A memorable football trip to Milan should consist of 3 things, good food, good drink and even better football. Thankfully, this beautiful city and the world famous Rossoneri have you well covered in each department.
Who are AC Milan?
Based in the wealthiest part of Italy, reigning Serie A champions, AC Milan were founded by a group of English ex-patriots in 1899, just after introducing football to the nation. Since then, AC Milan have spent all but two seasons in the Italian top-flight, winning the title on 19 separate occasions, tied with bitter rivals Inter and second to Juventus, who are on 36 Serie A titles.
Although they haven’t dominated at home, the famous red and black stripes have become synonymous with European success. Seven Champions League titles means they are Italy’s outstanding club on the continental stage. A football trip to AC Milan is one with undeniable heritage.
Currently coached by Italian manager, Stefano Pioli, AC Milan boast well known stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Theo Hernandez, to emerging talents like Sandro Tonali and Rafael Leao in their squad.
An impressive history
AC Milan’s most successful period came between the years of 1986 and 2009. On the verge of bankruptcy, entrepreneur and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi bought the club in February 1986, promising heavy investment, a promise that he delivered.
Arrigo Sacchi was brought in to manage the team, followed by highly regarded Dutch internationals, Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard. The three Dutchmen added the attacking threat that was needed, while the solid Italian defensive base of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta made it almost impossible for any opposition to score.
Sacchi lead AC Milan to their first league title in nine years, winning it in the 1987/88 season. This was a precursor for later success that included Champions League wins in the 1988/89 and 1989/90 seasons. The team from those years would be voted the greatest in history by World Soccer Magazine.
After Sacchi left in 1991, ex-player Fabio Capello took over. Capello had big shoes to fill, but he built upon the foundation that Sacchi had left. Three consecutive Serie A titles followed his appointment as manager, during this time AC Milan went on an incredibly impressive 58 game unbeaten run in the league, earning them the nickname ‘the invincibles’.
Carlo Ancelloti picked up where Capello left off. The legendary coach won the Champions League twice while managing AC Milan. The first time came in 2003, beating Juventus on penalties to lift their 6th title. Defeat to Liverpool in 2005 in Istanbul was then made a little bit more bearable as they got their revenge, beating them in the 2007 final.
Grab a bite to eat
Anyone making a football trip to Milan is spoiled when it comes to match-day food. If you’re looking for the authentic match-day experience then do what the locals do, and head to the San Siro an hour or two before the game and get a salumela sandwich (a cured meat sandwich) and a beer from one of the many stalls outside the stadium.
If you’d rather remain in Milan city centre before making the trip to the stadium, then Chiosco Squadre Calcio, a football themed sandwich bar which is located just outside Sforza Castle, is a popular destination for many football tourists.
For potentially fussy eaters, there are multiple sports bars located around the city centre. Bars and restaurants such as The English Football Pub, which can be found by the famous Duomo Cathedral, is a great spot to get a burger and a beer.
How to get to the stadium
Unlike stadiums in many other European cities, the San Siro is fairly close to the city centre. You can make the three-mile journey via the metro, which connects central Milan to the San Siro Ippodromo and San Siro Stadio stations. Nevertheless, be advised that match days are often the busiest times to travel. It’s best to leave a suitable amount of time so you’re able to get to your seats.
San Siro stadium tour
Due to be partially demolished and rebuilt by 2026, a tour of the famous San Siro is a must for anyone on a football trip to Milan. Priced at 30 Euros per adult and 23 Euros per child, the first leg of the tour consists of seeing the vast amount of silverware won by A.C Milan over their more than 100 year history, as well as match-worn shirts of iconic players, such as Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi and Kaka.
Once you’ve had your fill of the museum, you’re able to walk in the footsteps of some of the game’s greatest players. Spend time in the changing rooms and walk out of the iconic tunnel before being greeted by one of the most beautiful sights in football, the San Siro pitch.
Enjoy stories from tour guides, available in several languages, and views of the stadium from both the stands and the bench. Play out the fantasy in your mind of playing or coaching one of Europe’s great football teams.
Other footballing sights in the city
It’s hard to go on a football trip to Milan and ignore A.C Milan’s fierce rivals, Inter, they do share a stadium after all. All of Inter’s silverware and other mementos can be found in the museum and on the stadium tour.
Milan is one of the world’s great footballing hubs. A football trip to this great city is a must for any self proclaimed lover of the beautiful game.