Nuovo stadio dell'Inter – design description

How did the plans to build a new stadium for Inter originate?

Milan's San Siro stadium, home to two of the city's famous clubs, AC Milan and Inter, has been in existence since 1926. After the last major expansion prior to the 1990 World Cup, it is the largest stadium in Italy and its distinctive features make it one of the most emblematic and recognisable football venues in the world.

Despite this, the possibility of titled clubs moving to the new venue had been discussed for some time. AC Milan led the way, but Inter were also considering various options. When Milan's initial ideas didn't pan out, the clubs started working on a new stadium that they would use together, similar to San Siro.

In 2019, two concepts for a new stadium were created by renowned studios, Populous and Manica & Progetto CMR. At the end of 2021, it was decided to choose Populous' vision. The new facility was to be built next to the San Siro, which was then planned to be demolished. The project, named 'Cathedral', was to refer to Milan's historic architecture.

From the beginning of 2023, there were increasing signs that AC Milan were going to seek to build their own stadium, rather than build one with Inter. Observing this, Inter also began to seriously try to build their own facility. Various locations within the metropolitan area began to be considered, of which Rozzano, some 10 km south of Milan's city center, was chosen.

Where is the new stadium for Inter planned to be built?

The chosen site in Rozzano is next to the junction of the A7 and A50 motorways, close to the Mediolanum Forum arena and the terminus of the M2 metro line. The site is owned by Infrafin. In 2017, it was intended to build offices and apartment buildings here (a project called 'AT1 Città Nuova'), but these plans were not realised.

In July 2023, Inter entered into an agreement with the owners of the site, allowing it to start work on the design of the new stadium. The renowned architectural firm Populous (the same firm that created the vision for the 'Cathedral' to be built next to the San Siro) was involved in this work.

When was the initial concept for a new stadium for Inter shown?

On October 5, 2023, the Rozzano authorities approved an amendment to the local development plan that allowed the stadium to be built on the chosen site. On October 12, 2023, preliminary renderings of the new stadium in Rozzano were shown.

It should be added that on September 27, 2023, AC Milan presented preliminary plans to build its own stadium at San Donato Milanese (located approximately 10 km south-east of Milan's city center), further confirming reports that it was unwilling to go ahead with a joint facility.

What is the project brief for a new stadium for Inter?

Inter's new stadium in Rozzano is expected to have a capacity of 70,000 spectators. The stadium will have a football-specific layout, although from the outside it will take the form of an oval. Its stands will be fully covered. The project will include shops, restaurants, a hotel, as well as Inter's new headquarters, a museum and a club shop. There are also plans for a sports center open to local residents. The facility is to be surrounded by park space.

As the terminus of the M2 metro line is about a 1 kilometre away from where the new stadium is planned, it is possible that a decision will be made to extend the line to Rozzano, with a new station being built right next to the stadium.

When will Inter's new stadium be built?

The complete design for the new stadium is expected to be in place by April 2024. Initial plans are that construction could start in 2025 and the stadium should be ready for the start of the 2028/29 season. The financing of the investment is expected to be based on a project finance model.