After nearly a century of football history, Milan’s legendary San Siro stadium is set for demolition following a landmark vote by the city council. The decision, passed by a narrow 24-20 margin after a heated 12-hour overnight debate, greenlights the sale of the iconic venue and surrounding land to AC Milan and Inter Milan for €197 million. The move paves the way for a sweeping €1.2 billion redevelopment project led by the two Serie A giants.
The 80,000-seat colosseum, built in 1925, has long stood as a temple of Italian football. But with both clubs threatening to leave the city limits if the project stalled, the approval was seen as a crucial win for Milan’s future as a top-tier football capital. Plans are already underway to construct a new, state-of-the-art 71,500-seat stadium on the same site, designed in collaboration with world-renowned architects Foster + Partners and Manica.
The new venue will anchor a broader urban regeneration project spanning 281,000 square meters, intended to modernize the district and deliver a high-tech football experience that meets international standards. A statement from the clubs hailed the vote as “a historic and decisive step” that secures the long-term vision of both teams and boosts the city’s standing on the global sports stage.
Despite the ambition, the decision has not been without controversy. Preservationists and fans voiced frustration at losing a cultural monument, especially as the stadium approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, the same year it is scheduled to host the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Italian media have also raised concerns about the possibility of future land speculation by the US-based ownership groups behind both clubs.
However, the clock is ticking: if the sale is not finalized before 10 November, San Siro’s second tier, completed in 1955, will gain heritage status, potentially halting demolition. While 90% of the stadium will be dismantled, a portion of the second tier will be preserved as a nod to its historical legacy. The new stadium is expected to open in time for the 2032 UEFA European Championship, which Italy will co-host with Turkey.
