AC Milan and Inter Milan have officially confirmed that the iconic San Siro Stadium will be demolished and replaced with a new state-of-the-art arena. The two Serie A giants have completed the purchase of the stadium and surrounding land for €197 million (£173m), marking the end of an era for one of world football’s most celebrated venues.

The new stadium—set to hold 71,500 spectators, slightly fewer than the current San Siro—will be jointly developed and designed by world-renowned architects, including Sir Norman Foster, involved in building London’s Wembley Stadium.

🏟️ Why Are AC Milan and Inter Demolishing San Siro?

San Siro, opened in 1926, no longer meets UEFA standards for future major tournaments, such as Euro 2032. Both clubs point to outdated facilities and the lack of modern amenities as driving factors for the overhaul.

Paolo Scaroni, AC Milan chairman, described the move as “a historic moment,” adding:

“San Siro has been excluded by UEFA… We badly need a new stadium.”

The decision comes after years of negotiations, during which both clubs—who have shared San Siro since 1947—explored various renovation and relocation options.

📉 The Economic Decline of Serie A & Stadium Impact

AC Milan and Inter are seeking to bridge the growing financial gap between Serie A and wealthier leagues like the Premier League.

• In 2024, both clubs ranked 13th and 14th in revenue among European clubs, each earning just over £350m, about half what clubs like Manchester United or Manchester City generated.
• Serie A’s total broadcast revenue is €4bn behind the Premier League, placing Italian clubs at a significant competitive disadvantage.

Milan and Inter hope a new stadium will:

• Boost matchday revenue and sponsorships
• Attract global fans
• Host concerts and non-football events, transforming the ground into a 365-day-a-year venue

🕊️ Legacy vs. Progress: Fans React to San Siro’s Fate

San Siro—sometimes called “La Scala del Calcio”—has been home to football legends such as Paolo Maldini, Javier Zanetti, and Andriy Shevchenko, the latter saying:

“I love San Siro… But I think this is an important step for the future of Milan and Italian football.”

A carefully crafted design is promised to honor the legacy of San Siro, and importantly, the old stadium will only be demolished after the new one is fully completed, so AC Milan and Inter won’t need a temporary relocation.

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💶 The Financial Plan: A €1.5bn Investment in Milan’s Future

Estimated at €1.5 billion, the new stadium will include:

• Expanded corporate hospitality (1 in every 7 seats)
• Modern fan facilities
• Year-round event hosting capabilities

As Italy has lagged behind in stadium redevelopment—completing just nine major projects in the last decade—clubs like Milan and Inter are following European rivals with big infrastructure upgrades to remain competitive.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• San Siro Stadium will be demolished after nearly 100 years of use
• New 71,500-seat stadium expected to open in late 2020s
• AC Milan and Inter aim to close financial gap with Premier League clubs
• Project is worth €1.5bn and designed by top international architects
• Ground will host football matches AND large-scale events year-round