Green light for stadium: groundbreaking planned for 2027

AS Roma has received planning approval for a new stadium at Pietralata following a positive recommendation from the Services Conference, chaired by Massimo Sessa, the Commissioner for Euro2032 stadiums, on 28 September. Mayor Gualtieri has set March 2027 as the target date for construction to begin, with completion planned for 2029. The pathway to opening the site involves several parallel processes. First, Roma must prepare a detailed executive project—a far more comprehensive specification than the outline approved so far—incorporating all prescribed conditions identified during the Services Conference. Technical verification and validation must follow before the next phase can proceed. This stage is particularly sensitive for the club, as the executive project will determine timelines, costs, site organisation and coordination between the stadium itself and all connected infrastructure across the Pietralata area. Simultaneously, public tender procedures must begin. The primary tender will cover stadium construction and operation, plus assignment of surface rights to the land. Roma is eligible to bid, having promoted and financed the project's development. Additional tenders will follow for ancillary works and urbanisation—upgrades to roads and access points, parking, metro connections, public spaces, green areas and complementary infrastructure. All these must proceed in parallel with main construction. Gualtieri explained that the administration aims to lay the foundation stone in March 2027 once project and tender procedures are complete. The planned construction duration is approximately two and a half years, potentially allowing the stadium to open by the end of 2029. However, the economic and financial schedule in the project documentation allows a wider window and indicates 2031 as the target for full operational status.

Roma's new stadium at Pietralata has been approved by the Services Conference following the signature of commissioner Sessa and the countersignature of Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri. The single authorisation is now effective immediately, marking a significant acceleration of the project after years of procedures and consultations between multiple stakeholders. Sessa stated: "We have the modern projection of a stadium that will be open and vibrant 365 days a year. Will everything run smoothly? Let's see—I'm an optimist by nature. I believe things must be prepared well so that everything works." Gualtieri provided a timeline for construction and completion. "This is the first great new facility that will raise Rome's football standard and represents an important redevelopment of a part of our city," the mayor said. "Now the conditions exist to proceed quickly and open the building site at the beginning of 2027, and in three years have the stadium ready because the construction lasts precisely two and a half years, so the stadium could be ready even in 2029." The project removes a long-standing obstacle to Roma's infrastructure ambitions and will end annual stadium rental payments of several million euros, while also generating significant revenue from approximately one hundred premium suites. On the pitch, Roma resume training tomorrow after a four-day rest period granted by the coaching staff. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is confident of reintegrating three key players shortly: Donyell Malen, Bryan Cristante and Wesley, all of whom remained in Rome to address physical issues during the international break with the aim of returning to full fitness for Serie A's resumption. Paulo Dybala did not ease off during the pause, continuing to work in the gym on the previous day to maintain athletic condition. Roma face Como at the Sinigaglia on 11 October in their next league fixture. In a separate development, Francesco Totti, marking his 50th birthday, granted Il Messaggero an extended letter reflecting on significant moments in his life. On a possible return to playing, Totti said: "A couple of years ago I said no to coming back. I was tempted, I admit it, but then the bond with my city, my team and my people made me say no. And I think in the end I did the right thing. I would have been perhaps selfish, would have made Francesco happy but would have disappointed millions of fans."

AS Roma has announced a decisive step forward in its new stadium project following the conclusion of the decisive Services Conference and the consequent declaration of public utility by Italian authorities. The club issued an official statement calling the development "a fundamental and historic milestone" toward realizing the new facility. The Friedkin family's years of sustained work on the stadium have been rewarded with this approval, which Roma believes positions the club to build its future through "solid and ambitious projects." The declaration of public utility clears a major regulatory hurdle and opens what the club describes as a new phase in delivering a modern, sustainable stadium that will serve not only AS Roma and its supporters but also Rome itself, generating economic opportunities and territorial development benefits for the city. Roma's statement thanked Rome's municipal authorities, the UEFA Euro 2032 commissioner, the Lazio region, the minister for sport and youth, all administrations and bodies involved, and the professionals and collaborators who guided the process. The club added a special acknowledgment to its supporters "who have waited for and backed this project with passion and trust." The statement concluded that the new stadium is "conceived not only as a new home for the club and its fans, but as a heritage asset for Rome, capable of generating new opportunities, contributing to the redevelopment and growth of the territory, and producing lasting benefits for the entire city and its community."