'Beautiful but not functional': Alessandro Costacurta backs new stadium plan as San Siro marks centenary
As the legendary San Siro approaches its centenary, AC Milan great Alessandro Costacurta has reflected on the storied ground's impending retirement, admitting that while the stadium remains one of world football's most iconic cathedrals, it has long fallen behind modern functional standards.
An Inevitable Move Toward Modernity
AC Milan and Inter completed a joint purchase of San Siro and the surrounding land from the Milan city council at the end of 2025, paving the way for construction on a state-of-the-art replacement designed by Foster + Partners and Manica to begin early next year. The new multi-purpose venue is scheduled for completion in 2031, just in time to host matches for Euro 2032.
"San Siro is not a modern stadium," Costacurta said. "It’s an icon, it’s incredibly beautiful, but it’s not functional."
Costacurta, who made 663 appearances for Milan and won seven Serie A titles alongside five European Cups, pointed to outdated facilities ranging from a lack of elevators to ancient corporate lounges and infamous public amenities as reasons why moving on is necessary for both Milan clubs to compete financially with European giants.
The Intimidation and Atmosphere of a Century-Old Cathedral
Originally opened on 19 September 1926 under Milan president Piero Pirelli, the ground was officially renamed the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in 1980 after the two-time World Cup winner who starred for both Milan and Inter. A third tier was constructed ahead of the 1990 World Cup, adding an intimidating vertical pitch-side view.
"Lots of stadiums are made this way," Costacurta recalled, contrasting the shallow stands of other grounds with San Siro’s dizzying steepness. "The first time I was out beside the pitch as a ballboy... it made me almost afraid. It felt like all those people were going to fall on top of me. At San Siro, when you’re up there at the top, it’s like you’re in a tower above the pitch, leaning out of the window."
Part of legendary back lines featuring Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, and Mauro Tassotti, Costacurta experienced both the ferocity and the unique spirit of the Derby della Madonnina from pitch level.
"Milan is a particular thing," he explained. "It’s rare to breathe such friendly air when you go to different derbies around the world. There are chants of course, but also a lot of mixing between fans. And when I was playing, between players too."
Preserving Legacy While Building the Future
While portions of the original structure are planned to be preserved in the surrounding redevelopment, the new stadium marks a critical milestone for Milan’s owners, RedBird, and Inter as both sides look to secure vital long-term revenue streams to rival Europe's elite.