Matchday security at Juventus’ Allianz Stadium – Francesco Gianello, Head of Stadium

During ESSMA’s Safety and Security Workshop in Copenhagen, Francesco Gianello, Head of Allianz Stadium, shared the security and stewarding approach of Juventus.

Recruitment and training

The club recognised that stewarding is an integral part of stadium operations and safety and felt they had the necessary knowledge and expertise to start recruiting and training stewards themselves. This allowed them to get to know the new stewards better and to better prepare them for the challenges that they would have to face in the stadium. 

The club obtained their license to become an official training agency for stewards from the Ministry of Interiors in 2014. The certificate Juventus’ stewards receive when they complete the education can be used to work in any Italian Stadium. Since obtaining their license in 2014, Juventus has successfully trained over 700 stewards.

The training programme consists of 24 hours of education in class and 4 additional hours in the stadium. Students are educated about public order rules, legal framework of stewarding, crowd psychology, stewarding operations, medical services, English & sign language (key wording) and more. 

Matchday

Stewarding operational plan on matchdays:

• 5.5 hours before kick-off: Briefing between stewarding coordinator and parking staff
• 5 hours before kick-off: Briefing between Club Security Officer, Stewarding Coordinator and 7 Area Chiefs
• 4.5 hours before kick-off: Briefing by Stewarding Coordinator to 70 Unit Chiefs
• 3.5 hours before kick-off: GOS gathers and is stand-by for the rest of the day to make instant decisions if necessary
• 3 hours before kick-off: Stewards secure the stadium. Accreditation system activated
• 2 hours before kick-off: Gates Open
• 20 minutes after final whistle: Post-match checks. Units debriefing
• 2 hours after final whistle: Debriefing between Club Security Officer, Stewarding Coordinator and 7 Area Chiefs

There are 114 cameras, 76 turnstiles that can each handle 750 people per hour and 42 walk-through metal detectors all around the stadium to aid stewards throughout the whole process. The cameras and turnstile systems have even been integrated to make the identification of fans easier. The club is also looking to introduce sniffing devices which can detect black powder on anyone who has touched pyrotechnics in the last 40 minutes.

Retainment

• Juventus has taken a different approach when it comes to retaining stewards as well
• Stewards feel like they are an important part of stadium operations
• Stewards feel like the success of the event is a result of their commitment
• Loyalty programme with rewards for stewards based on their attendance and performance throughout the year
• Party for stewards end hostesses at the end of the year
• A chance to travel to other Italian and European stadiums with the club
• A chance to grow within the organisation (become a team-captain)

Main takeaways 

• Stewards are trained and managed by Juventus
• A GOS (An operational security group) is appointed to assess the risk level of each match and determine what measures have to be taken
• Stewards are trained to be welcoming and friendly but also strict and thorough
• Stewards are made to feel like they have really contributed to the club’s success and the overall stadium operations. They are part of the success of the event
• Stewards get the opportunity to grow within the organisation and can become team captains. They can also get the chance to travel to other Italian and European stadiums

• The club has a loyalty programme where stewards can get rewards based on their performances throughout the year and they organise a party for stewards and hostesses who have participated in the most events