Ranieri's First Choice Was De Rossi's Return; Friedkin Vetoed It

Roma's brand value has grown 4% to €215 million, according to the latest Brand Finance Football 50 study, placing the club 24th in global rankings and 5th in Serie A. The growth underscores Roma's expanding international appeal and economic strength as a football institution. In the Italian rankings, Inter leads with €585 million after overtaking Juventus, followed by Milan, Juventus (down 17%), Napoli, and Roma. The capital's derby rivals Lazio have seen their brand value fall 8% to €75 million, creating what the study describes as a vast gap between the two Rome clubs in terms of brand strength and market influence. The Brand Finance Football 50 measures brand value by assessing each club's ability to influence supporters' choices and generate economic impact. Roma's 4% year-on-year increase reflects the club's capacity to strengthen its commercial presence and global recognition despite competitive pressures in Serie A.

Roma have announced that home supporters will be able to purchase tickets for the Distinti Nord-Ovest section—normally reserved for visiting fans—for Monday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico, kickoff 20:45. The move comes after a travel ban was imposed on Fiorentina supporters from the city and province of Florence. Over 60,000 Roma fans are expected to create a sold-out atmosphere for the first match of the 2026-27 season under Gasperini's leadership. With the away section unavailable to Fiorentina's travelling support, Roma have taken the opportunity to maximize home attendance across the stadium. The club's decision to open an additional sector reflects the scale of demand for the fixture and their aim to ensure a fully yellow-and-red crowd for the campaign's first test.

AS Roma's cup subscriptions have nearly reached their maximum capacity of 40,000, with 39,500 sold in just over 24 hours after the general sale opened on 19 August at 15:00. The sale is scheduled to close the following week but is expected to sell out well before that deadline. Demand has been exceptional. On the first day of sales, over 26,000 people were recorded queueing to buy tickets across standard and hospitality sectors. The surge reflects strong anticipation ahead of the new 2026–27 season, particularly Roma's return to the Champions League, which has galvanised supporters to back the team. Only a handful of places remain available. Sales will continue until the deadline is reached, though officials expect all allocations to be claimed within days rather than the full week initially planned.