As one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic stadiums is soon to shut its doors forever, we thought we would take a trip down memory lane and explore the greatest-ever games that have taken place at the San Siro.
Of course, the stadium is home to both legendary Milan teams, who have a combined trophy cabinet of 38 league titles and 10 UEFA Champions League, there have been some magical nights that the city’s blue or red halves will never forget.
It has been the canvas on which some of football’s most significant artists have penciled their finest work, whether in the famous kits of AC Milan, Inter Milan, or some of Europe’s other legendary clubs.
Having hosted four European Cup finals, the biggest stadium in Italy is arguably the most recognizable in European football.
Given that it is set to host a UEFA Champions League semi-final between the two European giants hailing from the city, we can’t think of a more fitting way to finally say goodbye to football fans nearly 100 years after its construction.
AC Milan 1-1 Inter – 2003
Just a couple of years later, two of Milan’s finest squared off in the semi-final of the Champions League, something they’re set to do 20 years later.
It was the first time AC Milan had reached a European Cup final in 8 years, something unheard of for a team that has won it more than any other European club, bar Real Madrid.
But, by this point, Ancelotti had started to work his magic and construct a dynasty.
As arguably the most outstanding manager ever graced the game, his cool, calm, and collected approach on the touchline is reminiscent of the world’s finest poker players.
He barely showed emotion when Real Madrid scored two goals in stoppage time against Manchester City in last year’s Champions League semi-final.
We imagine if Carlo tried his hand at a casino game like poker, he would keep his cards close to his chest and become very adept at how it works quickly.
Knowing how to poker face your way through the biggest games in football is a skill few professionals possess, but Ancelotti definitely fits into that criteria. He is as level-headed and assured as they come, two of the most prominent attributes for top poker players.
We imagine he’d transfer these skills effortlessly to the world’s most popular table-based casino game.
AC Milan 6-0 Inter – 2001
Probably not the best place to begin if you’re an Inter fan, the AC Milan side of the early 2000s was one of the finest that any country in Europe has produced this Century.
Although it was slightly before the times of Carlo Ancelotti and his magisterial ability in the dugout, AC quickly crushed their rivals, with two goals from the Ukrainian footballing great Andriy Shevchenko.
Feyenoord Vs Celtic 1970
The Glasgow Celtic team of 1967 was one of the greatest stories in European football history.
Almost all of the squad hailed from Glasgow or the surrounding suburbs, and they went on to lift the most significant club trophy on the continent.
The Lisbon Lions are still considered the most remarkable story in Scottish sporting history. They remained at the top of Europe’s elite until Feyenoord dethroned them during a golden Dutch footballing period.
As it stands, it’s the only UEFA Champions League that Feyenoord has won, and it was the second time the San Siro hosted the biggest game in European club football.
The ground would host two more European Cup finals in 2001 and the Madrid derby in 2016.
Although this game went to penalties after 90 minutes, it was played at such a high level and pace that it is undoubtedly one of the greatest games to have taken place at the San Siro.
Germany vs. Netherlands 1990
The late 1980s and early 1990s were a period where Germany and Holland produced some of the finest footballing talent of their generation.
This game acted as a taste of what was to come for both nations, with phenomenal talent like Marco Van Basten, Ronald Koeman, and Rudi Voller all showcasing their skills at the San Siro.
West Germany would go on to lift the World Cup in 1990, and although the final took place in Rome, this knockout game was one of the best in the tournament in terms of skill and showcased why this efficient German team was the best in the world at that time.
With nearly a Century of games to choose from, it isn’t easy to narrow it down. We’ve been through a handful of the best games that have taken place over the years at the San Siro, but there are plenty of others that could have easily found their way on the list. Nevertheless, football fans will be hopeful that the new AC and Inter Milan grounds will have some of the same atmosphere and unique traditions that made the San Siro one of the most extraordinary footballing grounds in the game’s history.
