Generali Stadium Unveiled: Inter and Milan’s 71,500-Seat San Siro Replacement Targets 2028 Construction Start

FolioPitch.com – 30 October 2026 | After more than a decade of false starts, scrapped designs and political wrangling, Inter and AC Milan have finally lifted the curtain on their vision for the future of San Siro. The Official Generali Stadium presented by Inter and Milan aim to begin construction in 2028, a project that will replace the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza with a 71,500-seater arena featuring a striking X-frame exterior and a double-curved roof. The plans were unveiled on Tuesday evening at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, marking a significant milestone in a saga that has frustrated supporters and city officials alike for years.

A Design Inspired by the Duomo

The architectural partnership behind the project is Foster + Partners and MANICA, with Lord Norman Foster and David Manica — the same duo who collaborated on the new Wembley Stadium in London — leading the design. The concrete X-frame structure on the outside is a deliberate nod to Milan’s iconic Duomo Cathedral, rising to support the sweeping double-curved roof. This framework will also frame and emphasise the two ‘Curvas’, with the Nord end hosting Inter fans and the Sud end reserved for AC Milan supporters.

Inside, two seating tiers form a continuous 360-degree bowl, ensuring excellent sightlines for every spectator, with seating inclinations of up to 37 degrees. LED panels on the exterior will allow the stadium to be lit in different colours depending on which club is playing that day, adding a dynamic visual identity to the matchday experience.

Naming Rights and Revenue

The arena will be known as the Generali Stadium after the Italian insurance giant secured naming rights for a reported €26 million per year over a 25-year contract. That deal would generate a total of €650 million, making it second only to Atletico Madrid’s agreement with Riyadh Air for the Wanda Metropolitano, which is worth €28-33 million annually. In European competitions, however, the venue will be called Milano Stadium.

The Official Generali Stadium presented by Inter and Milan aim to begin construction in 2028 was confirmed in the official statement, which also revealed that the first match is targeted for the 2031/32 season — slightly later than the previous timeframe of work starting in 2027. The aim is to host matches at the EURO 2032 tournament, which Italy is co-hosting with Turkiye.

More Than Just a Stadium

This is not merely a football project but a major urban regeneration scheme covering 281,000 square metres. The plan includes new public spaces, green areas, and leisure and retail destinations, transforming the San Siro neighbourhood into a vibrant hub. The stadium will also have the option to host concerts and other big events, as San Siro has done for decades.

Both clubs came together to purchase the land that includes the current Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in November 2025, although it was only recently given the final go-ahead after appeals to block the sale were rejected. The Official Generali Stadium presented by Inter and Milan aim to begin construction in 2028 represents the culmination of years of perseverance and collaboration between two fierce rivals.

Political and Sporting Implications

The project has been over a decade in the making, with the original design scrapped due to years of blocked projects. The new designs, presented by Foster + Partners and MANICA, signal a fresh start and a commitment to delivering a world-class facility. The fact that both clubs united to purchase the land and drive the project forward demonstrates a shared vision for the future of Milanese football.

For Inter and Milan, the new stadium promises increased revenue streams, improved matchday experiences and a modern home that honours the legacy of San Siro while embracing the future. The Official Generali Stadium presented by Inter and Milan aim to begin construction in 2028 is a testament to what can be achieved when rivals join forces for the greater good of the city and the sport.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the Generali Stadium marks a new chapter for Inter and AC Milan. With construction set to begin in 2028 and the first match targeted for the 2031/32 season, the project is poised to redefine the skyline of Milan and set a new standard for stadium design in Europe. As the city prepares to co-host EURO 2032, the Generali Stadium will stand as a symbol of innovation, collaboration and sporting excellence. The Official Generali Stadium presented by Inter and Milan aim to begin construction in 2028 — and the countdown has officially begun.