Italy and Turkey will host UEFA Euro 2032.
UEFA confirmed on Tuesday morning that Italy and Turkey will host Euro 2032.
The two countries had started as individual bidders but decided to join forces and submitted a joint bid to stage the competition. UEFA also confirmed on Tuesday that Ireland and the UK will host Euro 2028.
UEFA said the joint bidders presented 20 potential host stadiums, of which 10 will be chosen, five per country, by October 2026.
“Italy had not organised the final stage of such an important football even since Italia 90,” FIGC President Gravina told Sky Sport 24 from Nyon.
“After 42 years, it’s the right time to focus all our efforts and prove Italy’s organisation.
“First of all, we obtained a significant period to gather ideas, plan and realise [stadiums]. The date is October 1, 2026, meaning we have three years to project and put the foundation stone by March 31, 2027.
“We are not disadvantaged in terms of stadium indications. Three have already been considered positively in the bid. We are still missing two or three stadiums, but we must not just consider the five or six venues for this phase. We must go beyond and see 2032 as a great opportunity that can offer our country and the world of football a chance to develop and build ideas, culture and infrastructures for our country.”
Gravina sees the joint bid with Turkey as an opportunity for both nations.
“Football must be a cultural phenomenon that breaks down any barrier,” said the FIGC President.
“I believe this is one of these opportunities. This event is not only about Italy and Turkey, it concerns the entire Europe. It’s about recognising the different traditions and cultures, cancelling any sort of physical distance between the two countries and building bridges.”
Hosting Euro 2032 will hopefully give Italy a big chance to build new stadiums and renew infrastructures all over the country.
“We must make an effort for a cultural revolution,” insisted Gravina.
“This is a matter we’ve been discussing for several years, but we’ve never been able to find solutions. Bureaucracy is not the problem. It’s a matter of entrepreneurial assessment. It’s a matter of football being seen as a place where families can reunite and enjoy football in the best possible way.
“We must ensure this event becomes an opportunity and use any possible strategy to make the most of it. Everyone must do his part. I’ve heard about a commissioner. Don’t be deceived. The commissioner can’t be the solution to all problems. It can be helpful, but it is one of the elements. All the others must be identified in the world of football.”
Why can’t Italy host it alone? They have to team up with a country that is barely European… what a sad state of affairs.
@Bobby
Because Turkey has far better stadiums for one.