Serie A president Simonelli defends derby scheduling decision
Club News·19 May 2026·62d ago

Serie A president Simonelli defends derby scheduling decision

Source: Roma News

Ezio Simonelli, president of Serie A, has defended the scheduling of last Sunday's Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio, insisting there was no organisational error despite the fixture taking place hours before a tennis final in Rome. Simonelli told Corriere della Sera that the two events coexisted without issue, with the tennis final scheduled for 17:00. He rejected criticism over the decision to pursue a legal challenge (TAR) against the Rome prefect's initial order to postpone the derby to 20:45 on Monday and move four other Champions League contenders' matches to the same evening, which would have forced around 300,000 supporters to travel on a weekday.

Simonelli argued that rescheduling would have caused "sporting, social and economic damage" to Roma and Lazio supporters. He highlighted the complexity of assembling Serie A's calendar, pointing to future clashes such as the Six Nations on 13 March 2027 followed by the Rome Marathon a day later, with European cup matches in the surrounding weeks. "As president of the Lega, I have the obligation to protect the needs of supporters," Simonelli said.

The Serie A chief expressed satisfaction that the two events proceeded without incident and credited Rome's police forces for their management. He called on local prefects and police chiefs to allow Serie A to organise the calendar independently, noting that while public order remains a priority, he hopes to avoid "further excessive caution" from authorities in future.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Testo Originale / Source Text

Ezio Simonelli, presidente della Lega Serie A, ha concesso un’intervista all’edizione odierna del ‘Corriere della Sera’ per commentare il caos organizzativo che ha preceduto il derby tra Roma e Lazio di domenica scorsa. Queste le sue parole: “Non c’è stato da parte nostra un errore di…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News

More Club News

Rest day for Roma as Summerville transfer talks progress; Curva Sud sends unity message
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
just now

Rest day for Roma as Summerville transfer talks progress; Curva Sud sends unity message

Roma enjoyed a rest day as Crysencio Summerville's move to the club progressed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the downtime to meet with D'Amico, Scala, and his backroom staff for lunch at Santa Severa, while transfer activity continued in the background. The Curva Sud ultras issued a message ahead of 22 July, stating: "Roma is ours, let us prove it once more." The statement underscored the supporter base's commitment to the club during an active transfer window period. No team action was scheduled, leaving players to recover ahead of forthcoming fixtures.

Il RomanistaRead original →
Malen's striking resemblance to Roma fan sparks 'twin brother' comparisons
Club NewsSquad News AI
just now

Malen's striking resemblance to Roma fan sparks 'twin brother' comparisons

Donyell Malen has commented on an uncanny physical likeness between himself and Samuel, a Roma supporter who has been asked for photos, videos and autographs since the Dutch winger arrived in the capital. Responding to a video posted by Radio Romanista on Instagram, Malen said: "Twin brother!" — drawing attention to the remarkable similarity that has captured fans' attention. The number 14 is currently enjoying his post-World Cup break and awaits his return to action under Gasperini at Roma. The comparison has become a talking point among supporters, with some jokingly warning against confusing the two around the city.

Il RomanistaRead original →
Roma bid €47m plus add-ons for Summerville as Pellegrini renewal nears completion
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Roma bid €47m plus add-ons for Summerville as Pellegrini renewal nears completion

Roma have submitted a third offer for West Ham winger Summerville worth €47 million plus bonuses after two previous proposals were rejected. The club is awaiting the English side's response. There is no release clause in Summerville's contract, but an agreement exists between West Ham and the player allowing his departure for €53 million. Meanwhile, Roma are close to securing Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal. The club expects to complete the deal within the week after Pellegrini rejected approaches from Juventus and Besiktas. Pellegrini will sign a new contract running until June 2028 on wages of €2.5 million per year. Roma have also identified Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye as an offensive reinforcement. The 2008-born Senegal international, who scored three goals and provided two assists in 31 PSG appearances last season, could arrive on loan to gain playing time. Mbaye can operate across the attacking line—on either flank or centrally on the playmaking line. Roma will mark their 99th anniversary on Wednesday 22 July. The Curva Sud announced celebrations beginning at Piazza San Silvestro on the night of 21 July at 22:30, calling on supporters to "demonstrate once again that Roma is ours".

Feedback