The Olympic night at San Siro saw 60,000 attendees at the opening ceremony, contrasting sharply with the protests that unfolded against the 'unsustainable Olympics' organized by the Committee Against Unsustainable Olympics, alongside social centers, grassroots unions, and housing rights associations. The protest march, which started in Piazza Medaglie d'Oro heading towards Corvetto, was carefully planned to avoid proximity to the Olympic Village and the international media spotlight. For hours, the protest proceeded peacefully under heavy police presence, but tensions escalated after dark.

As night fell, a group of masked individuals split from the main protest, adopting a low-cost black bloc appearance and aimed towards the East Ring Road ramp. This shift in the crowd resulted in violent confrontations with police, who responded with water cannons, tear gas, and charges to disperse those attempting to break through police lines. The protests illustrate rising tensions surrounding the Olympics, raising concerns among officials and the public regarding the social and environmental implications of hosting the games in Milan.

This situation reflects broader dissatisfaction with major events perceived to carry unsustainable implications for local communities. As residents question the balance between the prestige associated with global sporting events and the potential negative impacts on urban life and housing, the clash highlights the growing need for dialogue surrounding such developments. With calls for accountability and sustainable planning echoing through the streets, the outcomes of these protests might influence the future of Milan's Olympic bid and similar large-scale events in urban areas.