San Siro — officially Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — is a historic temple of Italian football and the shared home of AC Milan and Inter since 1947. Its three stacked tiers and helicoidal towers holding up the roof make it one of the most iconic silhouettes in world sport. With 75,923 seats it is Italy's largest stadium.
History and architecture
Opened in 1926 as the private property of Milan president Piero Pirelli, it was expanded in 1955 and again in 1990 for the World Cup, when the third tier hanging from four cylindrical towers was added. It was renamed Giuseppe Meazza in 1980 in honour of the two-time world champion. A replacement stadium shared by both clubs, designed by Foster + Partners and Manica, is planned.
Iconic moments
San Siro has hosted European Cup and Champions League finals (1965, 1970, 2001, 2016), 1934 and 1990 World Cup games and Derbies della Madonnina that rank among the most intense matches on the planet. It has also staged historic concerts by Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and, more recently, Taylor Swift.
Getting there and matchday tips
Easiest access is Metro line M5 (lilac), San Siro Stadio station, exiting straight into the venue. Trams 16 and 24 also run from the centre. Avoid driving: Piazzale Lotto traffic is heavy and the few car parks sell out. Arrive 45 minutes early; security is strict and third-tier access requires long spiral ramps.
Where to sit and what to eat
Primo anello (first tier) lateral offers the best view without climbing high. Curva Sud is Milan's rossonero heart and Curva Nord Inter's ultra stronghold, depending on the fixture. Terzo anello is dizzying but panoramic. Concourse: paninis with mortadella and stracchino, pizza al taglio, arancini, espresso and Peroni on draught.