AC Milan shifts focus to San Donato for new stadium project
The president of AC Milan, Paolo Scaroni, announced during the shareholders' general meeting that the club intends to build its own stadium in San Donato Milanese on the outskirts of Milan, abandoning the plan to construct a new San Siro jointly with Inter Milan.
San Donato is the number one option for our stadium – emphasized Scaroni, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency. His statement contradicts last week's declaration by the authorities of Milan, who, after a meeting with representatives of AC Milan, Inter Milan, and the ministers of culture and sports, announced that both clubs intend to jointly build a new stadium near the current San Siro.
The issue of a new stadium in Milan has been ongoing for many months. AC Milan and Inter Milan, the current Italian champions, aim to increase their commercial revenues by leaving San Siro (officially Stadio Giuseppe Meazza) – a historic facility from 1926 that can seat 80,000 spectators. The clubs point out that the stadium no longer meets modern requirements.
Last month both clubs rejected a renovation project for San Siro presented by a construction firm commissioned by the city, deeming it too costly. AC Milan has therefore decided to seek an alternative location for its stadium, choosing San Donato Milanese.
It is worth noting that San Siro is set to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics. UEFA also planned to hold the final match of the Champions League here in 2027 but withdrew from this idea in September due to uncertainties about the future of the facility.
This stadium has become legendary
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in San Siro is one of the most recognizable sports venues. Construction began in 1925. The stadium was created with soccer in mind. You won't find even a track-and-field track here, which is present in many other stadiums.
In the early years of its operation, only AC Milan played matches here. In 1947, it was decided that not only Milan but also Inter Milan would play their matches here.
