San Siro sold! Milan giants win ground battle

Iconic stadium set to face wrecking ball

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A picture shows the interior of the San Siro Stadium In Milan AFP

(AFP)

One of the world’s most famous stadiums is set for demolition after Milan city hall early yesterday approved the sale of San Siro, nicknamed football’s La Scala, to the city’s two football giants.

Inter and AC Milan had both threatened to abandon the city had the sale not been approved after having looked at sites in nearby suburbs.

More than 11 hours of debate at city hall ended with 24 votes in favour of the sale for €197 million (US$231 million) and 20 against — enough for Italy’s economic capital to decree that Inter Milan and AC Milan will become owners of both the iconic stadium and adjacent land.

CITY HALL’S LATE-NIGHT VOTE

Confirmation of a vote in favour of the resolution didn’t come until nearly 4am after a long night which included discussion of a raft of proposed amendments.