UEFA president slams Italian stadiums: 'By far the worst in Europe'

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has launched a scathing and unprecedented critique of the state of Italian football infrastructure, calling it “by far the worst in Europe” among the continent’s top footballing nations.

The comments, made during an exclusive interview with SportMediaset, come at a critical moment for Italy, which is preparing to co-host UEFA Euro 2032 alongside Turkey. Čeferin’s words have reverberated throughout the Italian football community and beyond, sparking widespread debate and concern about the country’s readiness to deliver on its responsibilities as a tournament host.

The timing of his remarks was particularly significant. Čeferin spoke just hours before one of the most high-profile matches of the season: the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Internazionale and Barcelona, scheduled for 21:00 at Milan’s iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, better known as San Siro. The legendary stadium, shared by Inter and AC Milan, was one of the central topics in the conversation and not in a flattering light. The Slovenian UEFA president made it clear that the current state of the venue, as well as the wider football infrastructure across the country, is a major concern.

San Siro, despite its historical significance and status as one of the most famous stadiums in world football, has fallen behind in terms of modern standards. Plans for renovation or even full demolition and replacement have stalled repeatedly over the past decade, bogged down by political red tape, local opposition, and disagreements between stakeholders. Čeferin referred directly to a failed attempt to bring the Champions League final back to Milan, noting that UEFA had to rule out San Siro due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding its future and its lack of modernization.

“When you look at the history of Italian football, the success on the pitch is undeniable,” Čeferin said. “This is a nation that has won four World Cups, two European Championships, and seen its clubs dominate in European competitions over decades. Yet when it comes to infrastructure to the stadiums, to the training grounds it is a different story. Frankly, it is a disgrace. Among all the major footballing countries, Italy ranks the lowest. It’s not acceptable, especially with Euro 2032 on the horizon.”

The UEFA chief didn’t stop there. He voiced frustration not only at the lack of progress but also at the culture of indecision and political inertia that he believes has crippled development for years. “To be honest, I’m tired of all the talk about Italian infrastructure. Every year there are discussions, press conferences, promises and yet nothing happens. Absolutely nothing. I hope that now, with Euro 2032 approaching, Italy will finally take meaningful steps. The clubs cannot do this on their own. They need help from the national government, from local authorities, and from private investors. Everyone has to play a part. It is time to stop talking and start acting, because the current situation is unacceptable.”

Čeferin’s candid assessment echoes concerns that have been voiced by club owners, players, and fans for years. Italy’s stadiums are notoriously outdated, with many built in the mid-20th century and still operating with minimal upgrades. While other countries across Europe such as England, Germany, France, and Spain have invested heavily in modern, safe, and commercially viable football venues, Italy has struggled to keep pace. Even Juventus’ Allianz Stadium, widely praised for its modern design and efficiency, is one of the few top-tier arenas in the country that meets UEFA’s highest standards.

Yet despite the harsh words, Čeferin ended on a note of cautious optimism. He reiterated his confidence in Italy’s ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. “I’m not worried yet,” he said, when asked whether Euro 2032 was at risk. “I believe the Italian government now understands the seriousness of the issue. There’s growing awareness that something needs to be done, and urgently. I have great trust in Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation and my first vice-president at UEFA. He is fully committed, and I know he will do everything in his power to bridge the gap. I’m convinced that Italy will host Euro 2032 in a responsible and successful way but only if decisive action begins now.”

His remarks may well serve as a wake-up call. With just seven years left until the tournament kicks off, Italy must undertake major infrastructure upgrades to ensure it is ready to meet the expectations of UEFA, players, supporters, broadcasters, and the global audience that accompanies such a tournament. The stakes are high not only for Italy’s international reputation but also for the long-term sustainability of its domestic game.

For now, all eyes turn to San Siro, where Internazionale and Barcelona will clash in a match that underscores both the enduring passion of Italian football and the urgent need for renewal. If Italy wants to remain a central pillar of the European footballing landscape, it must start building not just metaphorically, but literally.