Italy.