Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium, one of the most historic arenas in world football, is set to be demolished after the city council approved its sale to AC Milan and Inter Milan. The two clubs, which jointly use the venue, plan to replace it with a new €1.2 billion, 71,500-seat arena.
The city council voted narrowly in favour of the proposal, passing the measure by 24 votes to 20 after nearly 12 hours of heated debate that ended around 3 am on Tuesday. The sale of the stadium and surrounding land to the clubs for €197 million marks the most decisive step yet in a long-running saga over the future of the legendary ground.
Both AC Milan and Inter had previously warned that if the plan was rejected, they would consider building stadiums outside the city. The approval, therefore, not only secures the clubs’ immediate future in Milan but also lays the foundation for an ambitious urban regeneration project spanning more than 280,000 square meters.
San Siro, officially named Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, has stood since 1925 and is Italy’s largest stadium with an 80,000 capacity. It has hosted countless memorable moments, from European Cup finals to World Cup matches, and is scheduled to stage the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
For many fans, however, the demolition represents the loss of a cultural and sporting landmark.
Italian media reports highlight concerns that since both clubs are owned by US-based investment funds, there could be future attempts to profit from the valuable real estate. Preservationists have also protested, arguing that the near-century-old stadium should be protected.
By November 10, San Siro’s second tier, completed in 1954, will officially qualify as a heritage site. To avoid the protections that would block redevelopment, officials have moved quickly to finalise the sale.
According to current plans, around 90% of the structure will be demolished, though a section of the second tier will be preserved as a heritage landmark. The new stadium will be designed by Foster + Partners in partnership with Manica Architecture, both of which have been contracted to create a world-class venue that adheres to the highest international standards.
In a joint statement, the two clubs hailed the council’s decision as “a historic and decisive step for the future of the clubs and the city.” They added that the new project would “offer a state-of-the-art stadium and an innovative district for fans, citizens, and visitors.”
The proposed venue is expected to be ready before 2032, when Italy will co-host the European Championship with Turkey. For Milanese football, the demolition of San Siro closes a chapter on one of sport’s most iconic theatres, while opening the door to a new era of modernity and global ambition.