San Siro to be demolished as AC Milan, Inter secure stadium sale

Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium is set to be demolished after the city council, in a marathon session on Tuesday, approved its sale to AC Milan and Inter Milan for €197 million ($231 million).

Following more than 11 hours of debate, councillors voted 24 in favour and 20 against the sale, granting the clubs ownership of both the stadium and the adjacent 28 hectares (70 acres) of land. The resolution was confirmed at nearly 4:00 a.m. after prolonged discussions on amendments.

The decision paves the way for the two clubs, both backed by U.S. investment funds, to proceed with a €1.2 billion redevelopment project.

The plan includes construction of a new 71,500-capacity arena west of the existing site, with surrounding facilities such as parkland, offices, and entertainment centres designed by Foster and Partners and MANICA.

San Siro, nicknamed football’s La Scala, will remain in use until 2031, when the clubs hope to inaugurate the new stadium. Demolition can only take place if the transaction is completed before November 10, the date when a public building protection order would prevent any redevelopment.

Political Reactions

The vote sparked political division. Councillors from the League and Brothers of Italy parties opposed the sale, while several members of Mayor Giuseppe Sala’s left-leaning coalition also voted against it.

However, the abstention of Forza Italia councillors — the party founded by the late Silvio Berlusconi, a former AC Milan owner — helped secure approval.

Critics accused the mayor of sidelining local democracy and argued the €197 million price tag undervalues the prime real estate. Others highlighted the lack of concrete details about the wider development project.

Euro 2032 Boost

The decision comes as Italy prepares joint hosting duties with Turkey for Euro 2032.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) must confirm five stadiums to UEFA by October 2026, and Milan’s new venue is now a likely candidate. Currently, only Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in Turin meets UEFA’s criteria.

For now, fans can still pack the 75,000-seater San Siro for the next six years — before bulldozers move in on one of world football’s most celebrated arenas.