Inter and Milan present new San Siro stadium amid protests and bad scheduling

The new stadium plans at San Siro will be presented this afternoon, but the press conference did not get off to the best start, as Milan directors were absent, while Inter fans protested.

This is an historic day for the city of Milan, as after more than a decade of legal wrangling, the two clubs finally get to unveil their design for the new stadium.

There is an embargo on the images until this evening, but the press conference is being held at the Sforzesco Castle in the city centre.

San Siro stadium problems

As is fitting for a project so long mired in difficulties, it did not go entirely smoothly for all concerned.

Inter fans gathered outside with a banner to stage a protest against the ultimate demolition of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

‘Lights at San Siro, you will never switch them off.’

Technically, the area of the city is called San Siro and there will be a stadium lit up there, as it will be built in what is effectively now the car park of the Stadio Meazza.

Meanwhile, Milan directors were not present at the press conference, because it was scheduled at the same time as the shareholders’ meeting.

Instead, they sent Chief Revenue Officer Maikel Oettle and Chief Brand Officer Francesca Montini.

Inter were represented by President Beppe Marotta and figures from club owners Oaktree.

The original design presented by Milan and Inter a decade ago was no longer valid, so they started from scratch with a new project drawn up by architect Norman Foster.

It is reported to hold 71,500 seats and construction should require an overall investment of €2 billion.