AS Roma (Associazione Sportiva Roma) is one of Italy's most storied football clubs, with a rich heritage deeply intertwined with the Eternal City's identity. The history of AS Roma began on June 7, 1927, when the club was officially established through the strategic merger of three existing local teams: Roman, Alba-Audace, and Fortitudo. This consolidation was orchestrated by Italo Foschi, a prominent Fascist Party official, alongside Ulisse Igliori, with the explicit aim of creating a powerful football entity that could represent Rome effectively against the dominant northern Italian clubs of that era.

The foundation of AS Roma came during a period when Italian football was largely dominated by teams from the northern regions, particularly from Turin and Milan. The establishment of a unified Roman club was seen as essential to providing the capital city with stronger representation in the national football landscape. This initiative aligned with the broader nationalistic agenda of Italy's fascist government, which sought to elevate Rome's status in all aspects of national life, including sports.

In the early days following its formation, AS Roma played its home matches at the Moto Velodromo Appio venue. However, in 1929, the club relocated to the legendary Campo Testaccio, which quickly became the spiritual home for the passionate AS Roma supporters. Campo Testaccio served as the team's fortress until 1940, developing into a symbol of Roman football identity during this formative period.

The early decades of AS Roma history were marked by gradual development as the club worked to establish itself in Italian football's competitive environment. The team experienced its first major success in 1942 when, under the guidance of coach Alfred Schaffer and led by prolific striker Amedeo Amadei, Roma captured its first Serie A title. This achievement was particularly significant as it came during the challenging period of World War II.

The post-war era brought fluctuating fortunes for AS Roma, including the only relegation in the club's history during the 1950-51 season, though they secured an immediate return to the top flight the following year. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the club experienced periods of promise punctuated by several Coppa Italia successes, establishing itself as a consistent, if not dominant, presence in Italian football.

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Throughout its storied existence, the achievements of AS Roma have cemented the club's status as one of Italian football's most significant institutions. While not matching the trophy hauls of northern powerhouses like Juventus or the Milan clubs, Roma's successes carry special significance for representing the capital city's football pride.

In domestic competition, AS Roma has claimed the prestigious Serie A title on three occasions. Their first championship came in 1942 under coach Alfred Schaffer, featuring standout performances from Amedeo Amadei. Forty-one years later, Roma captured their second Scudetto in 1983, with the legendary Nils Liedholm orchestrating a team that included Brazilian midfield maestro Falcão, homegrown hero Bruno Conti, and prolific striker Roberto Pruzzo. The third and most recent league triumph arrived in 2001 during what fans refer to as the \"Roma Renaissance\" period, with a squad featuring Gabriel Batistuta, Vincenzo Montella, and iconic captain Francesco Totti.

The Coppa Italia tournament has provided Roma with more regular success, with the club lifting the trophy nine times throughout its history. Their first Coppa triumph came in 1964, with subsequent victories cementing their reputation as cup specialists. Their most recent Coppa Italia success was achieved in 2008, demonstrating the club's consistent ability to compete for domestic honors.

On the European stage, AS Roma has secured two major trophies while coming agonizingly close to the continent's biggest prize. In 1961, the club claimed the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (the predecessor to today's UEFA Europa League), marking their first international success. More recently, Roma made history by winning the inaugural edition of the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 under José Mourinho's guidance, ending a 14-year trophy drought and providing a moment of immense celebration for the Giallorossi faithful.

Perhaps the most bittersweet moment in Roma's European history came in 1984, when the team reached the final of the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in their home stadium. Playing at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Liverpool on penalties after a 1-1 draw, missing out on continental football's ultimate prize in the most painful circumstances imaginable for their supporters.

\n","club_identity_html":"

The identity of AS Roma is deeply woven into the fabric of Roman culture, history, and tradition, creating one of football's most distinctive and passionate club cultures. Every aspect of the club's identity draws from the rich heritage of the Eternal City, making AS Roma not merely a football team but a profound cultural institution.

The club's iconic colors of deep red and golden yellow (\"giallorosso\") are a direct homage to Rome's traditional hues, reflecting the city's imperial history and connecting the modern club to its ancient roots. These distinctive colors adorn the famous AS Roma stadium, Stadio Olimpico, which has been the club's home since 1953. With a capacity of over 70,000 spectators, this historic venue has witnessed countless dramatic moments in Roma's history, though the club has long pursued plans to build a new, more intimate stadium that would exclusively belong to Roma.

The club's emblem features the Capitoline She-wolf (Lupa Capitolina), directly linking AS Roma to Rome's founding mythology of Romulus and Remus. This powerful symbol reinforces the connection between the football club and the city's 2,700-year history, positioning Roma as an inheritor of Rome's legacy.

AS Roma's identity is also defined by its intense rivalry with city neighbors Lazio, with whom they share the Stadio Olimpico. The \"Derby della Capitale\" (Rome Derby) ranks among world football's most passionate and sometimes volatile fixtures, dividing families and the city itself. Unlike many football derbies based on geographic or class divisions, the Roma-Lazio rivalry originated in the very formation of AS Roma, when Lazio was the only major Roman club to resist the merger that created Roma in 1927.

Through its history, Roma has been represented by players who became symbols of the club and city. None embodies this connection more completely than Francesco Totti, who spent his entire 25-year professional career with Roma, becoming known as \"Il Capitano\" and \"The Eighth King of Rome.\" Other legendary figures in Roma's history include Daniele De Rossi, Bruno Conti, Agostino Di Bartolomei, Falcão, Giuseppe Giannini, and Aldair, each contributing to the club's distinctive character.

The fan culture surrounding AS Roma is renowned for its passion and loyalty. The Curva Sud section of the Stadio Olimpico houses the club's most fervent supporters, known for their choreographed displays (tifo) and unwavering vocal support. The club anthem \"Roma Roma Roma\" and the supporters' motto \"Roma è la mia vita\" (Roma is my life) emphasize the deep emotional connection between the club and its faithful followers.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

In recent years, AS Roma has entered a new chapter in its storied history following significant changes in ownership and strategic direction. Since August 2020, the club has been under the stewardship of The Friedkin Group, led by American businessman Dan Friedkin, who acquired the club from previous owner James Pallotta. This transition marked the beginning of a new era, with the Friedkin ownership adopting a somewhat less publicly visible approach than their predecessors while working to strengthen the club's financial foundation and sporting ambitions.

The recent history of AS Roma featured a notable period under the management of José Mourinho, who led the team from 2021 until early 2024. His tenure delivered the club's first trophy in 14 years with the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph, a moment of significant emotional release for the passionate Roma fanbase. Despite this success, the club has continued to experience the cyclical nature that has characterized much of its history, with periods of promise interrupted by rebuilding phases.

On the women's football front, AS Roma has demonstrated commendable progress, with the women's team capturing their first Coppa Italia in the 2020-2021 season. This development reflects the club's expanded focus on growing multiple facets of its sporting operations, acknowledging the increasing prominence of women's football in the European sporting landscape.

Looking toward the future, one of the most significant projects for AS Roma remains the development of a new stadium. The club has long sought to move from the Stadio Olimpico, which it shares with city rivals Lazio, to a purpose-built venue that would enhance matchday revenue and provide a more intimate atmosphere for supporters. Various stadium projects have been proposed and faced delays over the years, but the club continues to pursue this vital infrastructure development as key to its long-term competitiveness.

AS Roma continues to balance its proud tradition with modern football realities, working to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging financial landscape dominated by clubs with greater resources. The club's strategic approach focuses on intelligent recruitment, youth development through its academy system, and leveraging the powerful Roma brand and the appeal of representing one of Europe's most historic cities.

With its exceptional fanbase, profound connection to the Eternal City, and rich sporting heritage, AS Roma remains one of Italian and European football's most culturally significant institutions, regardless of fluctuations in on-field results. The challenge facing the current leadership is to honor and build upon this legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of modern football.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/791_bef691c092.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_791_bef691c092.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_791_bef691c092.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_791_bef691c092.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_791_bef691c092.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_791_bef691c092.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_791_bef691c092.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}},"league":{"id":676,"name":"Serie A","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"domestic_league","createdAt":"2024-11-05T08:57:10.908Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T10:26:28.395Z","stb_id":"serie-a-italy","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"## Serie A: all about the Football League\n\n**Serie A** is **the main Italian football championship**. The **strongest clubs in the country** play in it. This is the **higher league**, i.e. the first level in the structure of Italian football. It is here that the teams compete for the **title of Italian champion** and have a chance to get to the **European Cups**.\n\nThis tournament is known **all over the world**. It has a **rich history** and its football traditions. **Series A** is not only games, but also derbies, stars, intrigue and a special atmosphere. In different years, **the most famous players** played in this championship: from **Maradona to Ronaldo**.\n\n> \"Each year, Serie A attracts millions of spectators - not just Italians, but fans all over the world.\"\n\n**This is a league** worth watching even if you don't support any of the Italian teams.\n\n## History of Series A\n\nFootball in Italy began to gain popularity as early as **at the end of the 19th century**. **The first tournament**, which can be called the predecessor of **Serie A**, took place in **1898**. Only **four teams** participated in it, and all matches were played in one day.\n\nBut **the real start of the modern Serie A** took place in **1929**. It was then that the **single national championship** appeared, where teams from all over the country played in a round-robin format.\n\n**In the 1930s** the first big clubs began to appear. In **post-war times** football in Italy became part of the culture. And since the **80s** **Serie A** began to attract **the strongest football players from around the world**.\n\n> \"In the 90s, the Italian championship was considered the strongest in Europe. Legends played here: Baggio, Vea, Maldini, Ronaldo.\"\n\n**Teams** such as \"**Milan**\", \"**Inter**\", \"**Juventus**\" dominated not only in Italy, but also in the **Euroarena**.\n\n**Although in the 2000s** there were both scandals and a decline, now **Serie A** is alive again - with new heroes, young coaches and an honest fight for every point.\n\n### Competition format\n\n* **20 teams** play in **Serie A**. \n* The season lasts from **August to May**. \n* Each team plays **two matches against all opponents** - one at home, one away. \n* Thus each team plays **38 matches**.\n\n**The format is simple:**\n* **3 points** are given for **victory**\n* For a **tie** — **1**\n* For **defeat** - **nothing**\n\n**Whoever scores the most points** by the end of the season becomes the **champion**. If several teams have the same number of points, **head-to-head** between them is looked at first, then **goal difference**.\n\nThe **bottom three teams** are relegated to **Serie B** - Italy's second strongest division. Instead, the **three best clubs from Serie B** rise to the elite.\n\n> \"In addition, the best teams from Serie A enter the European Cups - the Champions League, the Europa League and the Conference League.\"\n\n**Therefore, the fight** for the **top-6 places** is very important. This system allows you to make every match important - not only for the favorites, but also for those who are fighting for survival.\n\n## Famous teams of Serie A\n\nIf you think of **Serie A**, the first thing that comes to mind is **big clubs with a long history**. Here, everything depends not only on football, but also on **traditions, fans and confrontations** that last for decades.\n\n**\"Juventus\", \"Inter\", \"Milan\"** are real giants. **\"Juventus\"** from **Turin** has **the most titles in history** — more than **three dozen**. Their discipline, organization and ability to win even when the game is not going, made the club **a symbol of Italian football**.\n\n> \"\"Inter\" and \"Milan\" are two sides of the Milan coin. They are not just neighbors, but fundamental rivals who share the same stadium - San Siro.\"\n\n**And at the same time share** the hearts of millions of fans. Their meetings are always a nationwide event.\n\n**\"Roma\" and \"Lazio\"** — another emotional **Roman derby**. There is not so much tactics as **passion**. Matches between these teams are a separate genre of Italian football.\n\n> \"The Italian league has always lived at the expense of not only victories, but also precisely such stories - with clubs that have their own face and character.\"\n\n## Serie A records and interesting statistics\n\n**Serie A** is not only about beautiful goals and dramatic matches, but also about **numbers** that speak for themselves:\n\n* **The record holder for the number of titles** is still the same **\"Juventus\"**, and this is not surprising.\n\n* **The best scorer of all time** - **Silvio Piola** is a player that few people know about now, but his result - more than **270 goals** - has been unattainable for decades.\n\n* **Gianluigi Buffon** is a goalkeeper who has played so many matches in **Serie A** that it is hard to imagine. **A man-legend** who played at the top level until almost **45 years**.\n\n**Among the club records** there are also plenty of interesting ones. For example, **\"Milan\"** kept a streak of **58 matches without defeat** — and it became a real era. And **\"Napoli\"** in the **2022/23** season finally won the championship after a long break since the days of **Maradona**.\n\n## Modernity of Series A\n\nNow **Serie A** is attracting attention again. Yes, it is no longer as rich as **EPL** and not as glamorous as **La Liga**, but instead it is **real, honest, competitive**.\n\n**20 teams** compete in the league in the **2024/25** season. Among the favorites are the same ones — **\"Inter\", \"Milan\", \"Juventus\"**, but **\"Napoli\"** has also fully announced itself in recent years.\n\n**Increasingly, clubs** are betting on **youth** — fast, technical, with a new approach to the game.\n\n> \"Players like Hviča Kvaratchelia or Lautaro Martínez have become the new stars to be followed around the world.\"\n\n**Also the coaches** are young, ambitious, who are not afraid to take risks.\n\nIn **European Cups**, the Italians are also reminding themselves again: **\"Roma\", \"Inter\", \"Fiorentina\"** play in the finals and prove that **Italy is back in the game**.\n\n> \"Serie A is now the championship for those who are tired of the excessive commercialization of football and want a real fight.\"\n\n## Interesting facts about Series A\n\nItalian football is not only about tactics and titles. There are enough stories that add color and make the championship special.\n\n### Maradona and his \"Napoli\"\n\nWhen **Diego Maradona** came to **Naples** in **1984**, the city changed. **\"Napoli\"** from a mediocre club became a **champion** and broke the hegemony of northern teams.\n\n> \"In Italy they still joke that after his departure, Naples went into \"standby mode\" for almost 30 years.\"\n\nAnd so in **2023** the city celebrated the title again, as if returning to those times.\n\n### The scandal that rocked Serie A\n\nIn **2006**, a scandal broke out that changed the championship forever. **\"Calciopoli\"** is the name given to the investigation into corruption in Italian football. Referees, clubs, managers — everything was connected in a huge scheme.\n\n**\"Juventus\"** was then punished the most severely — **were deprived of two championships** and sent to **Serie B**.\n\n### A club without its own stadium? Normally!\n\nIf you look at **EPL** or **Bundesliga**, all big clubs have their arenas. But in Italy it is not like that. For example, **\"Milan\" and \"Inter\"** have one stadium for two - **\"San Siro\"**.\n\n**Same situation** with **\"Roma\" and \"Lazio\"**, who play at **\"Olimpico\"**. **Own stadium** among the top clubs of **Serie A** only **\"Juventus\"** has.\n\n### A match that lasted... three days\n\nOne of **the strangest stories of Serie A** happened in **1961**. **\"Inter\"** played with **\"Catania\"**, but due to the crowd of fans on the field, the match was canceled. A few days later it was played, and **\"Inter\"** won **2:0**.\n\n**But the decision** caused a scandal - the judges and officials could not agree on who should be awarded three points.\n\n### Buffon's historic goal\n\n**Gianluigi Buffon** is a **Serie A** legend, but few people know that he once almost missed a goal in the championship. It happened during one of his last seasons, when he stepped up to attack in stoppage time.\n\n> \"The shot was strong, but the opponent's goalkeeper saved his team.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Serie A** continues to restore its status as one of the **strongest leagues in Europe**, combining **rich traditions with modern approaches** to the game. Can Italian football return to the **golden times of the 90s**? One thing is certain — **passion and character** remain constant attributes of this championship.\n","active":true,"short_code":"ITA SA","category":1,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fb8a-cc30-7810-a0c4-e69d419cab3f","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":true,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

Serie A: all about the Football League

Serie A is the main Italian football championship. The strongest clubs in the country play in it. This is the higher league, i.e. the first level in the structure of Italian football. It is here that the teams compete for the title of Italian champion and have a chance to get to the European Cups.

This tournament is known all over the world. It has a rich history and its football traditions. Series A is not only games, but also derbies, stars, intrigue and a special atmosphere. In different years, the most famous players played in this championship: from Maradona to Ronaldo.

\n
\"Each year, Serie A attracts millions of spectators - not just Italians, but fans all over the world.\"
\n

This is a league worth watching even if you don't support any of the Italian teams.

History of Series A

Football in Italy began to gain popularity as early as at the end of the 19th century. The first tournament, which can be called the predecessor of Serie A, took place in 1898. Only four teams participated in it, and all matches were played in one day.

But the real start of the modern Serie A took place in 1929. It was then that the single national championship appeared, where teams from all over the country played in a round-robin format.

In the 1930s the first big clubs began to appear. In post-war times football in Italy became part of the culture. And since the 80s Serie A began to attract the strongest football players from around the world.

\n
\"In the 90s, the Italian championship was considered the strongest in Europe. Legends played here: Baggio, Vea, Maldini, Ronaldo.\"
\n

Teams such as \"Milan\", \"Inter\", \"Juventus\" dominated not only in Italy, but also in the Euroarena.

Although in the 2000s there were both scandals and a decline, now Serie A is alive again - with new heroes, young coaches and an honest fight for every point.

Competition format

20 teams play in Serie A.
The season lasts from August to May.
Each team plays two matches against all opponents - one at home, one away.
Thus each team plays 38 matches.

The format is simple:

3 points are given for victory
For a tie — 1
For defeat - nothing

Whoever scores the most points by the end of the season becomes the champion. If several teams have the same number of points, head-to-head between them is looked at first, then goal difference.

The bottom three teams are relegated to Serie B - Italy's second strongest division. Instead, the three best clubs from Serie B rise to the elite.

\n
\"In addition, the best teams from Serie A enter the European Cups - the Champions League, the Europa League and the Conference League.\"
\n

Therefore, the fight for the top-6 places is very important. This system allows you to make every match important - not only for the favorites, but also for those who are fighting for survival.

Famous teams of Serie A

If you think of Serie A, the first thing that comes to mind is big clubs with a long history. Here, everything depends not only on football, but also on traditions, fans and confrontations that last for decades.

\"Juventus\", \"Inter\", \"Milan\" are real giants. \"Juventus\" from Turin has the most titles in history — more than three dozen. Their discipline, organization and ability to win even when the game is not going, made the club a symbol of Italian football.

\n
\"\"Inter\" and \"Milan\" are two sides of the Milan coin. They are not just neighbors, but fundamental rivals who share the same stadium - San Siro.\"
\n

And at the same time share the hearts of millions of fans. Their meetings are always a nationwide event.

\"Roma\" and \"Lazio\" — another emotional Roman derby. There is not so much tactics as passion. Matches between these teams are a separate genre of Italian football.

\n
\"The Italian league has always lived at the expense of not only victories, but also precisely such stories - with clubs that have their own face and character.\"
\n

Serie A records and interesting statistics

Serie A is not only about beautiful goals and dramatic matches, but also about numbers that speak for themselves:

The record holder for the number of titles is still the same \"Juventus\", and this is not surprising.
\n
The best scorer of all time - Silvio Piola is a player that few people know about now, but his result - more than 270 goals - has been unattainable for decades.
\n
Gianluigi Buffon is a goalkeeper who has played so many matches in Serie A that it is hard to imagine. A man-legend who played at the top level until almost 45 years.
\n

Among the club records there are also plenty of interesting ones. For example, \"Milan\" kept a streak of 58 matches without defeat — and it became a real era. And \"Napoli\" in the 2022/23 season finally won the championship after a long break since the days of Maradona.

Modernity of Series A

Now Serie A is attracting attention again. Yes, it is no longer as rich as EPL and not as glamorous as La Liga, but instead it is real, honest, competitive.

20 teams compete in the league in the 2024/25 season. Among the favorites are the same ones — \"Inter\", \"Milan\", \"Juventus\", but \"Napoli\" has also fully announced itself in recent years.

Increasingly, clubs are betting on youth — fast, technical, with a new approach to the game.

\n
\"Players like Hviča Kvaratchelia or Lautaro Martínez have become the new stars to be followed around the world.\"
\n

Also the coaches are young, ambitious, who are not afraid to take risks.

In European Cups, the Italians are also reminding themselves again: \"Roma\", \"Inter\", \"Fiorentina\" play in the finals and prove that Italy is back in the game.

\n
\"Serie A is now the championship for those who are tired of the excessive commercialization of football and want a real fight.\"
\n

Interesting facts about Series A

Italian football is not only about tactics and titles. There are enough stories that add color and make the championship special.

Maradona and his \"Napoli\"

When Diego Maradona came to Naples in 1984, the city changed. \"Napoli\" from a mediocre club became a champion and broke the hegemony of northern teams.

\n
\"In Italy they still joke that after his departure, Naples went into \"standby mode\" for almost 30 years.\"
\n

And so in 2023 the city celebrated the title again, as if returning to those times.

The scandal that rocked Serie A

In 2006, a scandal broke out that changed the championship forever. \"Calciopoli\" is the name given to the investigation into corruption in Italian football. Referees, clubs, managers — everything was connected in a huge scheme.

\"Juventus\" was then punished the most severely — were deprived of two championships and sent to Serie B.

A club without its own stadium? Normally!

If you look at EPL or Bundesliga, all big clubs have their arenas. But in Italy it is not like that. For example, \"Milan\" and \"Inter\" have one stadium for two - \"San Siro\".

Same situation with \"Roma\" and \"Lazio\", who play at \"Olimpico\". Own stadium among the top clubs of Serie A only \"Juventus\" has.

A match that lasted... three days

One of the strangest stories of Serie A happened in 1961. \"Inter\" played with \"Catania\", but due to the crowd of fans on the field, the match was canceled. A few days later it was played, and \"Inter\" won 2:0.

But the decision caused a scandal - the judges and officials could not agree on who should be awarded three points.

Buffon's historic goal

Gianluigi Buffon is a Serie A legend, but few people know that he once almost missed a goal in the championship. It happened during one of his last seasons, when he stepped up to attack in stoppage time.

\n
\"The shot was strong, but the opponent's goalkeeper saved his team.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Serie A continues to restore its status as one of the strongest leagues in Europe, combining rich traditions with modern approaches to the game. Can Italian football return to the golden times of the 90s? One thing is certain — passion and character remain constant attributes of this championship.

\n","has_description":true,"area":{"id":10622,"name":"Italy","country_code":"ITA","iso_code":"IT","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:00:26.328Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:33.405Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70c-3858-728f-89fc-c186f9dc7925","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Italy_IT_6b15f9af34.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}}}}

Fabio Ruggeri: Profile