UEFA confirm the inaugural match will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Gravina: “We can’t wait to experience that feeling”
The roaming Euros will still take place in the twelve pre-chosen venues. Minister Spadafora, Mayor Raggi, Extraordinary Commissioner Frongia and the President of Sports and Health Cozzoli all expressed their thoughtsWednesday, June 17, 2020
Rome’s Stadio Olimpico will still host the inaugural match of UEFA EURO 2020, the first itinerant European Championship that has been postponed until the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 emergency. The UEFA Executive Committee confirmed the twelve host cities and decided the event’s schedule in a meeting today, with the tournament kicking off on 11 June 2021 with the game between Italy and Turkey. Switzerland and Wales are the other two teams in Group A along with Roberto Mancini’s side.
Many stakeholders were involved in the organisation of the four matches taking place in Rome (three group-stage games and a quarter-final), confirming their commitment to the event with a belief in the importance of EURO 2020 for the return of sport in our country and Italian football; among them were the FIGC, the Government, Roma Capitale, CONI, Sport and Health and Aeroporti di Roma.
“Rome and Italy have confirmed their commitment to EURO 2020,” said the FIGC’s President Gabriele Gravina. “UEFA’s decision to confirm our capital city as the tournament’s inaugural venue is wonderful news that allows us to look towards the future with even greater confidence. Football is capable of multiplying enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to experience the emotions of what will undoubtedly be a great European Championship.”
“Italy is at the heart of European sport and football,” said the Minister for Youth Policy and Sport, Vincenzo Spadafora. “Rome has been confirmed as the city that will host four matches, including the tournament opener, of the European Championship that had to be postponed by a year due to the Coronavirus. I have always maintained that sport will play a fundamental role in relaunching the country, and this news fills me with pride. Both on and off the pitch, our opponents will find a team and a nation in top form.”
“We’re proud to see Rome confirmed as one of the homes of UEFA EURO 2020 and, above all, for the city to host the inaugural match between Italy and Turkey on 11 June 2021. It will be an unprecedented international event that will once again see our city play a leading role in European sport,” emphasised Rome’s Mayor, Virginia Raggi.
“The efforts made over the past few months in reorganising the European Championship will soon be rewarded as the most beautiful and exciting competition comes to life in our city,” said the Extraordinary Commissioner for UEFA EURO 2020 Daniele Frongia. “Not only in the Stadio Olimpico but on every street corner, full of monuments, culture and events organised specifically for the European Championship. The news that the opening game has been confirmed in our city fills us with pride and more and more motivation to put on a unique event in Rome.”
“This news is a great source of pride and an important recognition on UEFA’s part of the Parco del Foro Italico and the Stadio Olimpico, managed by Sport and Health, the state’s operational body for the sporting world,” were the words of Vito Cozzoli, President of Sport and Health. “We can’t wait to welcome the teams and fans for the opening game on 11 June between Italy and Turkey, as well as for the other games at our stadium which is right in the heart of one of the most suitable locations for driving and public transport to a sporting event in the whole world. The charm of Rome and the Foro Italico are simply unparalleled and we’ll be sure to live up to the great privilege that UEFA have bestowed us with. The Stadio Olimpico hosted the Champions League final in 2009 and we were overwhelmed with compliments. We can guarantee that we’ll do everything possible to earn them this time around too. See you in a year!”
All of the tickets already purchased remain valid for the tournament in 2021. Those who have purchased tickets but wish to return some or all of them will have one final chance to request a refund between 18 and 25 June at the website euro2020.com/tickets. Dates for potential future ticket sales, including for fans of the four teams who qualify through the play-offs, will be announced at a later stage.
UEFA’s Executive Committee also expressed its appreciation for the host associations, the host cities and their respective authorities for their continued support and commitment in organising the postponed UEFA EURO 2020.
