San Siro

Italy's largest football fortress: where AC Milan began in 1926 and the Derby della Madonnina lives on.

The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, universally known as San Siro, stands in the Milan district of its namesake. While owned by the City Council since the 1930s, AC Milan was the original home tenant upon its inauguration on 19 September 1926. Inter Milan joined as tenants in 1947 after moving from the Arena Civica, beginning a shared history that defines the Derby della Madonnina. The stadium has hosted four European Cup finals and served as the venue for multiple World Cup matches, cementing its status as a premier European arena.

Quick Facts

Nickname

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza; La Scala del calcio

Former names

Stadio Comunale di San Siro

Address

Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151

Location

Milan, Italy

Groundbreaking

1925

Opened

19 September 1926

Renovated

1935, 1955, 1987–1990, 2015–2016

Owner

AC Milan (1926–1935)
City of Milan (1935–2025)
AC Milan & Inter Milan (2025–present)

Lore & Background

The stadium's origins trace back to 1925 when AC Milan president Piero Pirelli proposed a dedicated football ground near the Ippodromo di San Siro horse racing track. Architects designed four separated stands inspired by English stadiums, omitting athletics tracks common in Italian public venues. The first expansion occurred in the 1930s under City Council ownership, connecting the original corners to form the "first tier." A massive second extension project ran from 1948 to 1955 by engineers Armando Ronca and Ferruccio Calzolari, who planned three vertical rings accessed by nineteen spiraling ramps. Although the highest ring was abandoned for safety, reducing capacity to 60,000 seated plus 25,000 standing, these iconic ramps remain a defining feature.

Reader's Guide

To experience a match at San Siro, arrive early to navigate the spiral ramps that grant access to the upper tiers. The stadium is divided strictly: AC Milan fans occupy the Curva Sud while Inter fans fill the Curva Nord, creating the unique atmosphere of the Derby della Madonnina. A museum opened in 1996 offers a deep dive into club history with historical shirts and trophies on display.

Did You Know?

The stadium was originally named 'Nuovo Stadio Calcistico San Siro' and inaugurated with a 6–3 AC Milan victory over Inter.
Giuseppe Meazza served two stints as Inter's manager and played for both clubs, yet the naming in his honor caused some initial friction among Milan fans.
The third tier was added on only three sides during the 1987–1990 renovation to support a new roof structure.
It hosted three games at the 1934 FIFA World Cup, the opening ceremony and six games at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, three games at the UEFA Euro 1980 and four European Cup finals, in 1965, 1970, 2001 and 2016.
The stadium is scheduled to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.