Dsquared2 becomes AS Roma's Official Fashion Partner

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.

One hundred years after his birth, Franco Sensi remains a defining figure in AS Roma's history and the hearts of the Giallorossi faithful. The former president, who led the club through some of its most significant periods, embodied a philosophy that Roma was never merely an investment but an act of love. Sensi lived every match as a supporter would, suffering and celebrating without calculation, preferring action to spectacle yet visibly bearing the weight of the shirt in the stands. Sensi's presidency witnessed Roma's transformation from imperfect hope to triumph. He custodied the club through difficult years when supporters' frustration weighed heavily upon him, defended it when it seemed fragile, and guided it to its greatest moment: the Serie A title on 17 June 2001. That victory was not simply a sporting achievement but the fulfilment of a personal dream—a president who had chosen passion over convenience, the heart over the balance sheet. His legacy transcends trophies and dates; it lies in having demonstrated that Roma could be run as an expression of devotion rather than commerce. Sensi's approach extended to protecting his managers and players, treating criticism of them as personal affront. The Roma he built had the character of great love stories—imperfect yet profoundly genuine. Today, though football has evolved into something faster, richer, and more global, certain figures remain beyond classification. Sensi belonged to that rare category: men who mastered the art of being loved. In the collective memory of Roma supporters, he continues present.

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."