Football giants AC Milan and Inter have officially presented a joint project for a new ultra-modern stadium that will change the football map of Italy. The new arena will be built next to the legendary San Siro, the majority of which, according to architects and clubs, faces inevitable demolition. The presentation comes as the current arena celebrates its 100th anniversary since opening in 1926.
Sponsorship Deal and Architectural Concept
The new arena will be named Generali Stadium, with the Milanese clubs having already sold the naming rights to the insurance company of the same name until 2052 for 650 million euros. The architectural concept was developed by Foster + Partners and MANICA, who previously collaborated on the new Wembley Stadium in London. This experience formed the basis for designing one of Europe's most ambitious sports arenas.
Engineering Solutions and Acoustics
The stadium will have a capacity of 71,500 spectators. The main visual feature of the arena will be a massive X-shaped external structure and a double curved roof. The stands are designed with a maximum slope of up to 37 degrees and are located as close to the pitch as possible to maintain unique acoustics. According to the architects, this configuration will provide fans with a sense of immediate proximity to the game.
Ultras Sectors and Surrounding Infrastructure
Traditionally separate sectors are provided for ultras: Curva Sud for AC Milan fans and Curva Nord for Inter fans. Green park areas, shopping, and entertainment complexes will also be built around the arena, turning the surrounding territory into a full-fledged urban district. The project takes into account not only sports but also social functions of the facility.
Timeline: From 2028 to the 2031/32 Season
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, and the new stadium is expected to host its first official match in the 2031/32 season. Thus, the clubs and contractors will have about three years to build the arena from scratch. By comparison, the current San Siro underwent two major renovations during its century of existence — in 1956 and 1989.
The Fate of San Siro: 90% Demolition and Tribute to History
The legendary home stadium of both teams, also known as the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, will be demolished by approximately 90%. To pay tribute to history, architects will leave untouched only the southeastern wing with the tower and part of the fan stand. Opened in 1926, the arena has hosted four finals of Europe's most prestigious club competition — the European Cup (1965, 1970) and the Champions League (2001, 2016). This year, San Siro marked its centenary, and its partial demolition will be one of the most resonant events in the history of Italian football.
