Roma Stadium Reaches Key Conference Hearing; Opposition Groups File Legal Challenges

AS Roma's plans to build a new stadium at Pietralata, behind Rome's Tiburtina station, moved into the decisive approval stage on Wednesday. A technical services conference convened at the Council of Public Works, chaired by UEFA 2032 stadiums commissioner Massimo Sessa, with Roma's project team led by Lucia Bernabè presenting the proposal. The site will include the stadium, two parks, car parks, and ancillary works. The conference concluded after just over an hour, with technical working groups scheduled to deliver a final decision by mid-September. In an afternoon meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, deputy prime minister and infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini, sports minister Andrea Abodi, Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri, and Lazio governor Francesco Rocca formalised the appointment of Gualtieri and Rocca as sub-commissioners for the Pietralata project. Sessa signed the nomination orders on the spot. Salvini outlined a €35 million joint investment with Ferrovie dello Stato to modernise and secure Tiburtina station ahead of the stadium's opening. Sessa stated: "Within 60 days the decisive services conference will close; I am optimistic that by mid-September we will conclude the authorisation process." Gualtieri confirmed the construction timeline targeting March 2027 for work to begin, describing the stadium as "one of the most beautiful in the world."

Santiago Castro has completed his transfer to AS Roma from Bologna, arriving at Termini station on 27 July to a warm reception from more than 300 giallorossi fans. The Argentine forward joins on a permanent deal worth approximately €35 million including bonuses, with Artem Dovbyk moving in the opposite direction to Bologna on loan with a right of purchase. The transfer represents Roma's first significant addition of the summer window. Supporters gathered outside Termini station to greet Castro, chanting and displaying personalised shirts as the new arrival made his way through the crowd. The deal sees Dovbyk leave Rome temporarily as part of the arrangement, providing depth in attack for both clubs as they prepare for the new season.

Roma supporters assembled at Rome's Termini station to greet Argentine striker Castro as he arrived in the capital. The forward was expected imminently, with medical examinations and contract signing scheduled for the following day to complete his move to the Giallorossi. Castro's arrival marks a significant addition to Roma's attacking options as the club continues to strengthen its squad. The transfer represents a notable piece of business during the summer window, with the player set to undergo the standard medical protocols before formalising his commitment to the club. Approximately 250 fans turned out at the station to welcome the new signing, underlining the enthusiasm surrounding his recruitment. Castro will officially join the fold following the completion of his medical examination and the signing of his contract with Roma.