San Siro stands at a pivotal moment in its history. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has announced formal steps toward the privatization of the stadium and the construction of a new arena nearby. At the same time, a bold, alternative concept is being promoted by architect Davide Bruno.

Privatization of San Siro and construction of new stadium

April 2025 could be the month when the future of San Siro is finally decided. The deadline for the public tender issued by the city of Milan is fast approaching, inviting declarations of interest in acquiring the Giuseppe Meazza stadium and its surrounding areas. In addition to the proposals already submitted by Inter and Milan, other offers may still come in and influence the next stages of this process.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi confirmed in an interview with Il Giornale that the current plan includes the privatization of San Siro followed by the construction of a new stadium in its immediate vicinity. It now seems certain that a new stadium will be built near San Siro the minister said, adding that the football clubs have formalized their interest in purchasing the site under the terms set by the municipality.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak

Decisions cannot be postponed indefinitely, especially with a major global event on the horizon – the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled for late 2026. According to current plans, the ceremony is to be held at San Siro, which puts pressure on public institutions and club owners to act swiftly and decisively.

Minister Abodi emphasized that the government – although initially having limited involvement in organizing the Olympics – is now actively engaged in the decision-making process. I’m in regular contact with Mayor Sala, not just about the Olympic Games he noted. Despite controversies over infrastructure plans, such as the bobsleigh track in Cortina, recent months have seen significant progress. Infrastructure tests are underway, and road and rail networks in the region are undergoing dynamic modernization.

Groundbreaking project by Davide Bruno

While the government and football clubs are focused on formalities related to San Siro’s future, a completely new, visionary proposal has emerged. Davide Bruno, architect and founder of the Ion Fund design studio, has unveiled a concept for a fully underground stadium – an innovative sports facility integrated with a sprawling urban park.

The project envisions a new arena built entirely below street level, using advanced construction materials and technologies to harmoniously blend the structure with its natural surroundings. This project contains an element of realism – it’s not just a utopian vision, the architect assures. His vision includes creating a 37-hectare park with more than 20,000 new trees, retention ponds, and half a million flowers.

© Davide Bruno, Ion Fund

Sustainable development, low costs, and new stadium functions

Architect Bruno argues that the project not only meets modern sustainability standards but also significantly reduces long-term operating costs. We’re talking about a physical structure that disappears – it returns underground and to nature. Maintenance costs will be exceptionally low over time he explains. Flexible design of the stadium would allow for easy customization of any event.

Moreover, the project embodies a philosophy of architectural dematerialization, breaking away from the traditional notion of monumental stadiums that often sit idle outside of matchdays. Today, a stadium is like a cathedral in the desert. What’s more – the [new stadium’s – ed.] space would be accessible 24 hours a day Bruno emphasizes.

Although Inter and Milan are currently owned by investment funds, Bruno sees this as an opportunity rather than a threat. In his view, institutional investors are increasingly aware of the need for sustainable asset management. Investing in a project with strong social and environmental foundations could increase both the facility’s value and respect for the planet.

The deadline for submitting bids in the city’s tender is fast approaching. Whether Davide Bruno’s vision will be officially considered remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – a real alternative has emerged that could transform how we think about the stadiums of tomorrow. When two fight... the architect concludes.

The estimated cost of the project is €1.5 billion, with a construction timeline of approximately five years.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak