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Italian giants AC Milan and Inter have unveiled plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium to replace the iconic San Siro.
Named ‘The Cathedral’, the 60,000-seat stadium is set to replace the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, better known as the San Siro, which has been home to Milan since 1926 and Inter since 1947.
The new stadium, which is set to open in 2027, has been designed by architects Populous, who also helped to design the new Wembley.
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The inspiration behind the stadium’s design is two of Milan’s most famous buildings, the Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
The stadium has a rectangular shape and will be surrounded by vertical fins, which will extend outwards to support a glass wall that will enclose a space described as a "sunlit galleria".
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Meanwhile, the stadium seating has been designed to be the "most intimate in Europe" with fans placed as close to the pitch as possible.
Under the plans, which are set to be finalised next year, the new stadium will be built alongside the existing San Siro, which will then be demolished as part of a redevelopment of the wider area.
“The new San Siro will be the most beautiful stadium in the world for its strong identity and recognisability,” said AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni.
"An attractive arena, accessible and sustainable for the city of Milan that will facilitate the growth of the clubs and their global competitiveness."
Alessandro Antonello, corporate CEO of Inter Milan, added: "The New Stadium of Milan will be in an extra-contemporary green area that can be lived all year round.
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"The new district for sport and leisure and its 50,000sqm park will make San Siro the go-to neighbourhood for sport and entertainment."
The decision to demolish the San Siro has split opinion in Italy but AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis says it is a necessary step.
“I understand the doubts, because San Siro is a special place, but it's necessary to have courage,' Gazidis told the club's website.
“Feelings exist and cannot be questioned. The memories of San Siro will be there forever, no one will be able to erase them, it's impossible.
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“Every League in the world that has been successful has done so by building new stadiums, with an incredible and inclusive experience for the fans.
“We have everything that is needed: the football, the people, fans. I see a brilliant future, you just need to have courage.
“Creating new stadiums is a fundamental step if we want to be at the top of the football world again.”
Featured Image Credit: Inter Milan/TwitterTopics: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Serie A, Football
