Roma granted green light for new stadium; next steps outlined before construction

AS Roma has received formal approval to build a new stadium at Pietralata. A decisive Services Conference concluded this morning under the chairmanship of Massimo Sessa, the extraordinary commissioner for Euro 2032 stadiums, and issued a favourable opinion and unique authorization for the new facility. The Friedkin Group can now move to the operational phase of the project, with work targeted to begin in March 2027. Roma and the Friedkin Group must now develop a detailed executive project that specifies all the works envisaged and incorporates the requirements that emerged during the Services Conference. The project will then undergo necessary checks and validation before the construction site opens. Public tenders will run in parallel.

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."