Milan, long celebrated as a global hub of modern architecture and Italian design, is currently engulfed in a major corruption scandal involving high-ranking municipal officials, architects, and powerful investors. At the heart of the controversy lies one of Italy’s most ambitious urban and sports ventures—the construction of the new Inter and Milan stadium—casting uncertainty over its future.
Known as “The Cathedral,” the €1.2 billion project aims to replace the historic San Siro with a state-of-the-art stadium seating over 70,000 spectators, alongside a vast commercial and entertainment complex. Advocates tout it as a transformative leap forward for Milan’s sports and urban landscape.
However, recent investigations have raised serious questions about the integrity of the approval process. Italian prosecutors are probing senior city planning officials, including former director Giovanni Oggioni and Urban Redevelopment head Giancarlo Tancredi, on allegations of bribery, undue influence, and abuse of power.
Central to the inquiry is Coima, the company spearheading the redevelopment of the San Siro area. CEO Manfredi Catella faces allegations of exerting improper influence over public officials to facilitate the project’s advancement.
If proven, these charges could derail the stadium’s approval, leading to costly delays or a complete redesign. Such a disruption would not only impact the two football clubs but also Milan’s economy, which anticipates over 16,000 jobs and €120 million in annual revenue tied to the stadium and its facilities.
Political tensions are escalating, with Mayor Giuseppe Sala also under judicial scrutiny. The local community remains divided—some demand a project suspension until the investigation concludes, while others warn that delays could jeopardize Milan’s chances of hosting major events like the Champions League final or Euro 2032.
