Napoli finally given green light over £175m Stadio Diego Armando Maradona redevelopment project

Napoli have taken a major step towards transforming the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after long-awaited redevelopment plans were officially approved.

Crucially, the Serie A giants will not have to leave their historic home while the work is carried out.

Naples approve Napoli stadium revamp – and they won't have to move

Authorities in Naples have approved a major redevelopment of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, clearing the way for a project worth around €200 million (£175 million).

The proposal, backed by Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Infrastructure Councillor Edoardo Cosenza, has already passed the required administrative stages and will now form part of Naples' bid to host matches at Euro 2032.

One of the biggest changes will see the athletics track removed, allowing new seating to be built much closer to the pitch.

The second tier will be extended, with the front rows positioned around seven metres from the playing surface to create a more traditional football stadium atmosphere.

The redevelopment will be carried out in phases, with approximately 8,000 seats affected at a time, enabling Napoli to continue playing home matches throughout the construction process rather than relocating to a temporary venue.

Another key element of the project is the reopening of the long-closed third tier, which has been unused for years because of structural vibration concerns.

Reinforcement work is planned to address those issues, with the additional seating expected to increase the stadium's capacity to almost 65,000.

The wider plans also include new hospitality facilities, VIP boxes and the opening of a 300-space underground car park built before the 1990 World Cup but never put into regular use.

Funding will come primarily from the Campania Region, supported by the Municipality of Naples, with the total investment expected to be in excess of £175 million.

FGG says: A huge breakthrough for Napoli

After years of uncertainty, Napoli finally have a clear path towards modernising one of Italy's most iconic stadiums.

Perhaps the biggest positive is that supporters will still be able to watch their team at the Maradona Stadium throughout the redevelopment, ensuring the club can modernise its home without sacrificing the atmosphere that makes it so special.