Rome stadium project moving forward, says Lazio regional president

Francesco Rocca, president of the Lazio region, has clarified that the Pietralata location for AS Roma's proposed new stadium is not under discussion, despite what he described as 'fanciful reconstructions' of his earlier comments at a press conference held at Ospedale Pertini hospital. Rocca issued an official statement to correct the record after his remarks yesterday sparked confusion about the project's direction. Rocca stressed his commitment to the stadium development while addressing concerns from local residents and staff at the nearby Pertini hospital. He said the region would shepherd the project to ensure it improves rather than penalises that quarter of the city. Although he noted that Tor Vergata would have been a preferable location, the Pietralata choice stands firm. Rocca stated: "The choice of Pietralata is not in discussion, even if that of Tor Vergata would have been preferable." Rocca pledged the Lazio region would play its full part in the Services Conference to ensure the new stadium is completed to the highest standard within the agreed timeframe. He emphasised the region's intention to support the project rather than block it, and rejected what he characterised as unwarranted credit-claiming by the Democratic Party. Rocca concluded that Roma's new stadium is a work of public interest, and the region will offer maximum collaboration in partnership with the government commissioner and Roma Capital.

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.