Milan, the fashion capital and a global hub for football, is on the cusp of a monumental change. San Siro, affectionately known as “La Scala del Calcio” (The Opera House of Football), has long stood as a revered monument. However, its future is now definitively charted towards a dramatic transformation. Inter and AC Milan are embarking on an ambitious journey to usher in a new era of stadium infrastructure, a move fraught with anticipation, legal wrangling, and a tight timeline. What exactly is happening, and what does it mean for the iconic ground and the city`s sporting legacy?
The Critical November 10th Deadline: A Race Against Time
The fate of San Siro hinges precariously on a fast-approaching date: November 10th. By this deadline, the sale of the stadium to its long-term tenants, Inter and AC Milan, must be officially completed. Why the urgency? The clock is ticking against a looming restriction from the Superintendency for the Metropolitan City of Milan. If the stadium remains public property beyond this date, a protective cultural heritage restriction on its second tier will activate, effectively preventing its demolition. This would throw a rather substantial wrench into the clubs` plans for a modern replacement. It’s a classic bureaucratic ballet: a deadline set by officials, with significant financial and strategic implications hanging in the balance, all to preserve a structure that, in its current form, no longer meets modern demands. One might even suggest the suspense could rival a penalty shootout.
A Dual Path: Playing on While Building for Tomorrow
The coming years will see a unique spectacle in Milan. Both Inter and AC Milan will continue to host their matches at the venerable San Siro, a stadium that will also proudly stage the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. This continued use, however, will run concurrently with the meticulous planning and initial phases of their future home. In a pragmatic move, the clubs have engaged two globally renowned architectural powerhouses, Manica and Foster+Partners, to design the new, state-of-the-art facility. This isn`t just about constructing a new venue; it`s about crafting an immersive experience, a cutting-edge arena envisioned to seat 71,500 passionate fans.
The design phase is a critical period where the very essence of the new stadium will take shape – its form, functionality, and unique features. But building a dream stadium in Italy is rarely a straightforward affair. The detailed project will need to navigate a labyrinthine approval process, requiring sign-offs from a “service conference” involving the City, the Region, the Regional Environmental Protection Agency, and various other entities. Expect a chorus of objections; according to predictions, numerous appeals are poised to be filed by those who champion the preservation of San Siro as the sole heart of Milanese football. The battle for the new stadium, it seems, will be waged as much in courtrooms as on drawing boards.
The Groundbreaking of a New Era: 2027 and Beyond
Assuming the legal and bureaucratic hurdles are successfully cleared, construction of the new stadium is slated to begin in the first half of 2027. The chosen site? None other than the current parking areas surrounding the Meazza. This means a substantial construction zone will emerge adjacent to the existing stadium. Imagine the scene: one iconic stadium, bustling with match-day crowds, while just a stone`s throw away, its successor rises from the ground. This period will inevitably bring logistical challenges, including the re-routing of traffic and the displacement of existing infrastructure, such as the Patroclo tunnel. For several years, Milan will be home to two football coliseums, a fascinating juxtaposition of past and future, playing out on the same hallowed ground.
The Grand Unveiling: Aiming for 2031
Predicting the future with absolute certainty is a folly, especially when it comes to large-scale construction in Italy. However, Inter and AC Milan’s ambitious calculations point to an inauguration of the new stadium in 2031, following approximately four years of intensive construction. Until that celebratory moment, both clubs will continue to grace the pitches of the existing Meazza. This creates a compelling interim period where the city will witness a unique architectural dialogue: the grand old dame of San Siro watching over its gleaming, modern offspring, a testament to Milan`s evolving football narrative.
An artistic rendering depicting the proximity of the new stadium to the historic San Siro.
The Farewell: What Remains of San Siro?
Once the new stadium is operational, the demolition of San Siro is planned to proceed with “reasonable rapidity.” The ideal timeframe for dismantling is within the first 12 months following the completion of its successor, placing it in late 2031 or early 2032. The process, as described by construction experts, is a methodical deconstruction, not a single explosion: “First, elements external to the concrete, like glass, barriers, parapets, doors, are removed. Then, gigantic pincers are used to dismantle the main structure. Finally, the concrete is thinned and separated from the construction iron.” Demolition will commence from the roof, working downwards – the third ring, then the second, then the first. Amidst this extensive operation, a poignant vestige will remain: the South-East corner of the stadium, preserving a piece of the orange tribune and a section of the Curva Sud as a lasting homage to a legendary venue. It`s a pragmatic nod to history, ensuring that while the new replaces the old, a connection endures.
Euro 2032: Milan`s Bid for a European Stage
Adding another layer of significance to this ambitious project is Italy`s co-hosting bid for Euro 2032 alongside Turkey. In the coming months, the host stadiums for the tournament will be selected. Intriguingly, Italy currently possesses only one stadium fully compliant with UEFA`s stringent requirements: Juventus Stadium in Turin. The current San Siro falls short. The proposed new stadium, however, would unequivocally meet these demanding standards, making Milan a prime candidate to host matches. This fact has not escaped the attention of UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who was reportedly among the “most attentive eyes” watching the Milan City Council`s crucial decision. The stakes are clear: a modern, UEFA-approved stadium could elevate Milan`s stature on the European football stage, transforming a domestic necessity into an international opportunity.
The journey from the hallowed grounds of San Siro to a futuristic arena represents more than just a change in infrastructure; it embodies Milan`s relentless drive for innovation, its commitment to sporting excellence, and its complex relationship with history. While nostalgia for “La Scala del Calcio” will undoubtedly linger, the city, its clubs, and its fans appear ready to embrace a new chapter, one that promises modern facilities, enhanced fan experiences, and a renewed competitive edge on the global stage. The future, it seems, is under construction in Milan.
Murray Blackwood 
Finlay Hurst