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Iconic 94-year-old football stadium looks unrecognisable as building site after work begins on £86million renovation
FIORENTINA'S iconic stadium looks unrecognisable after building work began on a stunning £86million renovation.
The Stadio Artemio Franchi is one of the most famous arenas in Italy after being constructed in 1931 — making it 94 years old.
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Located in Florence, it holds 47,282 fans and once saw a record 58,271 pack in for Fiorentina's 3-0 win over Inter Milan in November 1985.
But after going several previous renovations in 1990 and 2013, the Artemio Franchi is once again under the knife for a brand new reconstruction.
Work started last year on an £86m plan to rebuild several stands while modernising existing infrastructure.
It's expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
And with the Serie A season at an end, contractors have been able to finally raise scaffolding all over the stadium, just weeks after a raging fire blazed through Fiorentina's training ground.
The lengthy work means any future home matches will be played with a reduced capacity, with Fiorentina chiefs having already secured a reduction in rent.
Club president Rocco Commisso is hopeful that all work will be completed by the deadline, saying: 'For the good of Fiorentina, we must work together and do everything possibly to complete the renovation quickly.
'A partially functioning stadium makes no sense.'
Fiorentina finished sixth in Serie A this season, securing another year in the Conference League.
The Italians have already lost two finals of the relatively-new competition to West Ham and Olympiacos.
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While this term they were KO'd in the semis by Real Betis, who went on to lose the final 4-1 to Chelsea.
Their Artemio Franchi arena has played host to some memorable events, including the 1934 and 1990 World Cups.
It's also hosted Italy's national football and rugby teams while also playing host to a number of non-sporting events.
David Bowie, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen are among the superstars to have played there.
While in 1954, local legend claims that UFOs travelling at high speed stopped directly over the stadium during a reserve game before coating the Artemio Franchi in a 'silvery glitter.'
