Totti rules out immediate Roma return despite centenary hopes

Sabaudia, a coastal town 90 kilometres south of Rome founded in 1934, has become a cultural and artistic haven nestled within the Circeo National Park. The location has inspired writers including Pier Paolo Pasolini and Alberto Moravia, and hosted film productions since the 1930s including *Divorce Italian Style* (1961), *School Friends* (1988), and recent works by Paolo Genovese. Oscar-winning directors Bertolucci and Tornatore, fashion figures such as Armani and Fendi, and performers including Sophia Loren and Monica Bellucci have maintained homes there. Music videos by Elodie, Mannarino, and Michele Bravi have been shot on the dunes. For Roma supporters, the town holds particular allure: Francesco Totti owns a house in Sabaudia and spends much of his summer there. The town is easily accessible by car via the Pontina road, roughly an hour from Rome, or by train from Roma Termini to Priverno–Fossanova station (20–25 minutes by bus). Mayor Alberto Mosca reported that tourist numbers from 1 April to 20 July 2026 remained in line with the previous year, with parking meter revenues rising from approximately €490,000 in the same 2025 period to €503,000 in 2026. The town has faced challenges including legal disputes over beach kiosks, loss of the Blue Flag due to lifeguard shortages, and cancellation of the Sunset Jazz Festival. Beyond the beach, Sabaudia offers trekking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and visits to Domitian's villa archaeological site. The Arena del Mare hosts events including concerts by Fiorella Mannoia and Sal Da Vinci in the coming days. Local produce includes buffalo mozzarella and a vermentino wine called "253 giorni"—the number of days required to build the town.

AS Roma has constructed this fantasy XI to celebrate the club's 99-year history of attracting world-class talent. The feature categorises legendary signings by era, beginning with postwar arrivals: Alcide Ghiggia, who joined in 1953 after scoring in Brazil's 1950 World Cup final loss, and Juan Schiaffino, the other Maracanazo hero, who helped Roma lift their first European Cup in 1961 alongside fellow Uruguayan Manfredini. The 1980s elevated Roma's prestige dramatically, starting with Falcao and Vierchowod during the second Serie A title, followed by Cerezo, Boniek, Voeller, and Aldair, who pioneered Roma's succession of elite defenders including Samuel and Chivu. Cafu, who won the World Cup twice as a Roma player and once as captain of Brazil, anchored the right flank; his era also featured Candela, Montella, and Gabriel Batistuta. Later recruits—Maicon, Pjanić, Salah, and Edin Dzeko, who reached the top three all-time goalscorer rankings—maintained the club's magnetism for established stars. Paulo Dybala, still actively representing the club, exemplifies the ongoing mutual affection between world-class talent and Roma's brand.

Roma's transfer strategy this summer came under scrutiny from prominent radio voices in Rome on 10 August. Mario Mattioli praised the club's market activity, highlighting Castro, Koulierakis and Molina as solid acquisitions and Rodrigo Mora as an important prospect. However, Roberto Pruzzo delivered a sharper assessment, saying: "Roma must raise the level of the squad, it is very far behind. I saw a team in real difficulty. If we stay on this trend two weeks before the start of the season, things become concerning." Nando Orsi suggested that other clubs exploit Roma's urgent need to sign players by inflating prices, and questioned the satisfaction of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with proceedings. Piero Torri noted Roma's focus on attacking midfielders could signal a tactical shift and indicated negotiations over Rodrigo Mora may include a sell-on clause for Porto. The broadcast reflected the distinctive culture of Roman radio stations, which serve as major platforms for journalists, former players and commentators to shape local opinion on the club's direction.