After nearly twelve hours of debate, the Milan City Council voted in the early hours to approve the sale of San Siro stadium to Inter and AC Milan. The measure passed with 24 votes in favor and 20 against, with no abstentions, while two councilors did not participate.

The outcome hinged on Forza Italia’s decision to walk out, lowering the quorum and enabling the majority to prevail. Only one member of the party, Alessandro De Chirico, broke ranks to vote against, joining opposition parties and seven members of the majority.

Under the agreement, the city will transfer ownership of the Meazza and surrounding areas to the clubs for €197 million. The deal clears the way for a new stadium to be built: after hosting the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, San Siro will be demolished ahead of the 2032 European Football Championship.

Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo expressed satisfaction with the decision, describing it as “an opportunity to give clarity to the future of the San Siro area.” Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who stayed in the chamber throughout, held back formal statements but was said to be “content” with the result.

The session was marked by tension, especially after the use of the so-called “guillotine” procedure at 3 a.m., which invalidated most of the 239 amendments, leaving only 25 discussed. The move sparked strong criticism from the Greens and some majority members.

Now the ball is in the clubs’ court. “The administrative process that follows will not be simple,” Scavuzzo said, adding: “It’s time for the teams to take on a role they have so far played too little.”