San Siro


The San Siro, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, is a football stadium in the San Siro district of Milan, which is the home of AC Milan and Internazionale. It has a seating capacity of 75,923, making it one of the largest stadiums in Europe, and the largest in Italy.
On 3 March 1980, the stadium was named in honour of Giuseppe Meazza, the two-time World Cup winner who played for Inter and briefly for Milan in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s and served two stints as Inter's manager.
San Siro is a UEFA category four stadium. It hosted three games at the 1934 FIFA World Cup, six games at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, three games at the UEFA Euro 1980, and four European Cup finals, in 1965, 1970, 2001 and 2016. The stadium will also host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

History

Construction of the stadium commenced in 1925 in the district of Milan named San Siro, with the new stadium originally named Nuovo Stadio Calcistico San Siro. The idea to build a stadium in the same district as the horse racing track belonged to the president of A.C. Milan at the time, Piero Pirelli. The architects designed a private stadium only for football, without athletics tracks which characterized Italian stadiums built with public funds. The inauguration was on 19 September 1926, when 35,000 spectators saw Inter defeat Milan 6–3. Originally, the ground was home and property of A.C. Milan. Finally, in 1947, Inter, who used to play in the Arena Civica downtown, became tenants and the two have shared the ground ever since.
From 1948 to 1955, engineers Armando Ronca and Ferruccio Calzolari developed the project for the second extension of the stadium, which was meant to increase the capacity from 50,000 to 150,000 visitors. Calzolari and Ronca proposed three additional, vertically arranged, rings of spectator rows. Nineteen spiralling ramps – each 200 metres long – gave access to the upper tiers. During construction, the realisation of the highest of the three rings was abandoned and the number of visitors limited to 100,000. Then for security reasons, the capacity was reduced to 60,000 seats and 25,000 standing.
On 2 March 1980 the stadium was named for Giuseppe Meazza, one of the most famous Milanese footballers. For a time, Inter fans called the stadium Stadio Meazza due to Meazza's stronger connections with Inter. However, in recent years both Inter and Milan fans have called the stadium simply San Siro.
The last major renovation for San Siro, which cost $60 million, was that of 1987-1990, for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. It was decided to modernize the stadium by increasing its capacity to 85,000 spectators and building a cover. The Municipality of Milan entrusted the work to the architects Giancarlo Ragazzi and Enrico Hoffer and to the engineer Leo Finzi. To increase capacity, a third ring was built which rests on eleven support towers surrounded by helical ramps that allow access to the public. Four of these eleven concrete towers were located at the corners to support a new roof, which has distinctive protruding red girders.
In 1996 a museum was opened inside the stadium charting A. C. Milan and Inter's story, with historical shirts, cups and trophies, shoes, art objects and souvenirs of all kinds on display to visitors.
Two Milan derby Champions League knockout ties have taken place at San Siro, in 2003 and 2005, with A.C. Milan winning both ties. The reaction of Inter's fans to impending defeat in the 2005 match earned the club a large fine and a four-game ban on spectators attending European fixtures there the following season.
Apart from being used by Milan and Inter, the Italian national team occasionally plays games there. It has also been used for the European Cup finals of 1965, 1970, and the UEFA Champions League finals of 2001 and 2016.
The stadium was also used for the home leg of three UEFA Cup finals in which Inter was competing when these were played over two legs. It was also used by Juventus for their 'home' leg in 1995 as they decided against playing their biggest matches at their own Stadio delle Alpi at the time. On each occasion, apart from 1991, the second leg was played at San Siro and the winners lifted the trophy there. However, the stadium has not yet been selected as the host stadium since the competition changed to a single-match final format in 1997–98.
San Siro has never hosted a final of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, but was the host stadium for the 1951 Latin Cup, a four-team event won by A.C. Milan. The city was also the venue for the 1956 edition of the Latin Cup, but those matches were played at Arena Civica.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, on March 25, the Associated Press dubbed the UEFA Champions League match between Bergamo club Atalanta B.C. and Spanish club Valencia at the San Siro on 19 February as "Game Zero". The match was the first time Atalanta has progressed to a Champions League round of 16 match, and had an attendance of over 40,000 people—about one third of Bergamo's population. By March 24, almost 7,000 people in the province of Bergamo had tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 1,000 people had died from the virus—making Bergamo the most hard-hit province in all of Italy during the pandemic.

Potential replacement

On June 24, 2019, AC Milan and Internazionale announced their intention to build a new stadium to replace the San Siro. The new 60,000 capacity stadium, which would be constructed next to the San Siro, is anticipated to cost US$800 million and would be ready for the 2022–23 season. The design of the new stadium is said to be based upon the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Giuseppe Sala, the current Mayor of Milan, and the comune of Milan asked for time and stressed that the San Siro would be kept until at least the 2026 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics to be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The proposed project was also met with some skepticism and opposition by several fans of both teams.
On 26 September 2019, A. C. Milan and Internazionale released two potential designs for the new stadium next to the original ground, tentatively named the Nuovo Stadio Milano, designed by Populous and MANICA, respectively. On 22 May 2020, Italy's heritage authority raised no objections to demolishing San Siro.

International football matches

1934 FIFA World Cup

The stadium was one of the biggest venues of the 1934 FIFA World Cup and held three matches.
DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2Round
27 May 19343–2
First Round
31 May 19342–1
Quarter-finals
3 June 19341–0
Semi-finals

UEFA Euro 1980

The stadium was one of the four selected to host the matches during the UEFA Euro 1980.
DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2Round
12 June 19800–0
Group B
15 June 19802–1
Group B
17 June 19801–1
Group A

1990 FIFA World Cup

The stadium was one of the venues of the 1990 FIFA World Cup and held six matches.
DateTeam #1ResultTeam #2Round
8 June 19900–1
Group B
10 June 19904–1
Group D
15 June 19905–1
Group D
19 June 19901–1
Group D
24 June 19902–1
Round of 16
1 July 19900–1
Quarter final

Other sports

Boxing

San Siro was the venue for the boxing match between Duilio Loi vs. Carlos Ortiz for the Junior Welterweight title in 1960.

Rugby union

The first and only top level rugby union match to be played at San Siro was a test match between Italy and New Zealand in November 2009. A crowd of 80,000 watched the event, a record for Italian rugby.
YearDateMatchCountryScoreCountryAttendance
200914 Novembernon-cap6–2080,000

Concerts

Besides football, San Siro can be configured to hold many other events, particularly major concerts.
DatePerformerOpening actTour/EventAttendanceNotes
27 June 1980Bob Marley & The WailersPino DanieleUprising Tour
15 July 1980Various artistsLa Carovana del Mediterraneo
19 July 1980Edoardo BennatoSono Solo Canzonette
29 June 1984Bob DylanSantana
Pino Daniele		Bob Dylan 1984 European Tour
21 June 1985Bruce SpringsteenBorn in the U.S.A. Tour65,000
13 July 1986Various artistsMilano Suono Festival 1986
16 July 1986Various artistsMilano Suono Festival 1986
17 July 1986Various artistsMilano Suono Festival 1986
18 July 1986Various artistsMilano Suono Festival 1986
19 July 1986Various artistsMilano Suono Festival 1986
20 June 1986Various artistsMilano Suono Festival 1986
15 May 1987GenesisPaul YoungInvisible Touch Tour
5 June 1987Duran DuranStrange Behaviour Tour
10 June 1987David BowieGlass Spider Tour70,000
10 July 1990Vasco RossiLadri di Biciclette
Casino Royale		Fronte del Palco Tour 1990
28 May 1992Antonello VendittiAlta marea Tour
4 July 1994Al Bano
Romina Power
7 July 1995Vasco RossiRock Sotto Assedio
8 July 1995Vasco RossiRock Sotto Assedio
15 June 1996Vasco RossiNessun Pericolo Per Te Tour
18 June 1997Michael JacksonB-Nario
Paola e Chiara		HIStory World Tour65,000
28 June 1997LigabueIl Bar Mario è Aperto
29 June 1997LigabueIl Bar Mario è Aperto
22 May 1998Eros RamazzottiEros World Tour
9 July 1998Claudio BaglioniDa me a te
5 July 2002LigabueFuori Come Va Tour
6 July 2002LigabueFuori Come Va Tour
10 June 2003The Rolling StonesThe CranberriesLicks Tour
28 June 2003Bruce SpringsteenThe Rising Tour
1 July 2003Claudio BaglioniTutto in un abbraccio
4 July 2003Vasco RossiVasco @ S.Siro 03
5 July 2003Vasco RossiIrene GrandiVasco @ S.Siro 03
8 July 2003Vasco RossiAnoukVasco @ S.Siro 03
29 May 2004Renato ZeroCattura il sogno
8 June 2004Red Hot Chili PeppersThe RootsRoll on the Red Tour
12 June 2004Vasco RossiSimone TomassiniBuoni o Cattivi Tour 2004
13 June 2004Vasco RossiBuoni o Cattivi Tour 2004
20 July 2005U2Ash
Feeder		Vertigo Tour137,427Parts of the concerts were filmed and recorded for the group's live album and concert film U2.COMmunication and ' respectively.
21 July 2005U2Ash
Feeder		Vertigo Tour137,427Parts of the concerts were filmed and recorded for the group's live album and concert film U2.COMmunication and ' respectively.
27 May 2006LigabueNome e Cognome Tour
11 July 2006The Rolling StonesBo Diddley
Feeder		A Bigger Bang56,175
22 July 2006Robbie WilliamsClose Encounters Tour
2 June 2007Laura PausiniIo Canto Tour
9 June 2007Renato ZeroMpZero
21 June 2007Vasco RossiVasco Live 2007
22 June 2007Vasco RossiVasco Live 2007
30 June 2007Biagio AntonacciNomadiVicky Love Tour
31 May 2008NegramaroLa Finestra Tour
6 June 2008Vasco RossiIl Mondo Che Vorrei Live Tour 2008
7 June 2008Vasco RossiIl Mondo Che Vorrei Live Tour 2008
14 June 2008ZuccheroAll the Best
25 June 2008Bruce SpringsteenMagic Tour59,821
4 July 2008LigabueElle-Elle Live 2008
5 July 2008LigabueElle-Elle Live 2008
18 June 2009Depeche ModeDolcenera
M83		Tour of the Universe57,544The concert was recorded for the group's live album project Recording the Universe.
21 June 2009Various artistsAmiche per l'Abruzzo
7 July 2009U2Snow PatrolU2 360° Tour153,806
8 July 2009U2Snow PatrolU2 360° Tour153,806The performances of Breathe and Electrical Storm were recorded for the group's live album '.
14 July 2009MadonnaSticky & Sweet Tour55,338
8 June 2010MuseCalibro 35
Friendly Fires
Kasabian		The Resistance Tour60,000
16 July 2010LigabueMargotArrivederci Mostro
17 July 2010LigabueArrivederci Mostro
16 June 2011Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '011
17 June 2011Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '011
21 June 2011Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '011
22 June 2011Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '011
12 July 2011Take ThatPet Shop BoysProgress Live
7 June 2012Bruce SpringsteenWrecking Ball World Tour57,149
14 June 2012MadonnaMartin SolveigThe MDNA Tour53,244
3 June 2013Bruce SpringsteenWrecking Ball World Tour56,670
19 June 2013JovanottiBackup Tour
20 June 2013JovanottiBackup Tour
29 June 2013Bon JoviBecause We Can51,531
13 July 2013NegramaroUna storia semplice Tour 2013
18 July 2013Depeche ModeMotel Connection
Chvrches		The Delta Machine Tour57,919
31 July 2013Robbie WilliamsOlly MursTake The Crown Stadium Tour
31 May 2014Biagio AntonacciPalco Antonacci 2014
6 June 2014LigabueMondovisione Tour: Stadi 2014
7 June 2014LigabueMondovisione Tour: Stadi 2014
20 June 2014Pearl JamLightning Bolt Tour
28 June 2014One Direction5 Seconds of SummerWhere We Are Tour115,931The concerts were recorded for the group's concert film '.
29 June 2014One Direction5 Seconds of SummerWhere We Are Tour115,931The concerts were recorded for the group's concert film .
4 July 2014Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '014
5 July 2014Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '014
9 July 2014Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '014
10 July 2014Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '014
19 July 2014ModàStadi Tour 2014
17 June 2015Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '015
18 June 2015Vasco RossiVasco Live Kom '015
25 June 2015JovanottiLorenzo Negli Stadi 2015
26 June 2015JovanottiLorenzo Negli Stadi 2015
27 June 2015JovanottiLorenzo Negli Stadi 2015
4 July 2015Tiziano FerroLo stadio Tour 2015
5 July 2015Tiziano FerroLo stadio Tour 2015
4 June 2016Laura PausiniSimili Tour100,388
5 June 2016Laura PausiniSimili Tour100,388
10 June 2016PoohL'ultima notte insieme
11 June 2016PoohL'ultima notte insieme
18 June 2016ModàPassione Maledetta Tour 2016
19 June 2016ModàPassione Maledetta Tour 2016
3 July 2016Bruce SpringsteenThe River Tour 2016104,646
5 July 2016Bruce SpringsteenThe River Tour 2016104,646
13 July 2016RihannaBig Sean
DJ Mustard		Anti World Tour53,000
18 July 2016BeyoncéChloe x Halle
Sophie Beem		The Formation World Tour54,313
9 June 2017Davide Van De Sfroos
16 June 2017Tiziano FerroIl Mestiere della Vita Tour
17 June 2017Tiziano FerroIl Mestiere della Vita Tour
19 June 2017Tiziano FerroIl Mestiere della Vita Tour
27 June 2017Depeche ModeAlgiersGlobal Spirit Tour54,488
3 July 2017ColdplayLyves, Tove LoA Head Full of Dreams Tour117,307
4 July 2017ColdplayTove LoA Head Full of Dreams Tour117,307
1 June 2018J-Ax & FedezLa Finale79,500
20 June 2018Cesare CremoniniCremonini Stadi 201856,963
27 June 2018NegramaroAmore Che Torni Tour Stadi 2018
6 July 2018Beyoncé
Jay-Z		On the Run II Tour49,051
1 June 2019Vasco RossiVasco Non Stop Tour 2019
2 June 2019Vasco RossiVasco Non Stop Tour 2019
6 June 2019Vasco RossiVasco Non Stop Tour 2019
7 June 2019Vasco RossiVasco Non Stop Tour 2019
11 June 2019Vasco RossiVasco Non Stop Tour 2019
12 June 2019Vasco RossiVasco Non Stop Tour 2019
19 June 2019Ed Sheeran÷ Tour
28 June 2019Luciano LigabueStart Tour
4 July 2019Laura Pausini e Biagio AntonacciLaura Biagio Stadi Tour 2019
5 July 2019Laura Pausini e Biagio AntonacciLaura Biagio Stadi Tour 2019
12 July 2019MuseSimulation Theory World Tour
13 July 2019MuseSimulation Theory World Tour
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicTiziano FerroTZN Tour 2020
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicTiziano FerroTZN Tour 2020
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicTiziano FerroTZN Tour 2020
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicSalmoSalmo San Siro
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicUltimoUltimo Stadi 2020
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicUltimoUltimo Stadi 2020
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicCesare CremoniniCesare Cremonini Tour 2020
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicMax PezzaliSan Siro canta Max
Postponed until a later date due to COVID-19 pandemicMax PezzaliSan Siro canta Max

Transport connections

The stadium is located in the northwestern part of Milan and can be reached by underground via the dedicated San Siro subway station, located just in front of the stadium, or by tram, with line 16 ending right in front of the building. The Lotto subway station is about 15 minutes walk away from San Siro.
Stations nearby:
ServiceStationLine
Milan MetroSan Siro Stadio
Milan MetroSan Siro Ippodromo
Milan MetroLotto