The stadium in Taranto was meant to be a symbol of the city’s rebirth, but it already needs rebuilding.

The stadium that welcomed President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni a month ago for the opening ceremony of the Mediterranean Games in Taranto is already in need of renovation. It had been celebrated live on Rai as an example of the government’s effectiveness, of the south making it work, and of Taranto’s rebirth. Yet once the cameras and lights were switched off, and the blue carpet – hastily cobbled together to show the world that Italy can be ready – had been removed, what remained, right beneath that carpet, were potholes, exposed cables and materials, which to this day prevent Taranto Calcio from playing in the league or training. The refurbishment of the Iacovone stadium cost the public purse 60 million euros. For a 20,000-seat stadium, ready for Serie A. But still incomplete. The Games drew to a close a week ago, with a closing ceremony that paled in comparison to the opening one. There were no institutional guests, nor any big-name artists. Taranto’s first home match, following their suspension, was scheduled for 13 September. But it cannot take place at the Iacovone, which is currently unusable.

Local reports mention damage to the turf, the irrigation systems, and the electrical connection and drainage pits. Some attribute the damage to the dismantling of the ceremony stages. Consequently, the newly sown lawn (which was specifically laid for the cameras of Government Commissioner Massimo Ferrarese) is severely damaged and unusable. To restore it within 10 days, the organising committee must commission a contractor, with the costs borne by G2 Eventi, the company that organised the ceremonies. However, it was already clear from the very first football match during the Games that the turf was quite badly damaged. Furthermore, alongside the pitch, work still needs to be done on electrical cabinets, touchlines, pitch dividers, paintwork and covers. Furthermore, pitch B – which had been promised for training sessions – is completely destroyed. These issues have nothing to do with the company that organised the ceremonies, which, having received so many compliments for the beauty of the event it organised, is now being pilloried and will probably lodge an appeal. Commissioner Ferrarese, whose term of office runs until the end of 2026, has said that he would personally oversee the completion of the works using the remaining 3 million. This includes the necessary testing, which the facilities currently lack, as well as the required safety certifications (the Iacovone stadium is currently authorised for a maximum of 100 people). After months packed with social media posts and statements, and following the recent tear-jerking farewells, the commissioner has earned his well-deserved rest.

The City of Taranto, which owns the stadium, has put a stop to the negotiations. As of today, it is unclear whether the company that owns SS Taranto, led by the Ladisa brothers, has requested to play next Sunday at the Iacovone, nor who refused their request or why. Above all, however, it remains uncertain when Taranto Calcio will finally be able to return to playing at the Iacovone. For the city, these Games – albeit a far cry from the 200,000 visitors promised by the organisers – have provided two weeks of entertainment. And, on the eve of 20,000 redundancies at Ilva, the illusion of a long-awaited turnaround. The Italians, competing on home soil, won the majority of the medals, having fielded a delegation that was stronger than the average of the other countries. Tamberi himself, upon winning gold, admitted it had been an easy victory as there were no opponents at his level, and that he had taken part more for the sake of the crowd than for the competition itself, with his sights set on the Diamond League in Brussels (where he finished third).

Out of 400 million in public funds spent, just over 1 was recouped from ticket sales. The people of Taranto, more than anyone else in the world, have filled the stands at the stadiums. Now let’s hope they don’t end up empty.