San Siro to be demolished as AC Milan and Inter reveal Generali Stadium replacement

The San Siro’s near-century of history is drawing to a close. Plans to demolish the 75,817-capacity stadium and replace it with a new state-of-the-art arena have been officially confirmed, with the Generali Stadium set to open in time for the 2031/32 season.

Italian insurance giant Generali has already secured the naming rights in a deal reported to be worth £540 million over 20 years — one of the largest stadium-naming agreements in European football history.

Both AC Milan and Inter Milan offered supporters their first detailed look at the new venue on Wednesday, releasing images and video on social media. The contrast with the current ground is stark. The San Siro’s famous spiralling towers and towering red girders — the defining features of its unmistakable silhouette — will be consigned to history. In their place will stand a sleek, futuristic arena capable of housing 71,500 spectators, featuring a sweeping double-curved roof and a striking concrete X-frame structure encircling the ground.

Among the features previewed is what appears to be a transparent players’ tunnel designed to bring supporters closer to the action before kick-off. The venue is also earmarked for concerts, fashion shows and other major events beyond football.

For all the anticipation surrounding the new stadium, the announcement has sharpened an uncomfortable reality for many supporters. The San Siro, which opened in 1926, occupies a unique place in football history. Its imposing stands have hosted countless Milan derbies, European Cup triumphs and domestic title celebrations, and have welcomed some of the game’s most celebrated figures, including Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten and Ronaldo.

The ground is not merely a sporting venue — it is a landmark for the city of Milan and a pilgrimage site for football supporters worldwide. The decision to demolish rather than renovate has proved divisive, with many fans finding it difficult to accept that one of the sport’s great cathedrals is approaching the end of the road.

With construction on the Generali Stadium set to begin in the coming years, both clubs will need to confirm interim arrangements for home fixtures during the transition period.