A 100-year-old stadium - one of the most iconic in world football - is set to be demolished, with a shiny, new replacement ground set to be constructed

The San Siro, one of football's most recognisable and revered stadiums, is facing its final chapter after plans to demolish the iconic ground and replace it with a new state-of-the-art arena were officially confirmed.

The 75,817-capacity stadium, which has been home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan for nearly a century, will be torn down to make way for the Generali Stadium, with the new venue scheduled to open in time for the 2031/32 season.

The naming rights have already been snapped up by Italian insurance giant Generali, with the company reportedly agreeing to a staggering £540million deal spanning 20 years.

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On Wednesday, both Serie A giants offered supporters a glimpse of the future, sharing a series of images and a video on social media showcasing what their new home is expected to look like.

And the contrast with the San Siro could hardly be greater. The famous spiralling towers and towering red girders that have defined the stadium's unmistakable silhouette will be consigned to history.

In their place will stand a sleek, futuristic arena - which will be able to house 71,500 spectators - complete with a sweeping double-curved roof and a striking concrete X-frame structure encircling the ground.

The unveiling also offered a tantalising glimpse of some of the features planned for the new stadium, including what appears to be a transparent players' tunnel designed to bring supporters closer to the action before kick-off. Football, meanwhile, will not be its only attraction, with the venue also earmarked for concerts, fashion shows and other major events.

There is undoubtedly plenty for Milan and Inter supporters to look forward to, but the unveiling has also brought an uncomfortable reality into sharper focus.

For all the excitement surrounding the Generali Stadium, many fans are struggling to accept that one of football's great cathedrals is approaching the end of the road.

The San Siro's place in football folklore is difficult to overstate. Since opening in 1926, it has witnessed some of the sport's greatest players, biggest occasions and most memorable nights, becoming a landmark not just for Milan but for football supporters across the world.

Its imposing stands have provided the backdrop to countless derbies between the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri, with the fierce rivalry between the two clubs adding another layer of history to an already remarkable venue. From European Cup triumphs to domestic title celebrations, the stadium has seen it all.

It has also welcomed some of the game's most celebrated figures, with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten and Ronaldo all having graced its pitch. For visiting supporters, walking out into the San Siro's enormous bowl has long been one of the most intimidating experiences in European football.

It has hosted countless Italy international fixtures, three matches at the 1934 World Cup, three at Euro 1980 and six at the 1990 World Cup, as well as the tournament's opening ceremony. Rugby matches and boxing events have also been staged there, while the likes of Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones and Bob Marley have performed there.

There is a strong argument that the stadium's unique character cannot be replicated. Its towering concrete structure, steep stands and distinctive architecture have given it an atmosphere unlike almost anywhere else in the game.

While the Generali Stadium promises to usher Milan's two clubs into a new era, the challenge will be ensuring that the soul of their old home is not lost along the way.