Gerry Cardinale, the owner of AC Milan and founder of RedBird, is spearheading efforts to modernize Italian soccer by revolutionizing the match day experience. His vision includes constructing a new stadium on the outskirts of Milan, a departure from Italy's traditional approach to stadium ownership.
Historically, Serie A clubs have relied on council-owned stadiums, with Juventus FC being the only exception with their Allianz Stadium. Recent attempts by Inter Milan and AC Milan to rebuild or refurbish the Stadio San Siro were thwarted by bureaucratic hurdles.
Cardinale is determined to bring change to the Serie A landscape, emphasizing the need for a revamped stadium infrastructure to bridge the gap with other top leagues. He envisions a 70,000-seater stadium for AC Milan as the first step, with plans to extend this model to other Italian clubs.
The lack of investment in Italian soccer infrastructure since Italia '90 has hindered the league's competitiveness. Foreign investors like Cardinale and Fiorentina's owner Rocco Commisso are eager to inject funds for modernization, but face resistance from councils reluctant to relinquish control over stadium ownership.
Cardinale's ambition extends beyond AC Milan, aiming to elevate Serie A's standing in the global football landscape. By optimizing the fan experience and generating revenue through innovative stadium ownership models, he hopes to emulate the success of Premier League clubs.
Collaborating with football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cardinale stresses the importance of change and innovation in revitalizing Italian soccer. The duo envisions a modern, American-style stadium that not only enhances the match day experience but also secures a sustainable revenue stream independent of broadcasting deals.
The iconic Stadio San Siro, in use since 1926, symbolizes the rich history of Italian football but also highlights the urgent need for modernization. Ibrahimovic acknowledges the stadium's legacy while advocating for a new beginning that aligns with contemporary standards.
As AC Milan continues its pursuit of success on the pitch, the club's strategic investments in infrastructure and player acquisitions reflect a broader commitment to reshaping Italian soccer for the future.
