Alessandro Costacurta, former Milan defender and one of the club’s most decorated players, reflected on the history, atmosphere, and future of San Siro as the stadium approaches its 100th anniversary. Opened on September 19, 1926, San Siro has long been an iconic venue in Italian and European football, but it will soon be replaced by a modern facility as part of a redevelopment plan agreed upon by its two primary tenants, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Costacurta, who grew up a fan of his local club Varese before joining Milan’s academy at age 13, played 663 matches for the Rossoneri during a career that included seven Serie A titles and five European Cup victories. He described San Siro as a stadium steeped in history and atmosphere but acknowledged that it no longer meets the functional standards required of a modern sports venue. Among its shortcomings are a lack of sufficient elevators and outdated amenities, including notoriously poor restroom facilities.
The upcoming stadium project, designed by Foster + Partners and Manica, aims to address these issues by creating a multifunctional arena with enhanced retail and hospitality services integrated into the surrounding area. Milan’s new owners, RedBird Capital Partners, have prioritized the construction of this stadium since taking over in 2022. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with completion slated for 2031, enabling the venue to host matches during Euro 2032.
The shared ownership of the current stadium and the joint development of the new arena highlight a unique spirit of cooperation between Milan and Inter. Costacurta noted that the rivalry between the two clubs is marked by a relative amiability compared to other football derbies worldwide, where fan interactions and player relations have often been friendly despite the competitive nature of matches. He recalled memorable moments playing at San Siro, including a 6-0 away win against Inter in May 2001, emphasizing the special satisfaction of triumphing in a rival’s stronghold.
San Siro’s distinctive architecture, particularly the steepness of its stands, contributes to its unique atmosphere. Costacurta described the experience from a ballboy’s perspective as almost overwhelming due to the close proximity of towering crowds. He compared it to other famous European stadiums, suggesting San Siro’s design creates a more intense and immersive viewing environment.
Historically, the stadium was the vision of then-Milan president Piero Pirelli and originally featured four uncovered stands with a seating capacity of 35,000. Its development included expansions and additions over the decades, including a second tier in 1955 and a third tier with a roof completed before the 1990 World Cup. The venue was renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in 1980 in honor of the legendary Italian international who played for both Milan clubs, although fans continue to refer to it as San Siro.
Despite its age, Costacurta recalled how the stadium often provided a formidable home advantage, with loud crowds creating significant pressure on opponents. He described the noise levels on matchdays as deafening, and noted that fan enthusiasm remained intense, with supporters historically standing close to the pitch and vocally expressing their support or disdain.
While acknowledging the excitement and historical significance attached to San Siro, Costacurta expressed understanding for the necessity of modernization. The forthcoming stadium will seek to maintain the tradition of the past while offering improved facilities to sustain Milan and Inter’s competitiveness on both domestic and European stages. The replacement of San Siro marks the end of an era but also signals a strategic move to secure a sustainable future for two of Italy’s leading football clubs.