After six years of intricate negotiations and political wrangling, AC Milan and Inter Milan are on the cusp of realizing their monumental ambition: a brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium. The recent green light from the Milan City Council marks a pivotal moment, yet the path ahead, like a finely tuned football match, remains paved with anticipated challenges.
The Long-Awaited Kick-Off: Council Approval
The Milan City Council has given its definitive approval for the sale of the iconic Giuseppe Meazza stadium, affectionately known as San Siro, along with its surrounding areas. This landmark decision clears the most significant political hurdle in a saga that began way back in 2019. The agreement sees the clubs acquire the site for 197 million euros, a figure that includes a 22-million-euro discount to cover the costs of demolition and necessary remediation work. For fans and club executives alike, this is more than just a real estate transaction; it`s the culmination of years of strategizing, dreaming, and, let`s be honest, enduring bureaucratic inertia.
The Unseen Defenders: Legal and Logistical Hurdles
While the political match may be over, the game isn`t quite won. Two ongoing investigations – one by the Milan Public Prosecutor`s Office and another by the Court of Auditors – linger like VAR checks in the background. Their outcomes, which will take considerable time to materialize, could potentially influence the financial details and, more broadly, uncover any political accountability. For the clubs, however, the financial aspects are the primary concern, while the political blame game holds, understandably, far less appeal.
Beyond the legal probes, a more immediate challenge awaits in the form of pre-announced appeals from various opposition groups, most notably the «Comitato Sì Meazza.» These groups are determined to prevent the demolition of the historic San Siro, setting the stage for further legal skirmishes. Moreover, a critical deadline looms: November 10th. This is the final date for formalizing the sale. Missing it would trigger a specific legal constraint on the stadium`s second ring, making it impossible to transfer this public asset into private hands. It`s a precise timeline, reminiscent of injury time in a tense derby.
Architectural Vision: A Glimpse into the Future Stadium
While the final design remains largely under wraps, the clubs have officially partnered with two architectural powerhouses: Foster + Partners and Manica Architecture. This collaboration brings together formidable talent; notably, Manica was also involved in the creation of London`s new Wembley Stadium. Manica had previously submitted a project dubbed «The Rings of Milan» during a 2021 tender, which ultimately lost out to Populous`s «The Cathedral.» It is highly probable that elements from «The Rings» will inform the design of the new Inter and AC Milan stadium, promising a blend of modern aesthetics and functional efficiency.
The proposed capacity for the new ground will be 71,500 seats, a figure slightly less than San Siro`s current capacity. This decision reflects a modern trend in stadium design, prioritizing enhanced fan experience, comfort, and premium amenities over sheer volume, ensuring every seat offers an optimal view of the pitch.
The Staggering Price Tag: A €1.2 Billion Investment
The journey from the current pitch to a future masterpiece comes with a significant financial commitment. Beyond the land acquisition, the comprehensive project, including the demolition of the Meazza, the construction of the new state-of-the-art facility, and associated urban development works, will demand an investment of approximately 1.2 billion euros from AC Milan and Inter Milan. This colossal sum underscores the ambition and long-term vision of both clubs, transforming not just their matchday experience but potentially revitalizing the surrounding district.
A Race Against Time: The 2031 Horizon and Euro 2032 Aspirations
According to the documents presented by the clubs, the grand unveiling of the new stadium is targeted for 2031. This ambitious timeline raises immediate questions about its eligibility for the Euro 2032 championship, for which Italy is a co-host contender. By July 31, 2026, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) must submit a list of at least five candidate cities to UEFA. To qualify, projects must be approved, funded, and shovel-ready by March 2027.
On paper, the proposed Milan new stadium appears to meet all these stringent requirements. However, the numerous legal appeals and the complexity of such a large-scale urban project mean that delays are always a possibility. Milan`s participation in Euro 2032 hinges not just on construction, but on navigating the labyrinthine processes that precede it. As for the current San Siro, approximately 9% of its structure is slated to remain in place until 2035, a final, lingering echo of its glorious past before it fully makes way for the future.
A New Chapter for Milanese Football
The approval of the San Siro sale represents a monumental step forward for Milanese football. It’s a bold declaration of intent from two of Europe`s most storied clubs, promising a future of cutting-edge facilities, enhanced revenue streams, and an unparalleled fan experience. While the remaining hurdles are significant, the momentum is now firmly on the side of progress, setting the stage for a new era in the heart of Lombardy`s vibrant capital.
Ewan Marwood