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AC Milan and Inter's plans to replace the iconic San Siro could face a fresh complication after a senior Italian politician called for the historic stadium to be preserved.
Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa believes the clubs could build their new home while keeping the Giuseppe Meazza standing just metres away.
What has been said about the future of San Siro?
La Russa has publicly opposed the proposed demolition of San Siro, describing the idea as a “red card” for Milan.
Speaking at a conference in Milan this week, he acknowledged the appeal of the new stadium but argued that the historic ground should be allowed to coexist with it.
He suggested that the city could retain San Siro as a separate venue, pointing to examples elsewhere in the world where two stadiums operate close to one another.
The comments come after AC Milan and Inter unveiled their plans for the 71,500-capacity Generali Stadium, which is expected to open in 2031.
Under the current agreement with the Municipality of Milan, the clubs intend to demolish the existing Meazza after construction of their new home, making space for green areas and other buildings.
However, La Russa is not the only political figure questioning that approach, with mayoral hopeful Mario Calabresi also reportedly expressing support for preserving the stadium.
Keeping San Siro could avoid an estimated €120m (£100m) demolition bill, although any alternative would require changes to the existing redevelopment plans.
For now, the proposals remain political suggestions rather than an agreed change of direction. Neither club has indicated that it intends to abandon the current plans.
FGG says: San Siro deserves a future beyond the demolition plans
There is an understandable argument for replacing San Siro, particularly given the commercial opportunities offered by a modern stadium, but that does not necessarily mean its historic home has to disappear.
The possibility of retaining the Meazza alongside Generali Stadium is certainly worth exploring, provided there is a realistic long-term use for the old ground.
However, the clubs have already committed significant time and resources to their new stadium plans, so any alternative would need political backing and a workable financial model.