Rocca confirms Pietralata remains chosen site for Roma's new stadium

Francesco Rocca, president of the Lazio region, has moved to quash recent speculation about the future of AS Roma's new stadium at Pietralata, issuing an official statement to clarify the regional authority's position and defuse political controversy. Rocca rejected recent reports as unfounded, emphasising that the choice of location for the stadium remains unchanged and is not under discussion. The regional government will continue its role within the Services Conference to ensure the project adheres to agreed timelines and delivers genuine urban improvement. Rocca stressed the need to reassure residents in the area, patients, and medical staff at the nearby Pertini hospital about the impact of the new structure. He confirmed the region's commitment to the stadium development, describing it as a work of public interest. In his statement, Rocca said: "the realisation of the AS Roma stadium is a work of public interest for which the Region will offer maximum collaboration". The region will guarantee full cooperation and coordination both with the Government Commissioner and with Roma City authorities to move the project forward according to the established schedule.

Roma's pre-season preparations will begin with a squad gathering at Trigoria on 13 July, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini overseeing the club's return to training. The Giallorossi have mapped out a phased build-up to the new campaign, starting with internal work before facing external opposition. Between 16 and 24 July, Roma will play three friendly matches against their Primavera side, Roma City, and Trastevere, all at Trigoria. The intensity will gradually increase as the pre-season progresses beyond that window, with the club preparing for a step up in quality as they edge closer to competitive action. Borussia Dortmund feature among the scheduled tests, though the specific date and format of that fixture remain part of the broader preparation schedule the club has released to supporters.

Roma's pre-season preparation is divided into two distinct phases, beginning with three closed-door friendlies at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini in Trigoria between 16 and 24 July. The club will then embark on a series of high-profile international matches across Europe, starting with a trip to Cannes on 26 July at 17:30 to face the local side from the French third division. The main pre-season campaign unfolds in Wales and beyond in August. Roma will contest fixtures against Cardiff (Championship) on 1 August at 15:00, Newport (League Two) on 4 August at 19:00, and Brighton (Premier League) on 8 August at 15:00. The summer schedule culminates with a marquee clash against Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga) at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on 15 August at 17:30, providing the final major test before the competitive season begins. The progression from domestic training drills to elite European opposition mirrors Roma's standard pre-season build-up, allowing the squad to build match fitness systematically before official fixtures commence.