Milan City Council has approved the sale of the iconic San Siro stadium to the city’s two primary football clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan. This decision sets the stage for the construction of a new, modern stadium, marking a significant transformation for one of football’s most storied venues. The sale’s finalization is anticipated in early November, pending due diligence.
The prospective plans involve the partial demolition of San Siro, retaining only 10 percent of the original structure. This redevelopment aims to create a state-of-the-art facility, spearheaded by renowned architectural firms Foster + Partners and MANICA, which are also involved in designing a new stadium for Manchester United. The initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance social development in the area.
The council vote saw 24 members in favor and 20 against, reflecting the controversial nature of the move given San Siro’s historical significance. The stadium is set to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, adding another layer of complexity to the redevelopment timeline. The launch of the new stadium is expected in 2031, ahead of Euro 2032, where Italy will co-host with Turkey.
San Siro has hosted AC Milan since 1926 and has been shared with Inter since 1947. The clubs had previously announced a plan for a 60,000-seat stadium in 2019, which stalled due to heritage regulations and political opposition. A subsequent proposal by Milan in 2023 for a separate 70,000-seat stadium also faced setbacks.
The decision to move forward with a joint stadium project is seen as a resolution to ongoing uncertainties, as evidenced by UEFA’s decision to reopen bidding for the 2027 Champions League final due to ambiguity surrounding San Siro’s refurbishment plans. The final will now take place at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium instead.
In transforming San Siro, the clubs aim to secure future growth while addressing modern demands, although sentimentally, it marks the end of an era for fans. However, this development promises to usher in a new chapter for Milan and Inter, with a venue designed to meet the needs of today and beyond.