After having the hosting rights for the 2027 Champions League final revoked from the San Siro stadium, UEFA formally reopened the bidding process. They initially selected it to host Europe’s most prestigious soccer match. However, Milan and Inter’s iconic venue is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/milan-inters-san-siro-plan-risk-2027-champions-league-final/">no longer viable</a> due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding planned refurbishments. As a result, new stadiums across Europe are being considered, including the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.



On Tuesday, UEFA confirmed that the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/tears-of-joy-in-my-first-visit-to-san-siro-20231105-WST-466908.html">San Siro</a>, would no longer be the venue for the 2027 Champions League final. The city’s failure to ensure that the stadium would be ready and fully operating by the planned time led to the decision.



“The nomination had been suspended awaiting the confirmation there would not be work performed on the stadium at San Siro”, <a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/marchetti-uefa-ecco-perche-abbiamo-tolto-la-finale-di-champions--80123" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said UEFA’s vice-secretary general Giorgio Marchetti</a>. “Unfortunately, the local authorities in Milan were unable to guarantee the stadium would be completely clear and in its current configuration.”



This loss is a blow to Milan, a city that has a rich history of hosting major events including past Champions League finals. Marchetti added, “Milan is a great city, and San Siro is an iconic stadium. Obviously, we are not happy that we cannot proceed. However, the assignation was subordinated to confirmation that the stadium would be available.”



<h2>Rome’s Stadio Olimpico as Italy’s last hope</h2>



Following the announcement, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) quickly pivoted. It proposed Rome’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/friedkin-reveals-as-roma-stadium-after-failed-everton-takeover/">Stadio Olimpico</a> as a potential alternative to San Siro. It’s one of the few stadiums in Italy capable of meeting UEFA’s requirements for hosting a Champions League final. It has a seating capacity of over 60,000. The stadium has previously hosted major international events. For example, it was the site of the 1990 World Cup and multiple European finals.



Italian sources suggest that FIGC had already anticipated UEFA’s decision regarding San Siro and had begun preparing the Stadio Olimpico as a fallback. As reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/25-09-2024/san-siro-bocciato-per-la-finale-di-champions-2027-la-figc-punta-sull-olimpico-di-roma.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gazzetta dello Sport</a>, the FIGC is working with local and national governments. They want to push for the Olimpico to become the official venue.



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Though the Stadio Olimpico is a logical choice, UEFA’s decision to reopen the bidding process means that other national associations across Europe will also have the opportunity to propose their stadiums. As Marchetti clarified, “UEFA will open up the process for candidates over the next few days. If Italy wants to participate by proposing a suitable and available venue for 2027, it can do so. However, we must all follow the formal process.”



<h2>Marseille enters the race for the Champions League Final</h2>



Italy isn’t the only country eyeing the opportunity to host the 2027 final. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/olympique-marseille-smashes-its-record-for-season-tickets-sold/">Marseille</a>, France, has emerged as a strong contender. The city’s deputy mayor, Sebastien Jibrayel, confirmed their intention to bid for the event. The Stade Velodrome, with a capacity of 67,000, is the largest stadium in southern France. Nonetheless, has unfortunately never hosted a Champions League final.



Jibrayel took to social media to express his excitement. <a href="https://x.com/sjibrayel/status/1838613148762251615" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">He wrote</a>: “Why not Marseille, in the most beautiful stadium in France: the Velodrome. With Mayor Benoît Payan, we will support Marseille’s bid to host the Champions League final in 2027.”



France has a storied history of hosting the Champions League final, having done so three times at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, including in 2022. Organizational problems tainted the most recent final in 2022. It included incidents of violence and safety concerns between Liverpool and Real Madrid supporters. Despite these past problems, Marseille believes the Velodrome offers a fresh and exciting alternative for UEFA.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

2027 Champions League final host: Marseille to rival Rome?

After revoking the hosting rights for the 2027 Champions League final from the San Siro stadium, Marseille entered the race to host.

<div style="text-align: center"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/sports-news-august-2010/image/9499132?term=Juventus" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9499132/sports-news-august-2010/sports-news-august-2010.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=9499132" border="0" alt="Aug. 06, 2010 - 06282320 date 05 08 2010 Copyright imago Gribaudi ImagePhoto GC Modena 53 08 2010 Europe League Juventus Shamrock RVs Photo Giuseppe Celeste Image Photo Esultanza Gol Alessandro DEL Piero PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA Football men UEFA Europe League Europe League EC 3 Qualification 2010 2011 Modena Action shot Vdig xkg 2010 horizontal Highlight premiumd." width="500" height="333"></figure></div></a></div>
Mention the 2009-2010 season to Juventus’ 170 million fans and they will shake their head in disgust.&nbsp; Italy’s most successful and <a href="http://www.repubblica.it/2008/08/sezioni/sport/calcio/sondaggio-calcio/tifo-juve-inter/tifo-juve-inter.html" target="_blank">beloved</a> soccer team was a shell of itself, missing out on a European tournament spot due to poor play and aging players.&nbsp; It is not a coincidence that the Italian national team also failed to live up to expectations in the World Cup, as Juve players made up a large contingent of the team.&nbsp; Overall, it was a season to forget in Stadio Olimpico and the club wasted no time in cleaning house, replacing individuals from the team president down.&nbsp; The new Juventus still has many familiar names, but has strengthened its weaknesses to make a run at the top four. 
Management: Jean-Claude Blanc, the brainchild behind the new Juventus stadium, was forced out in May 2010 and replaced with Andrea Agnelli, the fourth member of his family to run Juventus.&nbsp; Similar to Blanc, he has a business background and is tasked with maintaining the profitability of the club.&nbsp; No doubt part of his financial plan includes UEFA tournament money.
His first task upon being hired was to grab Luigi Del Neri from Sampdoria as a permanent replacement for Ciro Ferrara.&nbsp; Del Neri guided Sampdoria to a top four finish and was in demand this offseason.&nbsp; His 4-4-2 style will be a good fit for Juventus, and look for the team to focus a bit more on defense this season.&nbsp; Del Neri could, however, actually play more of a 4-2-2-2 if he extends the wings and moves them forward in the attack.&nbsp; Juventus in their matches this month have also played a 4-3-3 at times.&nbsp; He’s seen success at Atalanta before guiding Sampdoria to the Champions League, and he was the best person available for the job. 
The Transfer Market: Juventus was active in the transfer market, as to be expected, sending out older&nbsp;and more expensive players and bringing in both quality starters and key backups.&nbsp; Maybe the biggest name to come to Juventus was Pepe, acquired on loan from Udinese with an option to buy.&nbsp; Del Neri knows Pepe from his time in Palermo, and has added him as an attack option on the right side.&nbsp; The club also beefed up its defense, which is discussed in depth below.
The continuing story of this offseason is the departures from the club, or a house cleaning if you prefer.&nbsp; Italian national and rapidly aging defender Fabio Cannavaro has left for the UAE soccer league and a hefty contract.&nbsp; Christian Poulsen was transferred to Liverpool for about €5.5 million to free up some salary and space after a disappointing stint with the club.&nbsp; The biggest loss long-term, however, may be <a href="http://blogs.soccernet.com/juventus/archives/2010/08/ciao_gio.php" target="_blank">the loss of Sebastian Giovinco</a> to Parma.&nbsp; The young playmaker had been tabbed by fans as the next Juve star, but he grew tired of waiting to break into the starting XI. 
Key Players: Starting in the back of the 4-4-2, vice-captain and all-world keeper Gigi Buffon begins the season&nbsp;on the injured list, leaving AC Milan acquisition Marco Storari as the starter.&nbsp; Storari will never cause people to forget Buffon, but he is experienced and talented enough to hold down the position until Buffon is healthy.
<div style="float: left;margin-right: 5px"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/shamrock-rovers-juventus/image/9449128?term=Juventus" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9449128/shamrock-rovers-juventus/shamrock-rovers-juventus.jpg?size=234&amp;imageId=9449128" border="0" alt="July 29, 2010 - Dublin, Ireland - epa02266030 Pat Flynn from Shamrock Rovers (R) and Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus in action during the Europa League 3rd round 1st Leg Qualifiying match between Shamrock Rovers and Juventus in Dublin, Ireland, 29 July 2010." width="234" height="156"></figure></div></a></div>
Coming into the new season, Del Neri knew he needed to revamp the defense after Juventus allowed 55 goals last season.&nbsp; He acquired rising star Leonardo Bonucci from Bari and Marco Motta from Roma to partner with stalwarts Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Grosso, or if Grosso leaves during this transfer window, Paolo De Ceglie.&nbsp; The two new additions will strengthen the backline and makes defense a team strength.&nbsp; Look for Bonucci to become the next Fabio Grosso in his time at Juventus.
If Del Neri continues his traditional formation, the midfield will see two holding and two attacking wingers.&nbsp; As mentioned, Pepe will man the right wing and replace Mauro Camoranesi, who regardless of his transfer status should be replaced by a younger player.&nbsp; Claudio Marchisio, one of the players who actually looked good in last season’s debacle, could start on the other wing, with Mohammed Sissoko in the middle.&nbsp; UPDATE – Juventus <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/08/19/2078378/breaking-news-cska-moscow-confirm-milos-krasic-will-join" target="_blank">added another potential starter</a> to the midfield with CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic.
Up front, Del Neri against Shamrock moved Pepe and attacking midfielder Davide Lanzafame (Parma) to the forward position with Amauri.&nbsp; While this could be an attacking option, I can see a rotation (assuming a 4-4-2) of Amauri, Trezeguet, and Del Piero as a potent attack.
<div style="float: right;margin-left: 5px"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/sports-news-august-2010/image/9545240?term=Juventus" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9545240/sports-news-august-2010/sports-news-august-2010.jpg?size=234&amp;imageId=9545240" border="0" alt="Aug. 14, 2010 - 06320941 date 13 08 2010 Copyright imago Gribaudi ImagePhoto GC Bari 13 08 2010 Trofeo Tim Milan Juventus Photo Giuseppe Celeste Image Sports Nella Photo Esultanza Gol Diego PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA Bari men Football ITA Series A 2011 try out Portrait Vdig xmk 2010 Square premiumd." width="234" height="238"></figure></div></a></div>
This is, of course, assuming Diego is sent to a Bundesliga club, where he has been rumored to be going (<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=815305&amp;sec=transfers&amp;cc=5901&amp;cc=5901" target="_blank">or not going</a>).&nbsp; If Diego stays, the forward position has the potential to be one of the deepest in Serie A.
Outlook: This preview could change if Juventus makes any more changes on the transfer market, which is possible.&nbsp; But as their club stands, Juventus is definitely a favorite to finish in the top four.&nbsp; Even without a healthy Buffon to begin the season, the defense is improved from last season and will be a strength.&nbsp; The attack will be more “exciting” than last season with a good variety of scorers that Del Neri can turn to for goals.&nbsp; Under new management and with Del Neri’s vision revitalizing the club, there is no reason this club will not move higher in the standings.&nbsp; Whether they can challenge for a scudetto will depend on if they can improve on their record against the top clubs.

Serie A Preview &#8211; The Resurrection of Juventus

Serie A Preview - The Resurrection of Juventus - World Soccer Talk

Serie A Preview – The Resurrection of Juventus

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31361197@N04/3340991916/"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2191" src="/files/2010/03/AC-Milan-AS-Roma-289x300.jpg" alt="" width="289" height="300"></figure></div></a>The most anticipated match-up of the weekend is the AS Roma-AC Milan contest to decide which club can challenge Inter for the top spot in Serie A.&nbsp; While the loser still has an outside shot at the scudetto, an Inter victory over Genoa would make it a tough task.
Rather than a traditional post rehashing strengths and weaknesses, here are the quick seven keys to the match:
<ol>
<li>Who will step up for Pato: The loss of the young Brazilian is huge for this match.&nbsp; Not only was he leading the club in goals, but he has been a key to the resurgence of Ronaldinho.&nbsp; Milan has Borriello, Huntelaar, and other big names, but when that go-ahead goal is needed will they be able to be the unstoppable threat Milan may need?</li>
<li>The Milan Brazilians: Ronaldinho has been dominating the pitch as of late; even in the loss to Manchester United it could be argued that he was the best player on the pitch that day (although Wayne Rooney might argue against that).&nbsp; Thiago Silva needs to have a good match to prevent scoring chances for Roma.&nbsp; A major weakness this year has been the inconsistent play of Milan’s defenders.</li>
<li>Roma’s Injury Situation: Luca Toni will make his <a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE6230CP20100304" target="_blank">anticipated return</a> for this match.&nbsp; David Pizarro is <a href="http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/03/04/1818184/roma-midfielder-david-pizarro-declares-himself-available-for" target="_blank">available to play</a>.&nbsp; However, Francesco Totti will not be available.&nbsp; Can Vucinic provide the scoring threat that Roma may need if Toni is still rusty?</li>
<li>Roma’s sudden defensive slip: In the Europa League last Thursday Roma gave up three goals in six minutes to Panathinaikos, leading to their elimination from the competition.&nbsp; Last weekend they gave up a two goal lead and had to settle for a draw against Napoli.&nbsp; Were these consecutive defensive mishaps anomalies or the sign of a bigger problem?</li>
<li>Leonardo’s game plan: He’s 0-2 versus Inter Milan.&nbsp; He’s a rookie manager that has come under criticism from management.&nbsp; The easiest way to ease criticism is to figure out a way to gain three critical points.&nbsp; Failure to do so will only ratchet up that criticism.</li>
<li>The crowd: Stadio Olimpico is <a href="http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/03/04/1817995/stadio-olimpico-sold-out-for-romas-high-profile-clash-with" target="_blank">already sold out</a> in anticipation of this match.&nbsp; Roma has not lost a Serie A match at home this season and is 11-0-2 overall.&nbsp; AC Milan’s away record in Serie A is an impressive 7-4-2, and how they handle the partisan crowd could carry-over to their mid-week match at Manchester United.</li>
<li>Milan facing double elimination:&nbsp; One advantage for Roma is with their Europa League elimination, this match is for their season.&nbsp; No points means no chance at a title.&nbsp; The equation is different for Milan, however.&nbsp; Will they be looking ahead to their match mid-week against Manchester United?&nbsp; A loss in this match and the Champions League means no titles for this high-profile club.&nbsp; Which title means more?&nbsp; Will Milan be going all out, or could they want to save a bit for their United match?</li>
</ol>

Seven Keys to the AS Roma-AC Milan Match

Seven Keys to the AS Roma-AC Milan Match - World Soccer Talk

As Serie A takes a quick breather for a World Cup friendly this week versus Cameroon, this past weekend once again saw changes in the standings as well as a tightening championship race.&nbsp; Before we look ahead and begin debating which players deserve to make the national team, let’s take a look back at a fascinating week in Serie A.
It was the best and worst of times for AC Milan
Alexandre Pato was the star of the match for Milan, netting two first half goals for the club on their way to an easy 3-1 victory over Atalanta.&nbsp; But the story coming out of this match was a thigh strain for Pato, who was carried off near the end of the match.&nbsp; The severity is currently unknown, but it looks like he <a href="http://goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2010/03/01/1812980/ac-milan-star-alexandre-pato-a-doubt-for-manchester-united" target="_blank">could miss</a> the crucial away game versus Manchester United next week.&nbsp; Milan is a talented club, but Pato has fourteen goals in 24 Serie A and Champions League matches this season and thus will be missed if he is out for the match.
The positive Juventus momentum grinds to a halt
This past week, Juventus beat Ajax in aggregate to move into the round of 16 in the Europa League.&nbsp; They had also moved back into fourth place in Serie A and looked to be in control of their Champions League destiny.&nbsp; Alas, their momentum came to a screeching halt with a 2-0 loss to Palermo, who replaces them in that coveted fourth place in the standings.&nbsp; Juve had their chances, but only put one shot on goal in the contest.&nbsp; This was their first loss under new manager Alberto Zaccheroni.
Roma and Napoli both end streaks
A Marek Hamsik goal in extra time sealed an impressive Napoli comeback and secured their first points in their last six matches.&nbsp; That same goal also ended Roma’s winning streak at seven matches and, with Milan’s two victories in four days, dropped them into third in the standings three points behind Milan and seven behind Inter.&nbsp; Mirko Vucinic continued to play well netting a goal in the 65th minute, but it was Roma’s defense that let Napoli back into the contest.&nbsp; This bitter defeat ended a bad week for Roma – still without Toni and Totti, they had been eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday.
Lazio survives to play another day
In a match setting that ESPN described as “ghostly”, Lazio held on to a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina to pick up one point and remain three points away from relegation.&nbsp; The Lazio faithful held a protest of the club’s ownership, resulting in an estimated crown of 10,000 quietly watching the match in the Stadio Olympico.&nbsp; Lazio seized an early lead on a goal in the seventh minute, and their third-string keeper didn’t concede an equalizer until extra time in the second half.&nbsp; It was at the same time a missed opportunity and favorable match for the home club.
Bari continues its free-fall
For a club that was considered a dark horse for a Euopra League spot, Bari has played miserably the past few weeks.&nbsp; Last week, they barely put up a fight against visiting AC Milan.&nbsp; This week, the gave up four goals to a Catania club that is fighting to stay up in Serie A.&nbsp; Bari played well but failed to put any points on the board despite some good opportunities.&nbsp; This is their fourth straight loss and they have failed to scored for the third time in those matches.

Lessons Learned from Giornata 26

Lessons Learned from Giornata 26 - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/files/2009/01/stadio-olimpico.jpg" alt="stadio-olimpico.jpg"></figure></div>
The 2009 Champions League Final will be the 54th final of the tournament and the 17th under the current format. The final will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 27 May 2009. The stadium is located in the North of Rome along the river Tiber in the Foro Italico, about 4 miles from the city centre. It has a seating capacity of 82,000 and is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. It is the host stadium for two Serie A clubs in Roma and Lazio, along with the Italian National side.
History
The stadium, designed by architect Annibale Vitellozzi, sits between the Tiber river and the Monte Mario hill. It was built in 1952 as a venue for the 1960 Summer Olympics. In the outer grounds are various mosaics depicting different Olympic sports and similar statues in the gardens next to the stadium. Stadio Olimpico also hosted the 1987 World Athletics Championships. As a venue for the 1990 World Cup, the stadium underwent a good deal of reconstruction. A roof was added and the stands rebuilt closer to the playing surface, though retaining the “bowl” shape of the stadium. 2009 will be the fourth time the final has been played at the stadium, following Liverpool`s wins over Borussia Monchengladbach in 1977 and AS Roma in 1984, along with Juventus` win over Ajax in 1996.
Accommodation near Stadio Olimpico
Hotels
Rome has hotels in abundance, but given that the Stadio Olimpico is an hour and a half walk from the city centre, it seems sensible for those just wishing to attend the Champions League final to stay as close as possible. For those wishing to make the trip a bit more of a holiday, buses 32 and 280 and tram 225 from the centre of Rome serve the stadium. Some appropriate hotel choices close to Stadio Olimpico include:
Hotel Astrid, Largo Antonio Sarti 4, Rome. This hotel is located within easy walking distance of the stadium and offers garage parking.
Hotel Farnesina, Via della Farnesina 23, Rome. Also close to the stadium, offering full buffet breakfast and free Internet use.
Hostels
Rome`s many hostels, mostly located near the Termini train station, are a cheap and cheerful alternative to hotel accommodation, costing substantially less than a <a href="http://www.matchhotels.com/football/England/Manchester-United-hotels-1707.html">Manchester United hotel</a>. One appropriate hostel is the Happy Days Hostel, Via Trionfale 146, Rome. This is close to the stadium and a mere 10-minute walk from Vatican City, but has an age restriction of 18-35.
Apartments
Various self-catering apartments are also available for rent near Stadio Olimpico, with prices falling in the range between hostels and hotels.

Champions League Final Stadium Guide: Stadio Olimpico

Champions League Final Stadium Guide: Stadio Olimpico - World Soccer Talk

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