Inter and Milan Set to Build New Shared Stadium, Generali Stadium, by 2031

Inter and AC Milan have officially revealed their exciting plans for a new stadium, Generali Stadium, which will take the place of the beloved San Siro starting in the 2031-32 season. The new venue, backed by Italy’s largest insurance company, Generali, will boast a capacity of 71,500 seats and is projected to cost the clubs around €1.2 billion (£1 billion). The grand announcement took place at a gala event held at the stunning Castello Sforzesco in Milan, but not everyone was thrilled about the news. Just before the event kicked off, a group of passionate Inter fans made their voices heard by entering the castle courtyard, displaying a banner that read, “you will never extinguish the lights at San Siro,” while chanting “hands off San Siro.” Construction on the new stadium is expected to begin in 2028, at the site of the current 75,000-capacity arena. Architect Norman Foster described the design of Generali Stadium, noting its unique shape—“low in the body, and rises up at either end” behind the goals. His collaborator, stadium expert David Manica, emphasized that the steep-sided layout is intended to create an intimate atmosphere, bringing fans closer to the action. “The most important thing that we realized when designing this project is that San Siro is a feeling,” Manica remarked. “It’s more than a building; it’s a feeling … we brought all the seats as close as possible to the field. They could not be any closer; it’ll actually feel as though you’re sitting on the grass.” Beyond football, the Generali Stadium will be versatile enough to host NFL international games, rugby matches, and concerts. Milan and Inter have already invested €197 million (£165 million) to acquire the current San Siro and its surrounding parking facilities. As construction progresses, the existing ground will largely be demolished. Known officially as the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, San Siro has been an iconic fixture since its opening in 1926, making it Italy’s largest sports stadium. However, the venue is in need of significant renovations despite having undergone multiple upgrades over the years. Looking ahead, Generali Stadium may also serve as a host venue for Euro 2032, which will be co-hosted by Italy and Turkey. Foster and Manica’s collaboration isn’t new; they previously worked together on the new Wembley Stadium, and Foster + Partners is also behind plans for Manchester United’s proposed new 100,000-capacity home.