Italian stadium could be demolished as Camp Nou revamp chiefs eye new 35,950-seater for Euro 2032

A historic Italian stadium could be demolished and rebuilt as part of ambitious plans to modernise the venue ahead of Euro 2032.

The Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, home of Hellas Verona, is being lined up for a complete transformation that would see the current ground replaced by a smaller but far more modern stadium.

Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi could be demolished and rebuilt for Euro 2032

Verona's long-standing home could be demolished and rebuilt ahead of Euro 2032, with city mayor and former Italy international Damiano Tommasi pushing forward with plans for a modern 35,950-capacity stadium.

The existing venue was one of the stadiums used during the 1990 World Cup, when an additional tier and roof were added.

More than three decades later, a major overhaul is required, with Tommasi keen to retain the stadium at its current location.

Two private proposals are reportedly on the table to finance the redevelopment, which is expected to cost around £171 million.

The plans would see the current stadium demolished before a smaller but significantly more modern venue is constructed.

A retractable pitch would allow the ground to host concerts and other major events, turning it into a genuine multipurpose facility.

The wider project would also regenerate the surrounding area, with additional green spaces, gardens and improvements to local roads planned alongside the stadium.

Tommasi said Verona is moving forward with the process with the aim of ensuring the Bentegodi is compliant with UEFA's requirements for Euro 2032.

One potential party interested in the project is ASM Global, which has experience with major sports and entertainment venues and has been involved with redevelopment projects including Real Madrid's Bernabeu and Barcelona's Camp Nou.

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The Bentegodi has plenty of history, but this is exactly the sort of redevelopment Italy needs if it is to modernise its ageing football infrastructure.

Sacrificing capacity makes sense if Verona can replace the outdated ground with a modern, multipurpose venue that generates significantly more revenue throughout the year.