Inter and AC Milan have come full circle, returning to their original plan from five years ago: building a new stadium in the San Siro area. This decision marks a significant shift from recent proposals to relocate to San Donato or Sesto San Giovanni, and it’s a move that makes sense for several reasons.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report how the San Siro area has long been synonymous with sports in Milan. Within a few hundred meters of the current stadium, you’ll find the historic Ippodromo del Galoppo, the Allianz Cloud (formerly Palalido), Trenno training tracks, and various other sporting facilities. This concentration of sports venues has been a defining characteristic of the neighborhood for decades, making it an ideal location for a new stadium.
Logistically, San Siro is hard to beat. It’s well-connected by public transport, including a metro line, and is easily accessible from both Linate Airport and the city center. This existing infrastructure is a significant advantage over potential new locations outside the city limits.
The decision to share ownership of the new stadium is unprecedented in world football. While the concept of a shared stadium isn’t new to Milan, joint ownership presents a unique challenge and opportunity for both clubs. This approach could potentially offer financial benefits while maintaining the fierce rivalry between Inter and Milan.
However, it’s important to temper optimism with caution. Italy’s notorious bureaucracy and the potential for legal challenges could still pose significant hurdles. The project will need to navigate various stages, including economic valuation of the area, agreements with cultural heritage authorities regarding the old stadium, and careful consideration of timelines.
Despite these challenges, building a new stadium at San Siro remains the most sensible option. It preserves the area’s sporting heritage, capitalizes on existing infrastructure, and keeps both clubs in their spiritual home. While the road ahead may be complex, this solution offers the best balance of tradition and progress for Inter, Milan, and the city itself.
