Built by industrialist Piero Pirelli exclusively for AC Milan, San Siro opened as a football-only stadium, unusual for Italy at the time. Its early design reflected English-style arenas, shaping Milan’s growing football culture.
Few stadiums in the world carry the weight of nearly a century of rivalry, triumph, and transformation like San Siro. Opened in 1926 and home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan, this architectural icon has shaped Italian football history.
Built by industrialist Piero Pirelli exclusively for AC Milan, San Siro opened as a football-only stadium, unusual for Italy at the time. Its early design reflected English-style arenas, shaping Milan’s growing football culture.
After World War II, Inter Milan moved in, transforming San Siro into a symbol of coexistence and rivalry. Sharing one stadium intensified the Derby della Madonnina, one of football’s fiercest derbies.
A second tier dramatically increased capacity, turning San Siro into one of Europe’s largest stadiums. It became a regular host for international fixtures and major club competitions.
Ahead of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, a third tier, eleven cylindrical towers, and the now-iconic spiral ramps were added. The renovation gave San Siro its distinctive modern silhouette.
San Siro witnessed Champions League triumphs for both Milan clubs. Its atmosphere earned a reputation as one of football’s most intimidating stages.
With modernization challenges and redevelopment plans under discussion, San Siro stands at a crossroads, balancing heritage preservation with contemporary stadium demands.
Designed by architect Ulisse Stacchini (also known for Milan Central Station), San Siro was originally built using reinforced concrete, a modern material at the time.
The 1990 renovation introduced:
Unlike multi-sport Italian stadiums of the early 20th century, San Siro was purpose-built for football, ensuring closer sightlines and a more immersive spectator experience.
Today, San Siro remains one of Europe’s most historic football venues, with a capacity of over 75,000. Managed by the Municipality of Milan, it continues to host Serie A matches, international fixtures, concerts, and major events.
Visitors can explore:
It’s more than a stadium, it’s a living archive of Italian football.
Visitors can explore the San Siro Museum, see club trophies, walk through the players’ tunnel, and view architectural elements from different renovation phases.
Construction began in 1925 under AC Milan president Piero Pirelli, and the stadium officially opened on September 19, 1926. It was originally built as a football-only venue, which was uncommon in Italy at the time.
In 1980, it was renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza after the Italian World Cup–winning striker who played for both Milan clubs. Many fans, however, still call it San Siro.
Inter moved to San Siro in 1947, creating one of football’s most iconic shared-stadium rivalries and intensifying the famous Derby della Madonnina.
It hosted matches during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, multiple UEFA Champions League finals (including 2016), and numerous international fixtures and concerts.
Its spiral ramps, eleven cylindrical red towers, and elevated third tier added for Italia ’90 give it a distinctive industrial-modern appearance.
Redevelopment proposals have been discussed in recent years, but the stadium continues to operate while long-term plans are under review.