How Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium played major role in AC Milan’s Generali Stadium project

AC Milan took inspiration from Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium when designing their new home, with the Merseyside club's waterfront ground playing a role in the Italian giants' preparations for their Generali Stadium project.

Milan and Inter unveiled their plans for the 71,500-capacity stadium on October 29, with the new venue set to replace the iconic San Siro as the shared home of the two Serie A giants.

Plans for San Siro replacement unveiled

According to a report from the Liverpool Echo, a delegation from Milan visited the Hill Dickinson Stadium earlier this year to examine Everton's approach to developing and operating their new home.

The delegation attended Everton's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth in February, with the visit forming part of a wider fact-finding exercise as Milan explored how to maximise the potential of their own stadium project.

The Italians were particularly interested in the operational side of the Toffees' new ground, including hospitality, corporate facilities, broadcasters, matchday operations and the overall fan experience.

However, the influence of Hill Dickinson Stadium is also apparent when comparing the proposed seating arrangements.

Everton's 52,769-capacity ground features a particularly steep South Stand, with a gradient of 34.99 degrees designed to bring supporters closer to the pitch and create an intimidating atmosphere.

Milan's proposed stadium goes even further, with the stands behind the goals featuring an incline of up to 37 degrees, helping to create a more immersive matchday experience.

The new venue will feature a continuous 360-degree seating bowl, with two tiers and steep Curvas behind each goal designed to preserve the atmosphere associated with San Siro.

Designed by Foster + Partners and MANICA, the stadium will also feature a distinctive double-curved roof and an X-frame structural design.

The project is expected to enter its construction phase in 2028, with the first match targeted for the 2031-32 season.

“You cannot compete consistently with the best clubs in the world without having the infrastructure and economic model to support that ambition,” Milan owner Gerry Cardinale told BBC Sport. “The Premier League has set the benchmark in terms of commercial development and infrastructure.

“Italian football has fallen behind, and we need to change that. This stadium is a massive step forward, not just for AC Milan but potentially for the whole of Serie A.”

FGG Says: A huge honour for Everton

The fact that one the most historic European clubs has used the Hill Dickinson Stadium to help shape their future plans for a new ground is a huge vote of confidence for Everton's project.

The stadium has already been ranked as the best football stadium in England and fans will be hoping the club can enjoy a new era of success to match their new home.