December 24 – Verona have received the go-ahead for a €40 million (£36 million) facelift of their Stadio Marc Antonio Bentegodi, which is scheduled to be part of Italy’s bid to host Euro 2016, it has been announced.
But its inclusion in the bid was dependent on the standard of the stadium, which is the home ground of Serie A club Chievo Verona, being raised to UEFA standards.
The city’s Mayor Flavio Tosi said: ” It is important the city is part of the Italian candidature, especially in a tourist region as Verona with an annual turnover of €12 billion (£11 billion).”
Under Italy’s plans, at least10 stadiums would be used to host matches during Euro 2016 and it is estimated that at least €400 million (£357 million) will be needed to get them ready in time.
The stadium was built in 1963 when it was hailed as one of Italy’s best state-of-the-art arenas.
The last major renovations carried out to the stadium were for the 1990 World Cup when the improvements included a roof to cover all sections and improved sight-lines along with an upgraded transport infrastructure.
It has a capacity of 42,200.
Italy is one of three countries bidding for Euro 2016, along with France and Turkey.
UEFA are due to choose the host country at a meeting in Nyon in May 2010.
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