Poli Timișoara weighs Inter Milan visit for new stadium, while coach Dan Alexa advocates for Rapid București

Poli Timișoara is currently evaluating the possibility of hosting Inter Milan for the inaugural event at their newly constructed arena, the Eroii Timișoarei stadium. According to reports from iAMsport, the club’s management is actively considering this high-profile fixture as part of the celebrations surrounding the completion of the facility. The potential visit represents a significant opportunity for the Romanian side to showcase their new home on an international stage, although the arrangement remains in the preliminary stages of negotiation.

The infrastructure project behind the new venue has involved substantial financial investment and planning. The construction of the new arena is estimated to have cost approximately 23 million euros. This figure underscores the scale of the undertaking by Poli Timișoara to upgrade their facilities. The design of the stadium includes provisions for a capacity of 10,000 seats, which will serve as the team's primary home ground once operational standards are met.

Cristi Bobar, who serves as the sporting manager for Poli Timișoara, is reportedly mediating the potential visit of Inter Milan. His role involves facilitating communications and negotiations between the two clubs to make the inauguration match a reality. The involvement of senior sporting leadership highlights the importance the club places on securing a prestigious opponent for the opening ceremony, aiming to generate excitement among supporters and enhance the club's profile.

Despite the ongoing discussions with Inter Milan, there is a divergent view within the club's coaching staff regarding the ideal opponent. Head coach Dan Alexa has personally suggested that playing against Rapid București would be a more suitable choice for the inauguration than facing Inter Milan. Alexa’s preference indicates a desire for a different type of fixture, potentially prioritizing domestic rivalry or logistical simplicity over international prestige.

Dan Alexa clarified his position by stating that he had not spoken with anyone else about the possibility of hosting Inter Milan. This statement suggests that his suggestion to play Rapid București was made independently and reflects his personal opinion rather than a coordinated strategy agreed upon with other club officials. He emphasized that the proposal was strictly his own viewpoint, distinguishing his input from the broader administrative efforts led by figures like Cristi Bobar.

The timeline for the stadium's readiness is set for December 2026, when the construction is scheduled to be completed. However, the physical completion does not immediately grant the club permission to use the venue for official matches. Poli Timișoara will continue to play at their current home, the Electrică stadium, until they obtain the necessary official homologation after the December 2026 completion date. This regulatory step is crucial before any inauguration events can take place at the new site.