AS Roma

In the heart of Italy, bathed in the warm glow of the eternal city, resides one of the titans of Italian football – Associazione Sportiva Roma, better known as AS Roma. Let’s kick off this journey around the Roman Colosseum of football, exploring the team’s rich history, player portfolio, thrilling rivalries, and where best to soak up the action at the Stadio Olimpico.

A Timeless Journey Through Serie A

AS Roma was founded in 1927, bringing together three older Roman clubs to challenge the dominance of Northern teams in Serie A. Ever since its birth, Roma has been a mainstay in Italy’s top flight, competing in Serie A for all but one season. They’ve secured the coveted Scudetto, the Serie A championship, three times and have finished runners-up an agonizing 14 times.

Their first title triumph in 1942 was followed by a drought that lasted until 1983 when the arrival of a certain Bruno Conti and Paulo Roberto Falcao inspired the team to their second championship. The third, and most recent, came in 2001, under the stewardship of the legendary Fabio Capello, and with the likes of Francesco Totti and Vincenzo Montella donning the iconic crimson and orange.

From Roman Gladiators to Global Superstars

Roma has seen numerous stars don the famous Giallorossi jersey. Starting with Roberto Pruzzo, a phenomenal striker of the 1980s who won the Serie A top scorer thrice while at Roma. There’s also Gabriel Batistuta, who came to Roma from Fiorentina and scored 20 goals in his debut season, helping Roma clinch the 2001 title.

The name synonymous with Roma though is Francesco Totti, the ‘King of Rome’. Totti is a one-club man, spending his entire professional career with Roma, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history with 307 goals in 786 appearances.

Another notable mention is Daniele De Rossi, another homegrown talent who stayed loyal to Roma for nearly two decades before a brief stint at Boca Juniors.

Thrills, Spills, and Rivalries

Over the years, Roma has nurtured several intense rivalries, both within Serie A and beyond. The most famous one is the “Derby della Capitale” against Lazio, their city rivals. These matches are often electric, with the entire city pausing to witness the clash of the Roman titans.

Beyond Italy, Roma has clashed swords with some of Europe’s top teams in the UEFA Champions League. Matches against English giants like Manchester United and Liverpool have produced some memorable moments.

The Stadio Olimpico: A Colosseum of Football

The Stadio Olimpico, with a capacity of over 70,000, has been Roma’s home since 1953. Each area in the stadium offers a unique experience.

For die-hard fans, the Curva Sud (South Curve) is the place to be, with tickets usually costing around €45. This is where the ultras congregate, creating an electrifying atmosphere with their relentless chanting and vibrant banners.

For a more relaxed experience, the Tribuna Tevere offers a grandstand view, with ticket prices ranging from €65 to €110. The Distinti Sud Est and Distinti Sud Ovest sections are decent choices for a budget-friendly experience, with prices starting at €40.

For the ultimate VIP experience, the Tribuna d’Onore provides plush seating and top-notch amenities at €210 per ticket. From here, you get an unrivaled view of the action in utmost comfort.

AS Roma, with its rich history, vibrant fan base, and unyielding passion for the beautiful game, is indeed a spectacle worth experiencing in the Italian footballing landscape. Whether you’re chanting with the ultras in the Curva Sud or rubbing shoulders with celebrities in the Tribuna d’Onore, a matchday at the Stadio Olimpico is guaranteed to be unforgettable. So, the next time you’re in Rome, remember – when in Rome, do as the Romans do – and catch an AS Roma match!

There is More to the Story

• AS Roma and the Film Industry: AS Roma has some deep connections to the film industry. It’s not surprising, considering Rome is home to the famed Cinecittà Studios. The club was owned for a time by Italian film producer Franco Sensi. More recently, it was owned by James Pallotta, a co-owner of the Boston Celtics, who also has significant investments in the film and entertainment industry.
• Roma’s Symbol – The She-Wolf: The club’s symbol, a she-wolf, is directly linked to the mythological foundation of Rome. According to legend, the city’s founders, Romulus and Remus, were saved and nurtured by a she-wolf. This symbol is now synonymous with AS Roma and embodies the club’s deeply ingrained Roman identity.
• International Roma: AS Roma was the first Italian club to compete in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup in 1984. They played against Independiente from Argentina.
• Youth Development: Roma has a strong focus on developing young talent. The club’s youth academy has produced several notable players who have gone on to have successful careers, both at Roma and elsewhere. These include Alberto Aquilani, Alessio Cerci, and most famously, Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.
• The Magic of the Number 10: The number 10 jersey at AS Roma carries a special significance. It has been worn by some of the club’s most iconic players, including Giuseppe Giannini, Roberto Pruzzo, and of course, Francesco Totti. When Totti retired, the club retired the number 10 jersey in his honor.
• Environmental Commitment: In 2017, AS Roma announced its commitment to environmental sustainability, becoming the first football club to join the Climate Neutral Now initiative led by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.