As elegantly dressed models strutted across a specially built catwalk on the pitch, the 80,000-strong crowd watched in fascination. For a brief moment, the San Siro, an icon of football had transformed into a high-fashion runway. It might sound surreal, but this was Milan, after all.
However, the crowd wasn’t there just for the glamour. Moments later, the focus shifted to what they truly came to see, the opening match of the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Reigning champions Argentina, led by the legendary Diego Maradona, were about to face Cameroon, a team few gave a chance.
What followed was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. Against all odds, Cameroon triumphed 1-0, etching their name into football folklore. That night, the San Siro wasn’t just a stage for fashion, it became the backdrop for one of football’s greatest upsets.
Why the Name?
The stadium is commonly known as San Siro, named after the neighborhood it’s in. But in 1980, it was officially renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in honor of the legendary Italian footballer who played for both Milan clubs. Though he was more of an Inter icon. Not surprisingly, AC Milan fans still call it San Siro, while Inter supporters are more likely to use "Meazza."
A Stadium Like No Other
San Siro’s design is as iconic as the teams that play in it. The towering red girders, spiral ramps, and massive concrete columns give it a bold, industrial look that sets it apart from other football arenas. When it’s packed with fans, the atmosphere inside is said to be electric whether it’s a local derby or a European final.
Home to Two Giants
Few stadiums in the world are shared by two fierce rivals, but San Siro has done just that since 1947. AC Milan and Inter Milan, two of Italy’s most successful clubs, have battled it out here for decades.
In the 1990s, San Siro was home to some of the best football ever played. Milan had legends like Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Franco Baresi, and Paolo Maldini. Inter wasn’t far behind, with stars like Lothar Matthäus, Jürgen Klinsmann, Walter Zenga, and Dennis Bergkamp. The stadium witnessed both clubs dominate at home and in Europe, making it one of football’s most famous battlegrounds.
Iconic Matches and Moments
San Siro has been the stage for some unforgettable football moments.
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The 1990 World Cup Opening Game – Cameroon stunned defending champions Argentina in one of the biggest World Cup upsets ever. But the tournament's most infamous moment at San Siro came later, in a fiery clash between West Germany and the Netherlands. During the match, Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Völler clashed. This lead to Rijkaard spitting at Völler not once, but twice, in one of football’s most notorious incidents.
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Four European Cup/Champions League Finals – The stadium has hosted Europe’s biggest club final four times, most recently in 2016 when Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid faced off in an all-Madrid showdown. Real won on penalties, securing their 11th title.
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Countless Milan and Inter Nights – From domestic title celebrations to dramatic European nights, San Siro has seen it all. Some of the game’s greatest players have graced this pitch, and the stadium has been the backdrop for incredible highs and crushing lows for both Milan clubs.
Visiting San Siro
Even if there's no match on, touring San Siro is a must for football fans. You can check out the dressing rooms, walk through the tunnel, and stand pitchside where legends have played. There’s also a museum dedicated to AC Milan and Inter, packed with trophies and memorabilia.
With plans for a potential new stadium, San Siro’s future remains uncertain. But one thing is clear ... its place in football history is already secured.
Want to know how two clubs sharing one stadium became bitter rivals? Discover how Inter Milan was born from AC Milan’s split.