Rivera, ex‑Golden Boy, backs ‘San Siro Chiamiamolo Mazzola’

Rivera L'ex Golden Boy posted on his Facebook profile to endorse the idea of calling the future Inter and Milan ground “San Siro Chiamiamolo Mazzola”. The suggestion comes only a few days after the death of the Nerazzurri champion Sandro Mazzola.

Stadium name and possible sponsor

The new arena that will replace the historic San Siro is expected to carry a commercial sponsor’s name. Nevertheless, Rivera and supporters propose dedicating the venue to both Sandro Mazzola and Gianni Rivera as a tribute to the two clubs.

Massimo Veronese’s double‑name proposal

Massimo M. Veronese, a journalist for Il Giornale, originated the dual‑name concept. He argued that the stadium should not be called Meazza, insisting that “Meazza No, basta”.

“I milanisti San Siro, lo stadio costruito dai milanisti per i milanisti, Meazza non lo hanno chiamato mai. Rispetto per il campione dei due mondiali vinti dall'Italia ma due stagioni nel Milan e 9 gol segnati, in mezzo a una vita in nero‑azzurro, non sono mai bastati per trasformarlo in simbolo di tutti.”

Veronese continued that no single player represents both clubs equally, citing Ronaldo, Pirlo, Baggio and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as examples of split loyalties. He suggested a name that could uphold identity, representation and value for both fanbases.

He proposed two names working together: “Mazzola when Inter plays, Rivera when Milan plays, or Mazzola & Rivera for the world”. The concept reflects the rivalry and alliance that have defined the two sides since the 1960s, when Rivera and Mazzola helped Milan and Inter dominate domestically and in Europe.

With Sandro no longer alive, Veronese said it would be “bellissimo” to realise the dream of Valentino’s son and the Golden Boy of Alessandria by giving the stadium their names. He asked whether any name could better capture the new era of football in Milan.