Milan President Paolo Scaroni insists that a new stadium for the Rossoneri and their city rivals Inter is a priority, especially after their achievements in the Champions League: ‘Milano is the only city in Europe with two clubs in the quarter-finals.’
Stefano Pioli’s men have qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 11 years, beating Antonio Conte’s Tottenham 1-0 on aggregate.
Inter and Napoli are also among the best eights clubs in Europe this season and they can meet in the quarter-finals in Friday’s draw.
“Undoubtedly, a Euro derby would be a global event, it would mean a lot for the city of Milano, the only city in Europe with two clubs at this level in the Champions League,” Scaroni told Gazzetta.
“This result confirms the priority of giving the clubs a new stadium, to continue competing on the international stage.”
Inter and Milan are working on two different projects for a new stadium and the Rossoneri seem determined to build their own arena without Inter in the area of La Maura, not too far from San Siro. Inter still hope Milan will agree to build the new stadium with them at San Siro.
Scaroni is not convinced that an Italian derby in the quarter-finals would be a good thing for Italian football.
“I’d like all Serie A clubs to have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, it would be a great success,” he said.
“The eight clubs remaining in the competition are the best in European football, we are ready for a thought but exciting match regardless of the opponent.”
Inter director Beppe Marotta, on the other hand, said that meeting Milan in the quarter-finals would be good, even if the best thing would be a European derby in the Istanbul Final.