Cup Subscriptions: Free Sales Open as More Than 25,000 Fans Queue

Rodrigo Mora has become the first Roma player to wear shirt number 86, completing a unique statistical milestone in the club's history. The Portuguese arrival chose to retain the number he wore at Porto, filling the only gap in Roma's numerology from 1 to 99 that had never been assigned in the club's nearly hundred-year existence. Since the introduction of personalised squad numbers, no Roma player had previously selected the 86. With Mora's choice, the club has now filled the entire numbering sequence between 1 and 99. The coincidence marks an unusual beginning to his time at the Stadio Olimpico, closing what the club views as a statistical circle unique in football.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken for the first time as a Roma player following his official unveiling. The Portuguese forward expressed gratitude to the club and supporters after arriving at the airport, saying: "I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank Roma and the port. I am truly delighted and hope to have a great season here." Mora cited Paulo Dybala as a childhood inspiration and highlighted his eagerness to play alongside him. "During my childhood I grew up watching Dybala, and now being able to play next to him is something very rewarding for me," he said. He identified his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength and expressed enthusiasm about working with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting that the manager favours number 10s—the position Mora prefers to play. Roma's passionate support also made a strong impression: "I remember the supporters who stayed with me. It is a very passionate fanbase and very loud. What struck me most about them was the 'noise' of the fans." Mora has worn the number 10 since age 15 at Porto's B team and intends to continue wearing it "for at least a few more years." He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Porto, where he spent his entire life, but expressed confidence in the move: "When I found out I would transfer here, I was truly happy." He also highlighted the lengthy negotiations: "As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. Honestly, I could not wait to be here."

Roma began free sales of cup competition subscriptions on 19 August, with more than 25,000 supporters queuing online to purchase seats. The move follows seven years away from major European competition: Roma have qualified for the Champions League and will compete across multiple knockout stages this season. Season-ticket holders and supporters who secured league subscriptions from 12 August onwards already had priority access to cup packages. The return to European football's top stage has generated extraordinary demand despite recent criticism over ticket pricing. The club's official website was inundated with traffic as fans rushed to book seats for matches across all European venues. Roma's qualification ends a lengthy absence from elite continental football and has energised the fanbase ahead of their campaign in the group stage and beyond. Cup subscriptions remain available to any supporter, with no restrictions on who may now purchase a package. The surge in sales reflects the scale of anticipation surrounding Roma's reappearance in Europe's premier club competition.