A €1.7bn investment completed by 2030 – Inter president Marotta sets new stadium targets

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has spoken once again about the new stadium project together with AC Milan, setting targets for revenues and completion.

Milan and Inter have officially embarked on a project to build a new state of the art stadium next to the existing San Siro. The was a plan that originally surfaced over five years ago, and events since have seen the two clubs circle back around to the idea for various reasons.

Over the coming years, the landscape around the present stadium will change drastically. Not only will there be a new home for the Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri, but there will also be a transformed district thanks to investments in shops, offices, museums, hotels and more amenities.

Marotta spoke during an interview with the ‘Valori in campo’ Vodcast on DAZN and he answered several questions about the stadium vision, with his words relayed by Calciomercato.com.

Are you starting to think about the new San Siro?

“Yes. We’ve finally managed to break ground, to open a path that will take us far. It will be full of twists and turns; it’s not easy to navigate in Italy, where bureaucracy is very obstructive. We’ve embarked on this new era with enthusiasm. We’ll have a new home.

“It was very difficult to acquire San Siro, but thanks to Ralph and Scaroni’s tenacity, we’ve finally reached the final deed. It will be a very modern facility, which responds above all to the needs of safety, comfort, hospitality, and a whole set of values.”

Image: Il Giorno

Will you take inspiration from any current stadiums?

“From a design perspective, I don’t want to go into it because we’re still in the process of discussing it. There will be a proper presentation, detailing its defining characteristics.

“The project has been entrusted to Foster and Manica, two icons of sports architecture, who will interpret the guidelines of the two owners. I can only say that the turf won’t be retractable like the one at the Bernabeu, but modern technology allows it to be changed in a day.”

Why is it so difficult to build new stadiums in Italy?

“Because from a political standpoint, there hasn’t been a clear stance aimed at developing this aspect of national sport. Today, thanks to the presence of a Ministry of Sport and a Minister like Abodi, there’s a willingness to do so, as demonstrated by the appointment of a dedicated commissioner for stadiums.

“We’re beginning to understand the impact these facilities can have not only on the social sphere, but also on the very economy of individual clubs and sport in general. The difficulties arise from the fact that certain facilities should be considered of clear national interest, and therefore, alongside the Ministry of Sport, there should be a Ministry of Infrastructure, namely Matteo Salvini’s.

“When we talk about San Siro and an investment of roughly €1.6-1.7bn in terms of the added value and spin-offs it can generate, it’s clear that it’s significant for the country’s economy. This could help us overcome certain obstacles of slow procedures that easily meet with opposition at the local level.”

And will this be a new era for Milan and Inter?

“Definitely. There’s been a period of stagnation in Italy that has led us to be at the bottom of the table in terms of facilities. In Europe, 250 stadiums have been built or renovated in the last 20 years, only 6 of which are in Italy.

“We haven’t considered the essential heart of every club: it must be the home of the fans, the club, and the players. It also represents a hugely significant financial asset, which leads to increased revenue.

“We’re at the bottom of the table, earning €80m, AC Milan the same. Real Madrid and Barcelona earn between €250m and €300m, while Los Blancos aim to exceed €500m. We’re aiming to more than double the revenue from matchday and all the activities that take place during the week.”

Will the stadium open before Euro 2032?

“Yes, we want to have it by 2030. I hope we can get there. I’m not saying it’s a dream, but the bureaucratic process is tortuous, I hope we get there. On the other hand, I believe that Italian football cannot do without Milan.

“National politics must make every effort to make this happen and to play, not just the final, but important matches in the new stadium. We can’t forget and imagine that Milan isn’t representative of the national football scene.”