English soccer hopes in Italian coach

Fabio Capello is England's national soccer team coach. He was appointed when England failed to qualify for the 2008 European Championships. With a name like Fabio Capello, naturally he is Italian, and this Italian born English hope began his successful coaching career in Milan, with the A.C. Milan club at the historic San Siro Stadium.

Close to the action, almost to smell the dirt kicked up on the pitch, with stands steep enough that no-one misses out on a view. A roof to protect from the weather, but more importantly, to heighten the powerful roar of the crowd. San Siro Stadium has an incredible, unique atmosphere.

Back in its inauguration year, 1926, 35,000 spectators gathered for an A.C versus Inter match. On that occasion Inter won 6-3 and the rivalry has never abated. It's even expressed in different names for the ground, ever since the stadium, originally built by the A.C. Milan president, also became the home turf of International.

San Siro is the traditional name for A.C. fans, since the ground is located in this suburb of the city. Officially, though, the stadium has been called Stadium Giuseppe Meazza, after the 1930s Italian soccer great, and Inter fans tend to this name since the player had more success wearing their team colours.

In 1939 the stadium stands were enlarged and 55,000 spectators shouted England and Italy to a 2-all draw. Several decades later the stadium was renovated for the 1990 World Cup, giving it its current look and capacity. The stadium now seats a crowd of about 80,000 with its eleven spiral concrete towers and extra stand.

Milan's two teams have battled it out on San Siro's turf for over 80 years. The atmosphere of today's games is as unique as it ever was and new measures against hooliganism and identity checks at the ground has boosted security. Tickets are still officially sold at the stadium but you'd have to be very lucky to get one. Modern methods such as the internet and booking agents are the best means and the experience is well worth it.

The stadium was opened four years before the first ever World Cup and the competitive season games here have given rise to so many of soccer's stars. In the most recent World Cup, the Italian national side won with six players from Milan's teams on the squad. Next time round, England will be hoping their Italian coach can transfer a little of this winning touch.