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April 13 – A UEFA delegation has completed its two-day inspection of Italy’s bid to host the 2016 European Championships.
The group was led by Gilberto Madail, the chairman of UEFA’s national team competitions committee.
Along with Italy, France and Turkey are also bidding for the 24-team tournament, with the host set to be chosen at a meeting in Geneva on May 28.
The visit concluded with a Government reception in Rome at Palazzo Chigi, which houses the office of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Italian Football Federation (FICG) President Giancarlo Abete said, “We’re still in the evaluation phase of the dossier, but the meeting was positive and we’ll be able to make more considerations after May 15 when UEFA publishes its evaluation report.”
Like Turkey, who yesterday dismissed fears that UEFA President Michel Platini would favour France’s bid, Abete said he had no doubts that the competition would be conducted fairly.
He said: ”I think Platini is a great manager and UEFA President, and as UEFA’s President he should want to make sure that the choice is made in the interests of the organization he’s in charge of.
“We have two valid opponents - France and Turkey - that each present different characteristics.
“[France] has a lot of tradition - just like Italy - and Turkey is a country that wants to organise an international event to improve its integration with Europe.
“But Italy has its cards to play and that’s what we’re doing.”
Italy has not hosted a major football tournament since the 1990 World Cup, and hosting the Euros would help the country renovate many of its dilapidated stadiums.
Concerns in Italy include fan violence and the on-going trial related to the 2006 match-fixing scandal, which is threatening to erupt again.
But Gianni Letta, the Undersecretary to Berlusconi, praised the country’s bid.
He said: ”Italy’s candidature is serious, harmonious and unique.
“We also think that the archeology, landscape and climate adds extra value.
“All this, added to our sporting merits, can show the country in a good light.”
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