Milan Council Debates Future of San Siro Stadium Amidst Euro 2032 Concerns
Milan is facing a critical decision regarding the future of the iconic San Siro stadium, also known as Meazza, as the city prepares to perhaps host games during the 2032 European Championships alongside Turkey. A recent meeting revealed the stadium currently falls short of requirements to host the tournament,particularly in the areas of sustainability and accessibility.
According to Councilor for Sport Martina riva, the Meazza scored a 3 out of 8 in sustainability and accessibility assessments.It also received scores of 6 out of 16 for safety and 11 out of 22 for sporting aspects. This has fueled debate over whether to renovate the existing stadium or pursue the construction of a new one.
The issue is now before the Milan City Council, with a vote expected by the end of the month. However,securing approval is proving challenging. The center-left coalition holds 32 votes, including Mayor Giuseppe Sala, but a minimum of 25 councilors must be present for the first vote. Historically, five councilors from the majority have consistently opposed the sale of the stadium: Tommaso Gorini, Francesca Spa, and Carlo Monguzzi (all Green party), Enrico Fedrighini (mixed Group), and Alessandro Giuggi (Democratic Party).
Further complicating matters, at least three other Democratic Party councilors – Rosario Pantaleo, Angelo Turco, and Angelica Vasile – along with Marco Fumagalli (Sala List) have expressed doubts. This could push the vote below the required 25. The stance of the center-right opposition, with 17 councilors, remains uncertain; they could vote against the resolution, abstain, or not be present. A second vote requires only a majority approval, lowering the threshold for passage.
Strong opposition to the project is coming from within the governing coalition. Elena Grandi, Councilor for the Surroundings and Green, explicitly stated her opposition, citing her party’s (Europe Green) commitment to finding an alternative destiny for San Siro.Grandi voiced concerns about the environmental impact of potential demolition and construction, specifically the dust and CO2 emissions and the lack of clarity regarding mitigation measures.
Despite her opposition, Grandi emphasized a positive working relationship with the Mayor and expressed a commitment to minimizing environmental impact should the resolution pass the Council. She stated that her decision to publicly voice her concerns was a matter of principle, believing a clear position was necessary during the final stages of the debate.
