Italian football is approaching a major turning point as AC Milan and Inter Milan prepare to move away from the historic San Siro and establish a new home at a modern stadium. The two fierce city rivals are joining forces to develop a state-of-the-art venue, marking a significant shift in the sporting landscape of Milan.
The new ground, named the Generali Stadium, is expected to accommodate 71,500 spectators. Both clubs are targeting the 2031-32 season for their move, when they hope to begin playing their home fixtures at the new venue.
AC Milan and Inter Milan jointly unveiled the stadium’s name and architectural design in a statement. The project has been designed by renowned architectural firms Foster + Partners and Manica. With a substantial seating capacity and a contemporary design, the proposed development aims to meet the changing demands of modern football and provide supporters with an improved matchday experience.
The stadium’s naming rights have been secured by Italian insurance company Generali. According to ESPN, the agreement is valued at €650 million over 20 years, equivalent to approximately Tk 8,991 crore. The deal is considered one of the largest stadium naming-rights agreements in the sporting world, underlining the growing commercial value of major football venues.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, subject to the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. If the project progresses according to schedule, the clubs aim to stage their first matches at the Generali Stadium during the 2031-32 campaign.
The move will also pave the way for the demolition of San Siro, one of the most recognisable football grounds in Italy. Its planned removal represents the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of Milanese football.
Opened in 1926, San Siro has been the shared home of AC Milan and Inter Milan for generations. Over the decades, it has hosted countless domestic and European fixtures, witnessed major celebrations and provided the setting for some of the most memorable moments in Italian football.
The stadium is particularly associated with the famous Milan derby, in which the two local rivals face each other. Known for its intense atmosphere and passionate supporters, the fixture has become one of the most prominent rivalries in world football. For many fans, San Siro is not simply a football ground but a symbol of their club’s identity, history and traditions.
However, the requirements of elite football have evolved considerably. Modern stadiums are increasingly expected to offer advanced facilities, improved spectator services and greater commercial opportunities beyond matchdays. Clubs also view new infrastructure as an important means of strengthening their long-term financial position and international competitiveness.
The joint project reflects the ambitions of both Milan clubs to adapt to this changing environment while continuing to share a major sporting investment. Although leaving San Siro is likely to be an emotional moment for generations of supporters, the new stadium represents an opportunity to build a different legacy.
If completed within the proposed timeframe, the Generali Stadium will become the new stage for two of Italy’s most successful and recognisable football clubs. The transition will bring an end to their long association with San Siro and open a new chapter in the history of Milan’s football rivalry.
