The San Siro stadium in Milan, an iconic football venue, faces calls for significant redevelopment, akin to the transformation of London’s Wembley Stadium. Inter Milan chairman Giuseppe Marotta has emphasized the need for the stadium’s renovation or reconstruction to maintain the city’s prominence in the global football landscape. The San Siro, celebrated for its storied history as the home of city clubs Inter and AC Milan, will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026. However, it has recently lost the opportunity to host the 2027 Champions League final and is not scheduled for any matches in Euro 2032, which will take place in Italy and Turkey.
Marotta remarked on the issue during an interview with Rai Radio 1, criticizing the delays and political resistance hindering San Siro’s modernization. He argued that while the stadium holds significant historical value, its outdated structure requires extensive maintenance and modernization to keep up with European counterparts, as seen with Wembley Stadium. The original Wembley was demolished and replaced with a more advanced facility that has hosted numerous high-profile events.
Marotta highlighted the benefits that a new stadium would bring, including improved facilities, increased employment, and boosted tourism for Milan. He noted the disparity in revenues between Milan-based clubs and other European teams, pointing out that a state-of-the-art stadium could help bridge this gap. Despite the obstacles, both Inter and AC Milan intend to fund this project privately, without relying on public finances, further underscoring the urgency for action.
The San Siro situation shines a light on Italy’s stadium infrastructure challenges, with only a fraction of upgrades occurring over the past decade compared to the rest of Europe. The parallel with Wembley serves as a potential blueprint for Milan, proposing a seamless blend of tradition and modernity in constructing a new landmark in football culture. Such a move could not only preserve the city’s footballing heritage but also invigorate its standing on the European stage.