The project to build a new stadium to replace the legendary San Siro arena is gaining momentum. Milan clubs see the project as a chance to revolutionise their financial and sporting structures.

Oaktree and vision for Inter's future

The change of ownership of Inter, which has recently been managed by the Oaktree fund, has brought a new strategy. The main objective is to build a stadium next to San Siro. This construction will allow the club to generate as much as €60 million in additional revenue per year. Combined with current revenues from ticket sales, the total could reach €130 million, putting Inter in line with clubs such as Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta, who knows like no one else the importance of building new stadiums in Italy, stressed the strategic importance of the new investment: The new stadium is an important asset because it can generate revenues that serve the sustainable development of the club, on the other hand it gives a great sense of belonging.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak | Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (Stadio San Siro)

Target: stadium ready by 2030

For the project to get off the ground, the clubs will need to invest around €197 million. This amount is based on a valuation by the Agenzia delle Entrate and includes both the stadium and the adjacent land. The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, has announced that the moment of truth regarding the stadium will come in March 2025 when Inter and Milan present an updated financial plan. If the plan is accepted, the procedure for handing over the ground to the clubs will start shortly afterwards. If everything arrives in time, the end of construction is announced for 2030 at the earliest.

One of the main challenges remains the location of the development. Both clubs prefer the site of the current San Siro. The alternative idea of building at Rozzano has been rejected at this point.

© Populous | Design of Nuovo stadio dell'Inter

Oaktree versus Suning: differences in approach

Inter's change of ownership from the Chinese consortium Suning to the US fund Oaktree has introduced a new dynamic. While previous boards seemed not to prioritise the stadium issue, Oaktree immediately put the project at the top of the priority list. As La Gazzetta dello Sport notes, the current approach is characterised by greater determination and financial stability.