Reports: Five days of truth – Milan and Inter ready to leave city without San Siro approval

The next five days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the new stadium project, with a vote on San Siro imminent.

As Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica (via MilanPress) report this morning, the moment of reckoning has arrived regarding the future of San Siro. Its fate will be decided between 16:30 CEST today and Monday 29 September, the day of the City Council vote.

On the table is the resolution approved by the city council authorising the sale of the stadium to Milan and Inter for €197m (€73m up front, with the remainder to be paid in instalments). If the issue has been postponed in other situations, it cannot be any more.

Why? The clubs’ proposal expires on September 30th, and on November 10th the second tier restrictions will come into force, preventing the current stadium’s demolition. If the vote is rejected, the teams are ready to move out of the city and leave San Siro.

Votes and timelines

Of the 32 majority councillors out of 49, seven are already certain to vote against: Alessandro Giungi, Rosario Pantaleo and Angelo Turco of the Democratic Party, Francesca Cucchiara, Tommaso Gorini and Carlo Monguzzi of Europa Verde, and Enrico Fedrighini of the Mixed Group.

This would still mean having 25 votes, the minimum required for approval. However, another councillor has not yet made up his mind and is keeping the issue in the balance: Marco Fumagalli.

Yesterday he met with Mayor Beppe Sala, but hasn’t yet decided what position to take. Concerns centre on the environmental impact and the consequences for public health. According to newspapers, he’s currently the deciding factor, despite possible support from the opposition.

The Democratic Party’s leadership has indicated they could vote in favour, but want a portion of the proceeds from the sale to go to the reopening of the municipal public swimming pools, the renovation of the municipal public housing units scattered around the city, and the redevelopment of the San Siro area.

An agreement has not yet been reached between the Brothers of Italy, the League, and Forza Italia. Discussions are underway for days to try to enter the Chamber with a common centre-right line. It’s unclear whether the decision will fall to voting against, abstaining, or walking out of the Chamber.