
Roma's new stadium: Rocca expects green light after Services Conference on 28 September
Francesco Rocca, president of the Lazio region, said institutional support for AS Roma's new stadium project at Pietralata is solid ahead of the decisive Services Conference scheduled for Monday, 28 September. Speaking on Radio Romanista, Rocca indicated that the regulatory process is on track and that once the conference concludes, construction can begin. "Once the Services Conference is closed, we start," he said. Rocca had previously raised concerns about traffic flow around Ospedale Pertini, but stressed those concerns have been addressed. He acknowledged that initial criticism centred on road access—a critical issue in Rome—but confirmed Roma's management has been attentive to the matter throughout. He expressed regret that his earlier remarks had been misunderstood, and praised the club for treating the project with responsibility. "The will of all institutions is that the stadium gets built," he said. "The company has laid all the groundwork for it to be realised. It is good that a work is being carried out that, although being a private project, is in all respects public." On traffic concerns more broadly, Rocca said: "If all conditions are respected, yes: on paper it looks like it. Then obviously the implementation of the project will be monitored and, if necessary, there can be corrections in the next phases. I hope there is this sense of responsibility. We are also helping Rome Capital with the metro C, so we will support the project so that it is realised and brings benefits to citizens. The company has positioned itself in a very constructive manner; we have never perceived any extortionist attitudes. The times for these matters are always very long, but once the Services Conference is closed, we start." When asked about the prospect of Roma hosting Euro 2024, Rocca noted the timescales are tight and the decision rests with UEFA. He also remarked that Prefect Giannini is an enthusiastic Roma supporter who hosts match-watching gatherings, and issued a rebuke toward Lazio president Lotito: "I have no relations with him, but it doesn't work. I believe that, beyond football allegiance, a president's posture cannot be one of insult or putting himself on an equal footing with fans. A president must also be a father and must know how to intercept the concerns of fans."


