One of world football’s most iconic arenas, Milan’s San Siro, is set for demolition after the city council voted to sell the stadium and surrounding land to AC Milan and Inter.
After more than 11 hours of heated debate, councillors approved the €197m (£168m) sale by 24 votes to 20 early on Tuesday. The decision clears the way for the clubs to build a new €1.2bn, 71,500-capacity stadium on adjacent land, designed by Foster + Partners and MANICA.
The project ends years of uncertainty, with both clubs — owned by US investment funds — previously threatening to relocate outside the city.
San Siro, nicknamed football’s La Scala, will continue to host matches until at least 2031, when the new ground is expected to open. The existing stadium will then be almost entirely demolished, replaced with parkland, offices and entertainment facilities.
Mayor Giuseppe Sala backed the sale but faced criticism from across the political spectrum, with opponents arguing the price was too low and that local democracy was sidelined.
The decision also boosts Italy’s chances of staging Euro 2032, which it will co-host with Turkey. UEFA requires confirmed venues by October next year, and Milan is among the leading candidates.
Built in 1926, San Siro currently holds more than 75,000 spectators and has staged some of football’s biggest occasions, including four European Cup finals and matches at the 1990 World Cup.
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