Milan, Nov. 6 (LaPresse) – Mario Calabresi spoke on Radio Popolare about the project for Milan’s new stadium, revisiting the controversy with Mayor Giuseppe Sala and calling for talks with Inter and Milan to be reopened in order to reconsider certain aspects of the project. According to Calabresi, the project should not be considered untouchable and possible changes must be assessed in the city’s interests. The former editor of Repubblica identified three key issues: protecting residents’ health, the environmental impact of building the new stadium and demolishing San Siro, and the social consequences of the construction work on the neighbourhood. Calabresi, who grew up in San Siro itself, highlighted the risk that residents could have to endure the disruption caused by construction sites for more than ten years without receiving any tangible benefits. He also challenged the decision to finance the relocation of the Patroclo tunnel, at a cost of 39 million euros, through urban development charges, arguing that the expense should be borne by the football clubs. In his view, Inter and Milan, which will benefit financially from the project, including through the stadium’s naming rights sponsorship, estimated at 600 million euros, must take greater responsibility towards the neighbourhood. Another concern is ticket prices: Calabresi fears that the new stadium, with a capacity reduced by around 15,000 seats, could become accessible only to wealthy spectators and tourists. He therefore calls on the City Council to negotiate agreements guaranteeing affordable prices for Milan residents and families as well. Calabresi also reopened the possibility of avoiding the demolition of San Siro, explaining that if an alternative solution emerges during the planned process, which is expected to continue until after the summer of 2032, it should be considered, including for environmental reasons. He rejected comparisons with Ignazio La Russa, clarifying that his position is based on broader considerations regarding the environmental, social and economic consequences of the project. If elected mayor, he concluded, he would return to the negotiating table with the clubs to renegotiate the project and secure greater guarantees for residents and the city as a whole.
Milan Stadium, Calabresi: “We need to revisit the plan with the clubs”
Milan, Nov. 6 (LaPresse) – Mario Calabresi spoke on Radio Popolare about the project for Milan’s new stadium, revisiting the controversy with Mayor Giuseppe Sala and calling for talks with Inter and Milan to be reopened in order to reconsider certain aspects of the project. According to Calabresi, the project should not be considered untouchable and possible changes must be assessed in the city’s interests. The former editor of Repubblica identified three key issues: protecting residents’ health, the environmental impact of building the new stadium and demolishing San Siro, and the social consequences of the construction work on the neighbourhood. Calabresi, who grew up in San Siro itself, highlighted the risk that residents could have to endure the disruption caused by construction sites for more than ten years without receiving any tangible benefits. He also challenged the decision to finance the relocation of the Patroclo tunnel, at a cost of 39 million euros, through urban development charges, arguing that the expense should be borne by the football clubs. In his view, Inter and Milan, which will benefit financially from the project, including through the stadium’s naming rights sponsorship, estimated at 600 million euros, must take greater responsibility towards the neighbourhood. Another concern is ticket prices: Calabresi fears that the new stadium, with a capacity reduced by around 15,000 seats, could become accessible only to wealthy spectators and tourists. He therefore calls on the City Council to negotiate agreements guaranteeing affordable prices for Milan residents and families as well. Calabresi also reopened the possibility of avoiding the demolition of San Siro, explaining that if an alternative solution emerges during the planned process, which is expected to continue until after the summer of 2032, it should be considered, including for environmental reasons. He rejected comparisons with Ignazio La Russa, clarifying that his position is based on broader considerations regarding the environmental, social and economic consequences of the project. If elected mayor, he concluded, he would return to the negotiating table with the clubs to renegotiate the project and secure greater guarantees for residents and the city as a whole.