Feature

Inter losing patience with AC Milan over San Siro renovation plans

Italian Serie A football club Inter Milan is believed to be growing increasingly impatient with arch rival AC Milan over plans to renovate the shared San Siro Stadium.

Inter is keen to push ahead with the project that will see major work carried out at the 80,018-capacity venue, which the two teams have shared since 1947.

Work will include constructing a series of new shops, restaurants and fan areas at the venue, which first opened its doors back in September 1926.

However, according to the Gazetta dello Sport newspaper, AC Milan is yet to sign off on the plans and give its approval to the development project, and Inter could now take matters into its own hands.

The newspaper said Inter could approach the City of Milan to seek permission to commence work at the venue itself and then pay half of the expenses, rather than continue to wait for rival AC Milan to give the project the green light.

The San Siro has undergone a series of updates and upgrades during its lifetime, including a major renovation project ahead of its use during the 1990 Fifa World Cup national football team tournament that took place in Italy.

Improvements carried out as part of this project included converting the stadium into an all-seater venue and installing a new roof structure, which still stands today. Protruding red girders that form part of the roof are now an iconic image at the San Siro.

Image: Oscar Federico Bodini