New design for Inter and AC Milan stadium revealed

Article posted by Coliseum, October 30^th, 2026

Image: FC Internazionale Milano

Inter Milan and AC Milan have unveiled the design of their new 71,500-seat stadium, which will replace the legendary San Siro as the shared home of the two Italian football giants. Named Generali Stadium, the venue has been designed by Foster + Partners and MANICA, with construction expected to begin in 2028.

The plans, presented on October 29, 2026, provide the first detailed look at the new stadium and the surrounding development, which will cover approximately 281,000 square metres in Milan’s San Siro district. The project is backed by the clubs’ respective owners, Oaktree and RedBird Capital Partners, and is intended to strengthen their long-term financial and sporting competitiveness. The new venue will offer significantly improved hospitality facilities, additional commercial opportunities and a modern matchday experience while retaining the atmosphere that has made San Siro one of football’s most famous stadiums.

The design brings together two internationally recognised architectural practices. Foster + Partners, founded by Lord Norman Foster, is working alongside MANICA, led by stadium architect David Manica. The two architects previously collaborated on London’s Wembley Stadium.

A distinctive architectural design

One of the most recognisable features of Generali Stadium will be its exposed concrete X-frame structure, which extends from the ground-level colonnades through the façade to support the roof. According to the architects, the design draws inspiration from Milan’s architectural heritage, particularly the structural patterns and craftsmanship of the city’s famous Duomo.

Diamond-shaped entrances will lead spectators into the building, while open concourses will provide views across the surrounding city. Above the seating bowl, a sweeping double-curved roof will give the stadium its distinctive appearance. The roof has also been designed to improve acoustics and incorporate photovoltaic technology as part of the project’s sustainability strategy. Natural ventilation, energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact are among the key considerations in the design.

Image: FC Internazionale Milano

Bringing fans closer to the pitch

While the new stadium will introduce modern facilities and commercial opportunities, maintaining the atmosphere of San Siro has been a central part of the design brief.

The approximately 71,500 seats will be arranged across two tiers in a continuous 360-degree bowl, with the aim of providing good sightlines and bringing spectators closer to the action. Particular attention has been given to the two famous Curvas, traditionally home to the most passionate supporters of Inter and AC Milan. At either end of the pitch, these sections will rise as single, steep stands, with seating inclinations reaching up to 37 degrees.

The arrangement is intended to recreate the intimidating atmosphere of the existing stadium, where the proximity of supporters and the acoustics of the building have long been part of its identity. The roof and seating bowl have been designed to contain and amplify crowd noise, helping to maintain the intensity of the matchday experience.

The stadium will also provide improved accessibility and a wider range of seating categories, from traditional general admission areas to premium hospitality facilities.

For the two clubs, the challenge is to balance the commercial requirements of a modern stadium with the traditions of supporters who have regarded San Siro as their football home for generations.

New commercial opportunities

Beyond the architectural improvements, Generali Stadium is expected to provide Inter and AC Milan with a much stronger commercial platform. Modern hospitality areas, premium seating products and additional event facilities will allow both clubs to develop revenue streams that are difficult to maximise at the existing San Siro. The project has already secured a major commercial partnership with Italian insurance and asset management group Generali, which has acquired the stadium’s naming rights.

Image: FC Internazionale Milano

The agreement, described by the clubs as one of the largest stadium naming rights partnerships in international sport, will see the new venue carry the Generali name from its opening.

Generali will also become the Official Insurance Partner of both clubs. Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed in the announcement. For Inter and AC Milan, the investment is part of a wider strategy to improve their ability to compete financially with leading European clubs operating modern, commercially successful stadiums.

A wider regeneration project

The development will extend well beyond the stadium itself. The surrounding 281,000-square-metre site will be transformed through a wider urban regeneration programme incorporating public spaces, landscaped green areas, retail, leisure and entertainment facilities. The objective is to create an active district that attracts visitors throughout the year rather than only on football matchdays.The plans reflect a growing trend in international stadium development, where major sports venues are integrated into wider urban projects to increase utilisation, attract investment and support local economic activity.

The clubs also intend to use the development to strengthen their connection with the city and provide opportunities for supporters and residents to engage with the clubs outside matchdays. Sustainability will form part of both the stadium and surrounding development, with natural ventilation, photovoltaic energy generation and other efficiency measures included in the plans.

Opening targeted for 2031/32 season

The unveiling follows the agreement reached between Inter, AC Milan and the City of Milan in 2025, which established the basis for the redevelopment of the San Siro area.

The project will now proceed through further design development and planning. Subject to the necessary approvals, construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first match at Generali Stadium targeted for the 2031/32 football season.

The new stadium represents one of the most significant football infrastructure projects currently planned in Europe. For Inter and AC Milan, it offers the opportunity to combine the traditions of one of the world’s great football venues with the operational and commercial advantages of a modern stadium. The biggest test will be whether the new Generali Stadium can recreate the unique atmosphere of San Siro while delivering the facilities and revenue opportunities required by two clubs competing at the highest level of European football.

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