Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
Milan's San Siro was saved from demolition in summer 2023 but, even though it was listed as a point of cultural significance, the decision hasn't prevented a total shake-up of football in the city. Even though city officials put a stop to plans for a new project between AC Milan and Inter Milan, the two football clubs are still intent on building their own stadiums.
Unsurprisingly, avid football fans flock from near and far to experience the magic of the atmosphere within the place. Journeys to Italy, in general, are relatively accessible and cheap thanks to AI-powered search engines and online comparators. When booking trips to Milan with Opodo, for example, travellers are able to capitalise on various airlines covering the flight path, as well as a choice of airports from which to depart and arrive. With all of this in mind, any keen globetrotter or casual Serie A spectator could embark on the pilgrimage to San Siro with just a few clicks.
The appeal is obvious: AC and Inter have shared the San Siro, which is regarded as one of the largest stadiums in Europe, since 1947. This long-held tradition has established the grounds as a recognisable backdrop for both Champions League and Serie A matches. In addition, the stadium itself holds over 75,000 people and almost as many take the San Siro stadium tour every year.
If AC and Inter Milan follow through with plans to part ways and build their own stadiums, the San Siro will become little more than a museum of what used to be. Potentially there could be an impact on tourism figures, too.
The future is still unclear. We know that the San Siro was labelled as a point of cultural heritage and, therefore, saved from demolition. Consequently, if AC and Inter move out, city officials will be unwilling to get rid of it. It could be used for other sporting events.
Alternatively, it could be retained as a museum and used to show off the rich history of football within Milan and Italy. That wouldn't be particularly hard to do because, as we've noted, San Siro already offers tours. So, while it would be a shame to see the stadium fall silent, it's not going to fall into a state of disrepair anytime soon.
When it comes to Inter Milan, we know it has an agreement with Populous to build a 70,000-seater stadium in Rozzano. Football fans may know the name Populous as it's the same company that built Tottenham Hotspur's innovative stadium in London. Early concept images released by Populous show an oval stadium that, according to CEO Alessandro Antonello, is inspired by Tottenham's. Inter Milan's new stadium is expected to cover one billion cubic metres. In addition to the pitch and seating, the venue will have a sports centre, a public park, and a museum.
Fans will also be able to buy Inter merchandise at the onsite store. The plan is to build the stadium 9 km outside of Milan's city centre, just off the A7 motorway. However, the location remains a point of discussion as Antonello has said the road network is problematic. Assuming a new road network can be created, expectations are that Inter Milan will have a new stadium in time for the 2028-2029 football season.
As for AC Milan, club officials announced in September 2023 that they're working with Manica Architecture. Initially reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, the proposed stadium will be built in San Donato. Manica Architecture is expected to work alongside CAA Icon, a company it's previously collaborated with on projects such as the Chase Center in Las Vegas.
Plans for the new stadium aren't as advanced as Inter's. However, what we do know so far is that it will have seating for 70,000 fans. The new AC Milan stadium will also have a museum and club shop, as well as an outdoor area where fans can gather before matches. All being well, construction on the new stadium could start in 2025, with the first AC Milan games taking place there in 2028.
The potential demise of the San Siro is a blow to Italian football. The world moves on and both Serie A teams need a more modern space to play. However, there's a history and nostalgia to the San Siro that can't be ignored. Much like Barcelona's Camp Nou, the San Siro is more than a football ground. It's a tourist destination. The good news, at least for now, is that it won't be going anywhere.
Inter and AC Milan will have to wait at least five years before they can move. After that, it's likely city officials will vote to keep the stadium open to the public and tourists alike. So, even though it might be the end of an era, football in the heart of Milan will live on.
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