Milan’s City Council has voted through the resolution to sell the San Siro stadium and surrounding land to AC Milan and Inter. Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo stressed that the decision came after extensive debate among councillors. The only dissenting voice in the executive was Elena Grandi, responsible for environment and green spaces, who stuck to her Europa Verde party line.

Terms of the deal

The entire 281,000 m² area will go to Milan and Inter for just over €197 million. From that, €22 million will be deducted as the city’s contribution to removing the existing Patroclo tunnel and land remediation.

The clubs must also present a €124 million bank guarantee. At least 50,000 m² of deep greenery and 80,000 m² of total green space must be created, which the clubs will maintain for 30 years. City Hall also requires up to €15 million in CO₂ offset measures to be invested within Milan itself, with no use of international credits.

Timeline and payments

Milan and Inter will pay €73 million upon signing the deed. A second instalment — a little over €1,200 per m² — will be due when work on the new stadium starts or once the remediation certificate is issued. Final settlement will come after adapting parts of the existing San Siro.

The clubs have committed to keeping direct or indirect control of the special-purpose company taking over the site for at least 15 years. Construction of the new ground must start by 28 February 2027 and be completed by 2030. The near-total demolition of the Meazza and completion of the wider complex are slated for 2035.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak 

Criticism from councillors

Scavuzzo noted the council could not amend the resolution to avoid upsetting the delicate balance struck with the clubs. This restriction triggered criticism from both governing and opposition benches. Elena Grandi said her no vote reflected Europa Verde’s concerns about the environmental impact of demolition.

PD’s Alessandro Giungi and Europa Verde’s Carlo Monguzzi called the deal catastrophic and an embarrassment for the council. Members from Forza Italia and the League also raised doubts.

Challenges ahead for the city

Supporters of the project point to the Meazza’s condition. According to sports councillor Martina Riva, the stadium currently fails more than half the requirements to host Euro 2032 matches, especially on accessibility, sustainability and safety. The clubs’ plan foresees almost total demolition with selected heritage elements preserved, and a new stadium built on the Via Tesio side. The resolution now heads to committee and then a full council vote. The outcome is not guaranteed, with parts of the centre-left opposed and the centre-right still undecided.

The decision to sell San Siro opens a new chapter in the city’s and clubs’ shared history. The final vote, expected by the end of the month, will decide whether the new stadium project can proceed as planned.

© The Hausmeister's Groundhopping