Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro)

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, widely known as San Siro, opened in 1926 as AC Milan’s ground and became the shared home of Milan and Inter. Successive expansions transformed the stadium into one of Italy’s largest football venues, with its eleven cylindrical towers and three tiers defining its distinctive profile.

Why it matters

Designed by Ulisse Stacchini and Alberto Cugini, the stadium opened in 1926. The City of Milan acquired it in 1935, and it became Inter’s home in 1947. Named for Giuseppe Meazza in 1980, it was expanded for the 1990 World Cup, when a third ring was added on eleven cylindrical towers. Its history links Milan’s two clubs with major international football tournaments and concerts.

What to notice

The third ring rests on eleven reinforced-concrete towers, some reaching 51 metres, and is surrounded by helical ramps that shape the stadium’s silhouette. The steeply raked stands bring spectators close to the pitch. The San Siro Museum preserves shirts and memorabilia associated with AC Milan, Inter and the Italian national team.

Context and history

The stadium opened in 1926 as AC Milan’s private ground, passed to the municipality in 1935 and became shared with Inter in 1947. Major expansions in 1935, 1955 and 1987–1990 transformed its original single-tier form; the third ring was built for Italia 90. In 1980 the stadium was renamed for Giuseppe Meazza, who played for both Milan clubs. M-I Stadio operates the venue on behalf of the clubs.