Grandson of Italian legend Meazza: I understand the idea of ​​demolishing the stadium, but feel regret and bitterness

October 9th Federico Yasserli Meazza, the grandson of Italian football legend Giuseppe Meazza, was interviewed and talked about the future of the San Siro Stadium, the desire to keep his grandfather’s name, and his precious memories of watching games with his grandfather.

Q: What does it mean for your family these days after the sale of San Siro?

A: These days are the same for the entire city of Milan...a bit unresolved, full of questions and some bitterness on a family level, even though we don't yet know what the future holds. But this stadium is a piece of history, no, I would rather say this: the name of the stadium is a piece of history. We are not just talking about concrete and steps, but a culture and emotion that belongs to Giuseppe Meazza, to those who applauded him and who still hear his stories today. I often talk to my mother, who lives in Milan, about this: what is really sad is not so much the thought that it will be abandoned, but that it will be demolished. This feels like "our" home, in the most personal, familial sense.

Q: Have you ever thought it would have a different ending?

A: Our stadium is still very beautiful, although it needs renovation because it is old and not comfortable enough in some aspects: I understand that renovation is a very expensive option and I am aware of the club's needs, but the regret and bitterness remain.

Q: An architect who is an Inter Milan fan said that the new stadium should continue to be called "Giuseppe Meazza": Do you think this is possible?

A: I don’t know what the future direction will be, and we, as a family, sincerely hope that this name can be preserved because it is... sacred. Meazza is the symbol of Milan and links the two teams around the world. Once in a bar in a small town in the UK, after the bartender saw my ID, he poured a beer and said to me: ‘Meazza, is this the champion Meazza? ’. Here in Spain, everyone calls the stadium more after my grandfather than San Siro. However, I'm realistic and I can imagine it would be complicated to keep things as they are given the demands of sponsors. I wish I could at least do something else...

Q: What are you referring to?

A: There are many ways to pay tribute and respect history. I'm sure both Oaktree and Redbird know who the theater where their teams play is named after. Although it's too early to talk, it would be nice if at least part of the future stadium, such as a stand, could be named after him.

In addition, we all cherish the famous plaque, and tourists and curious fans often take photos in front of it. It should be dismantled, preserved like a sacred object, and then reinstalled: it would be the link between the new and the old, the great past and the future yet to be written. They may seem like mere objects, like medals and sneakers kept in museums, but they tell the story of a champion. And the story of a grandfather who was filled with joy every time he stepped onto the field.

Question: However, Meazza's epic chapter was not written there

A: Yes, "Pepin"'s achievements will always shine in the Civic Arena, which was the home of Inter Milan before 1947. He won the Serie A title with Ambrosiana-Inter in the 1929-30, 1937-38 and 1939-40 seasons, with the last game being held at the San Siro as an exception to accommodate more spectators. But my grandfather was on the sidelines with one leg draped over a chair because of "ice foot": that's what they called it in those days, a condition that impedes circulation. In that stadium, he scored seven goals for the Italian national team, but I prefer to recall the time when he took me to watch Inter Milan games as a child. It was a journey of discovery into a magical world.

Q: Do you remember any interesting anecdotes?

A: I was in the dressing room with him in the mid-seventies and found myself standing in front of Mazzola and Facchetti, who looked like giants. I remember the sound of Mazzola’s spikes as he warmed up, and it felt like I was watching a movie.

In the stands, Johnny Dorelli would sometimes sit next to us with his son Gianluca: Gianluca and I were always noisy, and my grandfather would scold us. He has a very Milan-esque old habit of leaving at exactly 30 minutes in the second half to avoid traffic jams. Every time he and I stood up, the whole stand would applaud. One time we left with Bersellini's Inter leading, only to learn that Perugia had equalized directly from Paolo Valenti's voice on 90 Minutes.

Q: Which game left the deepest mark on your heart?

Answer: In 1978, Inter Milan defeated Roma 4-2: Altobelli scored twice. That was the first real joy I felt as a fan since I became conscious. In 1980, also against Roma, a 2-2 draw brought us the Serie A title: my grandfather had died the previous year and the stadium had just been named after him, so everything seemed so special.

Q: Close your eyes and imagine walking into the new San Siro in 2032: How would you feel?

A: I will feel dizzy and excited, because it will be a great day, and I hope to see the name "Giuseppe Meazza" appear somewhere. But that will no longer be home. It will be a grand theater, but it will not be "my" home.