Gianni Rivera, the legendary figure of AC Milan, has made headlines recently with his strong opinions regarding the future of the iconic Stadio Meazza, also known as San Siro. Rivera, a celebrated Ballon d'Or winner who spent nearly two decades of his career at Milan, expressed profound concern over plans that could lead to the demolition of the historic stadium. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, he asserted, "Demolishing it would have been sacrilege. Sure, we still have to share it with Inter, but we’ll get over it." Rivera believes the fate of the stadium symbolizes a deeper issue within the club that he fondly refers to as home.
Recently, both Inter and Milan sent an offer to buy the San Siro area, with intentions to construct a new stadium near a portion of the partially demolished Stadio Meazza. While specifics of the project haven't been fully disclosed, the decision to potentially raze a landmark draws a sharp objection from Rivera, who spent his prime years captivating fans and winning trophies in that very arena.
Milan is navigating a troubling season. Despite their earlier victory in the Supercoppa Italiana at the start of the 2025 calendar year, they now find themselves struggling, sitting ninth in the Serie A standings, a hefty six points adrift of Champions League qualification. Rivera indicates that a restructuring is desperately needed within the club. He argues, "First of all, we need to redesign the club. If they want me as a consultant, I could give good advice. I can do everything, from president to coach and play the last six minutes..." This humorous proclamation underscores his commitment to the club’s success and his willingness to support from within.
With a history of 164 goals scored in 658 matches for AC Milan between 1960 and 1979, Rivera's experience and accolades make him a voice worth listening to. Throughout his career, he lifted the Serie A title three times and won the European Cup twice—accomplishments that firmly anchor his legacy in the club's history. However, Rivera has candidly voiced his discontent regarding current squad dynamics, expressing disappointment about Milan's dwindling Italian presence. He notes, "There are also few Italians in Milan. Evidently they no longer believe in the policies that the Baresi and Maldini created," referring to the club legends who shaped its identity.
Rivera also highlighted talented players like Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali, acknowledging their abilities but stressing the need for further improvement, particularly in the attacking front. His insights reflect not just nostalgia for past glories but an acute awareness of the current state of the team. When discussing Rafael Leao, Rivera remarked, "He’s a player who loves attacking spaces; he would be my perfect arrow, just like Altafini, Prati, and Maldera were," illustrating his keen tactical understanding of the game and the qualities he believes are necessary for Milan's return to greatness.
Despite his stature, Rivera was notably absent from Milan's 125th anniversary celebrations, a moment that should have honored the many contributions significant figures like him provided. Rivera commented wryly, "Milan, without its history, isn’t Milan. But what do you expect the Americans to know about history and football?" This statement not only reflects his disappointment at being overlooked but also emphasizes his concerns regarding the current management's understanding and appreciation of the club’s rich historical tapestry.
As the season progresses and the pressure mounts on current management, Rivera's voice stands as a reminder of the potential paths forward for AC Milan, harkening back to its glorious past while advocating for an adaptive, yet respectful approach to the future. Whether or not the club will heed his call for a return to its roots, and embrace a comprehensive restructuring that honors its legacy, remains to be seen. For fans, the hope is that wisdom from legends like Rivera can contribute to charting a course back to the heights of European football.
