By Michael Nsikan Richard – November 12th 2025
Current Project Status
The renovation and modernization of the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, home of ACF Fiorentina, is a massive undertaking designed by the Arup studio.
The Stadium Business reports that the Florence Municipality approved a significant resolution in January 2025 under Mayor Sara Funaro that will allow Fiorentina to remain at the Franchi throughout the entire renovation process rather than relocating temporarily.
This represents a major shift from earlier plans that had considered moving the team to alternative venues.
Stadium DB also reports that the revamped stadium is expected to be fully operational in the spring of 2029, though this represents an 18- to 20-month delay beyond the original 2026 target completion date.
The project began with demolition work in February 2024, and construction work at the site commenced in June 2024.
The project is also being carried out to host matches for a potential joint Euro 2032 bid, requiring the stadium to meet updated UEFA standards upon completion.
Phased Reopening Plan
The Stadium Business and Stadium DB further report that, under the current proposal, the Franchi will reopen in phases, with a capacity of 34,478 planned for the club’s centenary celebration in 2026.
However, there are growing concerns that meeting this deadline has become a challenge bordering on impossible given the current state of works, the need for testing and technical approvals, and the fact that the team must continue playing at the venue.
During the 2024-2025 season, the stadium will accommodate a maximum of 22,000 people, down from its current capacity of over 43,000.
The agreement allows the stadium to be used for Serie A and Coppa Italia fixtures until May 31 or June 30, 2026, despite ongoing renovations.
Financial Challenges
Stadium DB reports that the project faces substantial funding difficulties. Expenses are expected to increase by 10 to 15 million euros, adding to the at least 65 to 70 million euros that have long been lacking due to cuts in funding guaranteed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
According to mayoral candidate Stefania Saccardi, around 100 million euros is still missing to complete the rebuild.
The estimated budget is around 100 million euros, with a funding gap preventing full implementation of the modernization plan developed by Arup. However, 55 million euros was made available again for renovation works from the Integrated Urban Plans, which were part of about 200 million euros allocated by the government but were cut from the budget in spring 2023.
Ownership and Investment Disputes
Stadium DB reports that a fundamental dispute remains: The Franchi stadium belongs to the city, which, like many other Italian municipalities, is unwilling to sell it.
Club President Commisso has repeatedly emphasized his preference to invest differently and has expressed frustration with the situation. He emphasized the need for cooperation and swift completion, stating that a partially functioning stadium makes no sense. Commisso has warned that he intends to protect the club and is considering legal action, likely referring to seeking compensation for the losses Fiorentina will incur due to the stadium reconstruction.
The renovation project remains complicated by delays, funding uncertainties, and ongoing tensions between the club, city authorities, and various stakeholders, with the ultimate timeline and final scope still subject to considerable uncertainty.
Impact on Fiorentina
Stadium DB reports that the reduced capacity during construction is causing significant financial strain.
Club president Rocco Commisso points out that due to the limited capacity, Fiorentina will lose around 10 to 15 million euros per year from matchday revenues alone in the first year of construction.
Due to construction work, the stadium operates at reduced capacity, leading to fewer spectators and lower revenue, though in exchange, Fiorentina negotiated a reduction in annual rent, which has yet to be formally approved.
The uncertainty has created operational challenges, with the club unable to project finances accurately or sell season tickets in a timely manner compared to other Serie A clubs.
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