Paolo Scaroni, the AC Milan president, granted a lengthy interview to Class CNBC in which he discussed several topics. Here are his words:
On the stadium issue:
"November 5 (the day of the deed for the purchase of San Siro by Milan and Inter) was a key date for me because I dedicated a lot of time to the stadium project. At first, when I said Milan needed a new stadium, people called me crazy because San Siro already exists and is so beautiful. I realized many did not know what a modern stadium is. Over time, also thanks to television showing stadiums abroad, I saw a change in opinion. Some started thinking we should have facilities as impressive as those abroad. This change was also visible in the city administration. The investment in San Donato showed we were very determined to have a new stadium, even willing to leave Milan. Gradually, the city administration began to understand the issue, and recently it has been very efficient, because buying such an area in the city center would have been complicated anywhere, not just in Italy."
On the new stadium project, Scaroni said:
"It will be a very vertical stadium, more than the current San Siro. It will be extremely modern technologically, with a reserved area for corporate clients and major companies, which generate high revenue and allow lower prices in other sections. We will have a modern stadium for Milan and both teams. The stadium should be ready by 2030. Design should be completed between June and July 2026, followed by the service conference, which will be the final approval of the project. Work will start in 2027 and finish in 2030. Only after the new stadium is built will we think about the future of San Siro."
Scaroni, on the new stadium revenue?
"It will be used every day. The area will be active all week, unlike now at San Siro. Revenue will come from this use, plus spaces for companies. We expect stadium revenue to double, which is very important."
On Milan’s finances:
"We have doubled Milan's revenue, regardless of the transfer market. Without the Champions League, it won’t be easy to have a fourth consecutive positive year, but I am not pessimistic about it. Club debt? We have very little debt, about 70 million. We continue to invest in players, spending 250 million over the last two years on new player contracts. We continue to generate cash flow."
On balancing financial results and sporting performance:
"The world has changed. There is no longer a private owner financing without looking at accounts. We are all subject to Financial Fair Play, so we must have healthy, sustainable budgets. We need sustainable budgets to continue offering the best football possible."
Scaroni on RedBird founder Gerry Cardinale:
"He created a sports-focused fund, and Milan was his main investment. He brought expertise we lacked. If we doubled revenue, it’s also thanks to his involvement and how he helped us grow. Cardinale has a long-term plan, he will remain a Milan shareholder for a long time, which is his wish. He is always active and present. Regarding the stadium, he brings knowledge from a fund that has built multiple stadiums. He brought people into the club who understand what a modern stadium should be."
On Italian football:
"As Serie A, we earn 200 million per year from international TV rights, the Premier League 2.2 billion, La Liga 700-800 million. This is because in recent years they had two great champions like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The gap with the Premier League must be closed, but many things are needed, including new stadiums. Having beautiful, full stadiums is the base for certain television effects. I am convinced that after San Siro, many other stadiums will be built in Italy."
On Milan-Como:
"One of our ideas was to go to Australia to promote Italian football, not to make an economic deal, which doesn’t exist. I haven’t given up on this yet, but there are so many authorizations to obtain that I am starting to worry. If it doesn’t happen, it will be a missed opportunity for Serie A, because our goal is to make Serie A attractive globally."
On Milan's revival:
"After winning a tough match like the one against Torino, I look ahead with optimism and hope. As Allegri often says, we have a goal: to return to the Champions League. Milan must always be in the Champions League. We are a global team with 400 million fans worldwide. We must be on the world football stage, which is the Champions League."
What about Massimiliano Allegri?
"Having experienced, competent coaches who have seen a lot and create an atmosphere of calm and optimism, living emotionally healthy as Allegri does, is key. As he gives me peace of mind, I am convinced he does the same for the team and staff. This is essential for positive results on the field. When I arrived at Milan, I was told the team on the field is the child of the coach and the club. The club must be healthy, and Gerry Cardinale guarantees this, and then there is a coach like Allegri who has seen a lot during his career. All this translates into results on the field."
Scaroni, do you believe in the Scudetto?
"I have won only one Scudetto, and it was unforgettable. I could talk for hours about that Scudetto. If winning is not Milan’s priority? In European football, winning is everything. In other sports, the need to win might be less strong than in football, where winning is everything."
On 2026:
"I hope our national team can return to play in a World Cup, because it has been too long since we did."
