The home of Milan since 1926 and shared with Inter since 1947, San Siro is set to be demolished to make way for a new stadium.
Milan City Council passed a vote approving the €197 million sale of San Siro to Milan and Inter in the early hours of Tuesday morning, which went through with 24 in favour and 20 against.
Previously protected by safeguarding regulations, the future of the iconic venue has been debated for several years with both Milan clubs revealing plans to build a new 60,000 seat stadium in 2019.
That project was greeted with significant opposition before Milan proposed a plan to relocate to a new stadia without Inter in 2023, although that idea was subsequently shelved.
However, plans to demolish San Siro in favour of a "modern, world-class" complex have been revitalised following the council's decision to approve the sale, which is expected to be ratified once due diligence has been completed in November.
Milan and Inter have until 10th November to complete the purchase before Stadio Meazza is formally declared a monument of historic importance, meaning it cannot be knocked down.
A joint statement from the Milanese clubs read: “Awaiting the official confirmation of the Council’s decision by the City Government, the Clubs look ahead with confidence and responsibility to the next steps of the process that will lead to the creation of a new stadium meeting the highest international standards – a world-class facility destined to become a new architectural icon for Milan and a symbol of the passion of football fans around the world.”
When will San Siro be demolished?
Milan and Inter's plans for a new stadium means the majority of the San Siro will be knocked down, with only 10% of the existing structure of the stadium expected to remain.
The remaining 10% includes a portion of the second tier which has been declared a heritage section.
Construction is expected to commence in early 2027 with all but the aforementioned 10% of the Stadio Meazza to be torn down by 2030.
When will the new stadium be open?
It is hoped the new stadium will be completed by 2031, ensuring Milan are one of the host cities at Euro 2032 when Italy co-hosts with Turkey.
The new venue will be part of an urban regeneration project covering approximately 281,000 square meters and is set to include offices, hotels and separate museums.
Where will Milan and Inter play while the new stadium is being built?
It is not yet confirmed where both Milan and Inter will play while the new stadium is being constructed, although there is a belief that both sides will be able to continue playing in their current home with the new arena being built in the parking area of the Meazza.
