President Ben Rosenzweig’s statement on Stadio Rocco

Statement from Triestina President Ben Rosenzweig on the Situation at Stadio Nereo Rocco.

“I’d like to thank the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia for their support and contribution to the reclamation project of the pitch at the Nereo Rocco, as well as the necessary upgrades to be able to host an International Youth Tournament in Trieste. We also must thank the Regional Committee of FIGC for their willingness to collaborate with us on our ambitions to grow youth football in Trieste.

Now that all necessary funding has been secured, and Triestina has already obtained multiple proposals from the top agronomy companies in Italy, it is necessary for all parties involved to work in cooperation to quickly reach our common goal: an immediate return of the Nereo Rocco pitch to a standard befitting a stadium of international level and the city to which it belongs.

Our players deserve better than to play on the current pitch, which subjects them to increased risk of injury and may ultimately prove to be a significant determinant in hindering the club’s push for promotion. In my conversations with Presidente Fedriga and Mejor DiPiazza, I know that they agree with me that, to act upon serious ambition in sport, a city like Trieste deserves a stadium with a field that is meaningfully better than simply “not the worst”.

Make no mistake, we want to be playing at the Nereo Rocco. But I have always said that we have embarked upon a multi-year project that must build upon a solid foundation. I am confident that rebuilding the pitch now, even in the middle of the season, puts an end to the uncertainty surrounding the stadium and is the best long-term decision for the club. With the funding secured, the proposals finalized, and the youth tournament approved, Triestina and its supporters expect a commitment to approve the undertaking immediately”.