Football fans hail ‘best news of the week’ after major decision is made on San Siro
THE iconic San Siro cannot be demolished due to its "cultural" significance, a commission has determined.
Both tenants AC Milan and Inter Milan have been exploring their options as they look to modernise their respective homes.
The two Milan clubs have shared the San Siro since 1947.
Plans had been made to rip down much of the existing stadium to make room for a fresh build on the same site.
But a decision by the Regional Commission for the Cultural Heritage of Lombardy has put paid to the Serie A duo's plans.
It has been determined that the second tier of the San Siro possesses "cultural interest" and therefore cannot be demolished.
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In an official statement, they confirmed: "The Regional Commission for the Cultural Heritage of Lombardy, after having examined the attached technical documentation, and acquiring the opinion of the Superintendence for the Metropolitan City of Milan, unanimously expressed a positive opinion on the existence of cultural heritage of the second tier at the San Siro stadium, in view of future verification under art. 12 of Legislative Decree 42/2004,.
"Thus, the committee endorses the proposal of the Superintendence.
"It should also be noted that the Archival and Bibliographic Superintendence for Lombardy, during the same session, recalled the value of the west grandstand of the stadium as an “exposed archive” for the plaques/epigraphs documenting the national and international successes of Inter and Milan.
"Since it is a “public archive”, as well as a municipal property, it is protected by law according to art. 10, paragraph 2, letter b of Legislative Decree 42/2004."
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San Siro will turn 70 in 2025.
AC Milan and Inter Milan could both leave before their lease expires in 2030 - with the clubs exploring alternative options.
The former are considering a site in San Donato - while the latter have gained exclusive rights to examine land in Rozzato.
San Siro is owned by Milan City Council and is expected to host the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Many fans online are delighted at the news that San Siro will not be getting demolished.
One wrote: "All football fans around the world will be rejoicing at this news."
While a second tweeted: "If this is true then I’m over the moon. It’s been on my bucket list at the top to see."
Another added: "Big win for football."
