The San Siro demolition is now confirmed after Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan secured approval to purchase the stadium for nearly €200 million.
San Siro Demolition: How the Plans Unfolded
For almost a century, San Siro has been the beating heart of Milan. However, according to Euro News, after a heated 12-hour debate on Tuesday, city council members voted 24–20 in favour of the sale. This decision paves the way for the stadium’s demolition. Furthermore, the construction of a modern replacement is now imminent.
Understandably, supporters across the city have expressed mixed emotions over losing such a historic landmark due to the decision to demolish San Siro.
Notably, British filmmaker Ken Loach referred to the decision as “shocking”, as he called on Milan fans to rally against the plans as much as possible.
The History of the San Siro
San Siro was built in 1926 as the home of AC Milan, a project driven by club president Piero Pirelli, who envisioned a modern, dedicated stadium. Inspired by English grounds, the original design featured four separate single-tier stands with a capacity of 35,000.
After the Second World War, financial difficulties forced Milan to sell the stadium to the City of Milan, which in turn allowed Inter to become co-tenants. Soon after, expansion work began, adding a second tier and more than doubling capacity.
How the San Siro became iconic
In the late 1980s and early 90s, Milan stood at the pinnacle of European football, but the 1989 European Cup semi-final against Real Madrid remains a defining moment at the San Siro.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Milan produced a dazzling display in the return leg. Winning 5-0 and securing a 6-1 aggregate triumph.
With goals from the likes of Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit, and Carlo Ancelotti, their fast, incisive football humiliated Madrid and is still regarded as one of the greatest performances in a European competition.
A year later, Italy hosted the FIFA World Cup, with the San Siro at the heart of the host nation. This prompted new development, which has since shaped the stadium’s now iconic appearance.
Eleven cylindrical towers were constructed to support a new third tier and roof, with four positioned at the corners to act as support and seven with ramps to the upper stands. A ground-breaking vision that helped make the stadium one of the most recognisable in World football.
The Future of Football in Milan
Looking ahead, both clubs plan to build a new 72,000-seat stadium by 2031.
Before finalising the deal, AC and Inter threatened to build new stadiums outside the city if officials rejected the San Siro demolition plans. With plans now finalised, both teams can accelerate the process.
Italy’s successful bid to host the 2032 European Championship (alongside Turkey) adds urgency to the project. This means officials hope construction will conclude swiftly.
Meanwhile, San Siro will still host one last historic event before demolition begins – the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Although no images of the new stadium have been released, it is clear that when San Siro falls, it will take a piece of history with it.