Beppe Dossena, the head of institutional relations for Sportium, one of the two companies fighting for the right to construct a new stadium for AC Milan and Inter, discussed the project in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Turin based newspaper Tuttosport.
“It must be done.”
Dossena then spoke about how the project must go forward, despite his affection for the existing San Siro stadium.
“Yes, it is absolutely necessary to find a solution. And the solution is there, Massimo’s one. The idea of the ‘Two Rings’ is aesthetically very beautiful and fascinating. The area would also benefit from it because now there are few bars and shops. Inter and Milan are the history of this country. Not only the history of a stadium. Sooner or later Italy has to face the theme of new stadiums. And the players should make their voices heard too. It’s not just a question of greater economic revenue for the clubs.”
He also highlighted which other aspects are at stake.
“If the stadium isn’t comfortable, fewer and fewer people will go to see the games live. It’s now a pioneer thing to spend two hours in the cold without having any service. Instead, it would be important to have nice places to eat and stay warm before and after the game. The players must make this clear to the public. Otherwise everyone will watch the game on TV and they will miss the social dimension of football. Without forgetting that a modern stadium excites you much more than an obsolete structure, right from the visual impact.”
Finally, Dossena discussed his suggestions to upgrade the existing San Siro stadium.
“I think there are professionals who can make that area very beautiful. If the stadium becomes more beautiful, it changes the mood of those who live there. The climate would be different. Those who live nearby will not have to barricade themselves indoors in fear of unrest. The stadium must become welcoming again to bring fans and footballers closer, two worlds that can only be seen from a distance.”
Both AC Milan and Inter have been hoping to build their new stadium for some time now, picking out two specific projects earlier this season. However, both projects were created under the assumption that the existing San Siro stadium could be demolished, an idea shut down by the Milan City Council. Both clubs are now working to find a new project that renovates the San Siro.