Alessandro Antonello provided an update on Inter and Milan’s new stadium project, underlining the importance of moving from the current Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
The Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri have decided to move forward with the ‘Populous’ design and are now presenting the project to the City of Milan, keen to get the wheels moving as they look to move from their current home. Current plans see the existing Stadio Giuseppe Meazza demolished to make way for the new stadium, something that has proved divisive amongst fans.
Speaking to TMW, Antonello first discussed the current status of Inter and Milan’s new stadium project.
“We are at a preliminary design stage, all ideas will certainly be listened to on our side, but we cannot think that Inter and Milan can solve the issue of Milan and Lombardy’s infrastructure with this project.
“We will try to do our best, but we do not have unlimited resources to solve all the problems of the city.”
He commented on when he expects work on the new stadium to be carried out.
“Unfortunately at this moment we can say with certainty that the inauguration of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games will not take place in the new stadium. We hope to start work in 2024 at the earliest.”
He was not concerned regarding the financing of the project amidst Inter’s economic concerns.
“Absolutely not, this is a project that is self-financing, which in any case must give sustainability to the club, give it the chance to be competitive again in Europe. We don’t see any problems, other than a strategic project for both clubs to return to being competitive.”
The Inter CEO discussed how much the new stadium contributes to the club’s valuation.
“It matters regardless of a business valuation, it serves the two Milan clubs to reduce the gap with the major European teams.
“All the big European clubs have modern stadiums and the resources that this new facility will make available to the clubs will be used to strengthen the squad and be more competitive. This is the real goal.”
Finally, Antonello discussed the idea of keeping the existing stadium and building the new one in the same area.
“Today the two clubs presented the project that you are seeing. We want a new stadium at San Siro, we want a modern facility and if we can do it at San Siro it will serve as a reminder to future generations that clubs have won.”