San Siro, the iconic stadium in Milan, is set to be demolished following a crucial vote by the city’s local council. On Tuesday, city hall gave the green light for Inter Milan and AC Milan to purchase the stadium for €197 million (approximately $231 million), ending years of uncertainty over the future of the famed venue.
The decision, which came after over 11 hours of deliberations, saw 24 votes in favor and 20 against. This outcome paves the way for the two football giants, both owned by American investment funds, to become the official owners of the San Siro and its surrounding land. However, the deal is not without controversy. Some members of the local council, including opposition parties, have criticized the sale, claiming it bypasses local democracy and that the price is too low for such prime real estate.
The sale, which must be completed by November 10, will grant Inter and AC Milan control over more than 28 hectares of land in the western part of Milan. The clubs intend to build a state-of-the-art 71,500-capacity stadium, expected to open by 2031. Once the new stadium is completed, San Siro will be demolished to make way for parkland, office spaces, and entertainment facilities, designed by renowned architectural firms Foster and Partners and MANICA.
Though the new stadium’s construction may take several years, this deal marks a turning point for Milan’s football scene, especially as the city vies to host matches during the Euro 2032 tournament, which Italy and Turkey are set to co-host. The city’s football federation will submit its list of potential stadiums to UEFA by October 2026, and Milan’s new stadium will be a key part of that bid.
