Milan Approves San Siro Sale as Demolition and New 71,500-Seat Stadium Planned

The iconic San Siro stadium in Milan, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, is set to be demolished following the Milan City Council's approval of its sale to the two clubs for €197 million. The 99-year-old venue, which has not been modernized since the 1990 World Cup, will be replaced by a new 71,500-seat stadium designed to meet the highest international standards and serve as a modern architectural icon for Milan. Both clubs, which had threatened to build stadiums outside the city if the plan failed, view the project as a historic and decisive step for their futures and the city's urban regeneration. The new stadium is planned to be ready by Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey, and will be part of a wider redevelopment of the surrounding area. Despite the emotional attachment to San Siro, supported by figures like Italy legend Christian Vieri, the clubs emphasize the necessity of a modern facility to host major international events and to keep pace with global football standards. The sale and demolition must be finalized before November 10 to avoid heritage protection restrictions, with the current stadium also set to host the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony before its closure.