Team Talk : Delle Alpi

Juve's Delle Alpi conundrum
Tuesday 19 February, 2008

Juventus have a big choice to make for the redevelopment of the Stadio Delle Alpi – they must decide between a restructuring and a complete rebuild.

The Bianconeri have purchased the stadium from Turin council for around £16m and will submit plans for their new home by the start of April.

Old Lady director Jean-Claude Blanc met with local authorities this morning to discuss the club’s options.

“I can’t discuss figures publicly because of the club’s position on the stock market,” he told journalists.

“But the cost of a total rebuild would be around five times greater than a restyling.

“We are weighing things up as well because with Italy having missed out on Euro 2012 there won’t be the offer of an interest-free loan.

“In any case we will make an important investment without endangering the fund for strengthening the squad.”

A restructuring would see the distance between the stands and the pitch reduced with a 50,000-capacity stadium ready for the 2009-2010 campaign.

A total rebuild would require a much longer waiting period and would lead to a 40,000-seater arena opening at the beginning of the 2011-2012 season.

*channel4