Spazi per lo sport e inclusione tra pubblico e privato

The essay reflects on the evolving dynamics of public and private involvement in the construction, management, and care of sports facilities and spaces, viewed through the lens of social inclusion and cohesion. The paper analyses the impact of the constitutional recognition of sport (Art. 33 of the Italian Constitution) and the innovations introduced by the sports reform (Legislative Decree No. 38/2021). These developments move sports venues beyond their traditional classification as mere operational assets, reconfiguring them as «goods of public interest» capable of generating direct benefits for local communities. The dialogue between the public and private sectors is examined not only in light of financial requirements or investment yields, but also through the paradigm of shared administration and horizontal subsidiarity. The text explores the mechanisms for involving sports associations and clubs (particularly non-profit organisations and Third Sector entities). In this context, the re-functionalisation of the principle of competition acts as a means to balance and integrate market logic and public asset profitability with the social utility value of sport. Ultimately, as suggested throughout the essay, this reflection on spaces for sport expands to encompass «unconventional venues» as well as urban regeneration models for public spaces (such as Collaboration Pacts for Commons).