A century of gratitude: Franco Sensi's enduring legacy at Roma

Dsquared2 has been announced as AS Roma's Official Fashion Partner, beginning in the 2026–27 season. The Canadian fashion brand will design exclusive formal and casual uniforms for the men's and women's first teams, as well as for coaching staff and backroom personnel. The partnership unites the two brands around shared values of excellence, style, and boldness, with Dsquared2's creations accompanying Roma players at official events and during team travels. Dsquared2 founders Dean and Dan Caten said: "We have always believed that fashion is a matter of identity and self-confidence, values that are equally important in sport. The extraordinary history and passion of AS Roma make this partnership a natural choice. As twin brothers raised by our father, we have always felt a deep bond with the city of Rome and with the strong symbolism tied to the legend of its birth. The image of two brothers finding strength and guidance in the figure who raised them has special meaning for us. We are proud to contribute our creative vision to the Club and cannot wait to see the teams represent AS Roma wearing Dsquared2." Michael Gandler, Chief Business Officer at AS Roma, added: "We are enthusiastic about beginning this partnership with Dsquared2, an Italian brand that shares with AS Roma deep values such as excellence, style, and boldness. Fashion and football are two worlds that express identity and passion: together we will bring this energy onto the pitch, at official events, and in everyday life. Our players and staff will have the privilege of wearing creations that unite elegance and character, perfectly aligned with Roma's spirit." The official uniforms will be unveiled during the year.

A century after his birth, Franco Sensi remains a towering figure in Roma's collective memory—not as a mere executive, but as a symbol of unconditional love for the club. Sensi, who led Roma through its most transformative decades, embodied a philosophy that placed passion before profit and the heart before the balance sheet. He lived every match as a supporter, suffering and celebrating with the same intensity as the fans, and his presence in the stands spoke louder than any boardroom pronouncement. Sensi's greatest achievement was the 2001 Scudetto, won on 17 June—a triumph that represented the fulfilment of a personal promise as much as a sporting victory. Yet his true legacy transcends that trophy. He protected his managers, shielded his players, and stewarded Roma through difficult periods with a discretion and dignity that defined his presidency. In an era when football has become faster, wealthier, and more global, Sensi stands apart: not measured by trophies alone, but remembered as a man who understood that Roma was never an investment. It was an act of love. Today, that legacy persists in the hearts of Roma supporters. Sensi did not seek applause or dedications; he would have been content simply to hear the cry of "Roma!" echoing from some corner of the Olimpico. His bonds with the club did not end with his presidency or his life—they transcend both, living on as long as they remain in memory.

Daniele De Rossi, now manager of Genoa, has reflected on his 2024 dismissal as Roma head coach after four matches. Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, the former Roma captain and manager said his exit warranted greater dignity. De Rossi expressed frustration at the brevity of his tenure, stating: "I was furious when I was sacked, I was upset. I had my rivals and I felt beaten in a battle I did not fight, because after four matches there was no time to bring the team out. I made a press conference at SPAL and regretted it shortly after. It's not nice to show that you're bitter. My history at Roma was not perfect and linear, but it did not deserve an exit of this kind. I don't find it elegant to air dirty laundry: sometimes you have to defend yourself, but there are proper forums to do so. I should have done it earlier, when I was there." De Rossi acknowledged his analytical approach to his current role with Genoa, explaining his preference for developing young players. He said: "Reading one's own mistakes is the foundation. Once you've been dismissed you can only lick your wounds and analyse your failures. When I started the season at Roma, which lasted very little, I asked why we needed another midfielder when there was Pisilli. It's a bit easier to say it now, but watching the training sessions I had this feeling and I carry this mentality forward even now. I try to get the young players playing to understand how they can improve and above all to understand whether the president needs to buy something or perhaps we can rely on our own." De Rossi also discussed his choice of music when announcing his playing retirement, selecting the Oasis track "Sunday Morning Call". He explained: "Yes, I put a lot of thought into it, I didn't want it to be banal, I wanted it to say something. Sunday Morning Call is one of my favourite songs; football is no longer played on Sundays, but it's a hallmark of our generation."