After six years, Inter and Milan are finally close to their objective. The Milan City Council has formally approved the sale of the Giuseppe Meazza stadium and its surrounding areas for €197 million – with a €22 million discount allocated for demolition and land reclamation work. This resolution definitively concludes the intricate political process, which began in 2019 and was fraught with uncertainties, concerning the construction of a new stadium in Milan.
What Happens Now?
The immediate future presents new, yet surmountable, challenges. The transaction is currently subject to two investigations by the Public Prosecutor`s Office in Milan and the General Prosecutor`s Office at the Court of Auditors. While the outcomes of these inquiries will take considerable time, they represent potential risks, particularly regarding the financial figures (and any political liabilities, which are, understandably, of little concern to the clubs). The more immediate hurdles, however, will likely stem from appeals already announced by opponents of San Siro`s demolition, spearheaded by groups like the “Comitato Sì Meazza.”
What is the deadline for formalizing the sale of San Siro?
The definitive deadline for the deed is November 10th. After this date, a specific constraint on the stadium`s second tier would activate, which would make the transfer of the public asset to private hands impossible.
Who will be responsible for building the new stadium?
While the project details remain confidential, Inter and Milan recently confirmed their partnership with architectural firms Foster and Manica, who previously collaborated on the new Wembley Stadium. Manica had participated in the 2021 tender, losing out to Populous`s “The Cathedral” design. It is highly probable that the new stadium`s design will draw inspiration from their “Rings of Milan” concept presented at that time.
What will be the capacity of the new stadium?
Inter and Milan have also revealed this: it will accommodate 71,500 spectators, a capacity slightly lower than that of the current San Siro.
How much will the new stadium cost?
Including the land valuation, the demolition of Meazza, the construction of the new facility, and other necessary works, the total investment for Inter and Milan in the area is estimated at approximately €1.2 billion.
When will it be ready?
According to documents submitted by Inter and Milan, completion is expected by 2031. Approximately 9% of the original Meazza structure will remain standing, with its final demolition scheduled for completion by 2035.
Will it be ready for Euro 2032?
This remains a significant question for Milan. By July 31, 2026, the FIGC must submit a list of at least five host cities to UEFA. The requirements stipulate an approved, funded, and construction-ready project by March 2027. On paper, Milan`s new stadium project appears to meet all these criteria.
