The local authorities have approved a €200,000 grant to improve the Stadio Barbera in Palermo ahead of the World Cup play-off between Italy and North Macedonia.
The Sicilian city was chosen as the venue for this crucial fixture on March 24, 2022.
It is hoped that having Italy play somewhere they rarely visit will ensure passionate support from the locals in this play-off semi-final.
The winners of the game will go on to face either Portugal or Turkey, that one-off match then securing a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, as Palermo are in Serie C following bankruptcy, the Stadio Renzo Barbera needs upgrades to be ready for the international clash.
The FIGC requested €200,000 for work to the stands and the pitch, with the funding approved by the local authorities today.
If Palermo is not able to host the North Macedonia match, then it will be moved to the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, the home arena for Atalanta.
Stadio Barbera, 200mila euro di ristrutturazione per ospitare Italia-Macedonia#SkySport #Barbera #Palermo #ItaliaMacedonia https://t.co/yAEgnMOIxJ
— skysport (@SkySport) December 23, 2021
Perhaps the FiFA executive committee members, in all their infinite wisdom, could vote to contribute another 100,000 euros toward the renovation of the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
FIFA, of course, being of humble means, will dictate regulations but offer little by way of support…Oh, unless the support is directed to Infantino’s pet projects for continental federationsbother than Europe. He seems to forget where the bulk of revenue feeds FiFA coffers.