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A fifth-tier Italian club has found itself in the spotlight after unveiling a stunning new stadium that looks more like the home of a top-flight side.
The venue has already drawn comparisons from supporters to one of the stadiums used during the recent FIFA World Cup.
New SS Taranto Calcio stadium looks impressive
Italian fifth-tier outfit SS Taranto Calcio have officially unveiled their newly redeveloped stadium following a major €62 million (£55 million) transformation ahead of the 2026 Mediterranean Games.
The venue, formerly known as Stadio Salinella, has been rebuilt into a modern 20,049-capacity arena that now meets UEFA standards and features entirely new stands, upgraded facilities and improved infrastructure.
Although Taranto currently compete in Italy's fifth tier, supporters on social media have been quick to praise the stadium's sleek design, with many fans on social media comparing it to BMO Field in Toronto, one of the host venues used during the 2026 World Cup.
The redevelopment was funded as part of preparations for the Mediterranean Games and represents one of the largest recent stadium investments in Italian sport outside Serie A.
Originally opened in 1965, the stadium has been almost completely transformed, replacing its ageing appearance with a contemporary bowl design more commonly associated with newly built venues elsewhere in Europe and North America.
The striking redevelopment has also prompted many fans to describe it as one of the most modern stadiums in Italy, despite being home to a club currently playing several divisions below the country's professional leagues.
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Italy has long been criticised for relying on ageing football stadiums, so seeing a venue of this quality emerge outside the top flight is particularly eye-catching.
It shows what can be achieved when major sporting events help unlock investment in modern infrastructure.
Looking at the finished stadium, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was in North America rather than Italy.
In truth, it looks more modern than the majority of current Serie A grounds and could easily pass as a recent World Cup venue in its own right.