Stadio Olimpico and Foro Italico to be heavily secured for derby and tennis finals

Prefect Lamberto Giannini has defended the decision to move the Derby della Capitale back to Sunday at noon, after initially scheduling it for Monday evening at 20:45. Speaking to Il Messaggero, Giannini explained that changing circumstances, including a court ruling (TAR) and improved security measures, justified the revision. He also noted that Roma supporters had expressed the possibility of boycotting a Monday evening fixture, which would have created additional public order challenges. Giannini emphasized that public order management requires continuous reassessment as situations evolve. He acknowledged there are inherent risks with major events of this magnitude, but stated that authorities have secured the necessary conditions to manage the fixture alongside the International Tennis Championships finals on the same day. He framed the concurrent events as an opportunity to demonstrate Rome's capability to host important occasions successfully. The prefect stated: "Certainly there is a risk, as there is for all events of this calibre, but I believe there can be conditions to manage everything as best as our concrete possibilities allow." He credited the city's mayor and regional president for their support throughout the planning process, while acknowledging that the football league's lack of advance coordination had created initial difficulties. Giannini stressed that authorities maintain great respect for supporters of all clubs involved.

El Shaarawy has announced his departure from AS Roma after a decade with the club. The Egyptian winger will play his final match in giallorossi colours in Sunday's derby against SS Lazio, with no contract renewal agreed. He released a video message to supporters and the club to mark the occasion, describing his time in Rome as transformative. El Shaarawy departs as a significant figure in recent Roma history. Over ten years (including a season in China and eight wearing the giallorossi shirt), he scored 65 goals and made 346 appearances, including being present for Francesco Totti's farewell, Daniele De Rossi's final match, and Roma's UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in Tirana. At the start of this season, he served as captain under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who awards the armband based on playing time. In his farewell message, El Shaarawy reflected on his journey: "There are places that become home without you realising it. And then, one day, you realise it was so much more... it was people, emotions, life. For me, these 10 years have been all of this. I arrived here with dreams, ambitions and a desire to prove myself. I leave with a full heart. Full of memories, of shared battles, of immense joys but also difficult moments that made me grow, on and off the pitch." Sunday's derby will be his final appearance before the Roma faithful.

Stephan El Shaarawy's official departure from AS Roma at the end of the season has prompted widespread messages of affection from teammates, former teammates, and supporters. The announcement triggered a wave of heartfelt comments celebrating the winger's contributions to the club. Legendary Roma defender Aldair led the tributes with a particularly moving message. He wrote: "There are players who make noise. And others who earn respect through work, silence, and love for the team. Stephan has been this in recent years—always ready, always correct, always at the service of Roma. A player like that would be useful to any team. Best of luck for everything, lad." Current teammate Paulo Dybala posted simply "Great Faraone," while Koné offered "Respect" and Ziolkowski called him a "Legend." Former teammates also joined in paying tribute. Alessandro Florenzi posted "Uncle," Nicolò Bove wrote "Fara," and Radja Nainggolan shared a longer message: "You're a great ElSha, and you'll see that the last one at home will be a beautiful one, the most beautiful ones... I know what it means, it's tough, but what matters is that it stays with you forever." The messages underscore El Shaarawy's impact at Roma both as a teammate and as a respected figure within the club's culture.