(ATR) Rome 2024 selected 11 cities across Italy to host matches of the Olympic football tournament if Rome’s bid for the 2024 Olympics is successful.
"This announcement today shows that we are a nationwide project," said Rome 2024 bid leader Luca di Montezemolo.
The 11 cities are Bari, Bologna, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Rome, Turin, Udine and Verona. Bari was narrowly beaten by Cagliari to host the sailing venue last week.
"Both the Sailing and Football Tournaments will fully represent the technical added values of our venues, unique environments, great enthusiasm and a deep knowledge and competence," said Montezemolo.
The proposal includes iconic stadiums in Italy, including the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, San Siro in Milan, Stadio San Paolo in Naples and the Juventus Stadium in Turin.
Stadio San Paolo and Giuseppe Meazza Stadium would host the quarter and semifinal matches of the tournament while both the men’s and women’s final matches will take place at the Stadio Olimpico.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium is the largest football stadium in Italy with a total capacity above 80,018 while Stadio San Paolo can hold 60,240 spectators for the quarters and semis. Rome’s Stadio Olimpico can seat 72,698 for the final matches.
The remaining eight cities proposed will host the group stage of the tournament.
The IOC will select the host of the 2024 Olympics in 2017. Rome is competing with Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris to host the Games.
Written by KevinNutley
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