Inter and AC Milan Push Ahead with New San Siro Stadium Project Despite Bureaucratic Concerns

Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has raised concerns that Italy’s slow bureaucratic processes could delay the completion of the new San Siro stadium, which the clubs aim to have ready by 2030.

Acquisition of the San Siro and Stadium Plans

Earlier this week, Inter and AC Milan finalized the purchase of the 99-year-old iconic San Siro and the surrounding area from the city. The agreement enables both clubs to demolish the current stadium and jointly construct a modern 71,500-seat arena.

The new stadium is expected to be in use ahead of Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey.

Concerns About Italian Bureaucracy

Speaking at the Football Business Forum in Milan, Marotta warned about the challenges involved.

“Our goal is to complete the new stadium well before Euro 2032,” Marotta stated. “However, we are confronted with the slow pace of Italian bureaucracy. I hope we can achieve completion by 2030.”

He also highlighted the country’s struggles in modernizing sports infrastructure:

“In the last 15 years, about 50 stadiums have been built across Europe with €20 billion invested. In Italy, only three stadiums have been modernized. We are falling behind—not because of financial issues, but due to bureaucracy.”

Foreign Ownership and Broader Implications

Both Milan clubs are currently under American ownership: AC Milan by RedBird and Inter by Oaktree. Marotta suggested this reflects deeper systemic issues within Italian football.

“It is significant that two of Italy’s biggest clubs are owned by foreign groups. That should make us reflect on how the Italian system is struggling to support elite sport.”

Design Plans and Financial Projections

The clubs are collaborating with firms Foster + Partners and Manica to develop the stadium, part of a project spanning over 3 million square feet. The purchase deal for San Siro was valued at €197 million ($226 million).

Construction is expected to exceed €1 billion, and both clubs are projected to double their current stadium revenues—potentially earning around €180 million ($208 million) per year.

Additional earnings would come from naming rights, concerts, year-round tourism, stadium tours, restaurants, hotels, and commercial services.

A Stadium Open to the City Every Day

AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni emphasized creating a venue that is active beyond matchdays.

“We want to create the best stadium in Europe. Milan is a football capital and deserves modern infrastructure. Right now, San Siro is either full or empty. The new project aims to make the space vibrant every day, with restaurants, hotels, and commercial activity.”

The project aims to transform the stadium area into a year-round cultural and commercial hub by 2030.