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":589,"name":"UEFA Europa League","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"international_cup","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:44:19.245Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T10:37:47.606Z","stb_id":"uefa-europa-league","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"## UEFA Europa League: what you should know\n\nIt is the **second most prestigious club football tournament in Europe** after the **Champions League**. It is organized by **UEFA** and involves clubs from various countries who have placed **highly in their national championships** but failed to qualify for the top tournament.\n\nThis league covers a **huge geography** — from **Spain to Azerbaijan**. And although it is sometimes considered the \"**younger sister**\" of the **Champions League**, in fact it has its own atmosphere, its own heroes and its own intrigues.\n\n> \"Every year, the Europa League gathers hundreds of millions of viewers, and the winner not only gets the trophy, but also a guaranteed place in the next Champions League.\"\n\n## History of the UEFA Europa League\n\nIt all started in **1971**, when the tournament was officially named the **UEFA Cup**. But in fact, its roots are even deeper - back in the **1950s** there was a so-called **Fairs Cup** in which teams from major European cities played.\n\n**Over time, the format changed**, and in **2009** the tournament was updated — this is how the **Europe League in its modern form** appeared. It became more attractive: they added a **group stage**, updated the brand and increased the prizes.\n\nIn different years, this tournament was won by **big clubs**. **\"Sevilla\"** from Spain, for example, has a record — it won the **Europa League seven times**, and this is **the absolute maximum**.\n\n> \"Also, such teams as \"Inter\", \"Juventus\", \"Chelsea\", \"Atletico\", \"Porto\", \"Manchester United\" have left their mark in the history of the tournament.\n\n**This indicates** that the struggle here is no less serious than in the **Champions League**.\n\n## Format of UEFA Europa League competitions\n\n**Europa League** consists of several stages. First, there are **qualifying rounds** where clubs from smaller football countries compete. Then a **group stage** is formed, in which **32 teams** play.\n\n**In the group** there are **four teams**, each of which plays **six matches** (at home and away). The **first two teams** from each group advance to the **playoffs**. The teams that took **third places in the Champions League groups** are added to them.\n\n**Then the elimination starts:** **1/16, 1/8, 1/4, semi-final, final**. All rounds except the final are played **home and away**. **Final** is **one match at a neutral stadium**.\n\n> \"The points in the groups are calculated as follows: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw. In case of the same number of points, head-to-head meetings and goal difference are considered.\"\n\n## Famous teams of the Europa League\n\nAlthough the **Europa League** is often perceived as the second most important tournament after the **Champions League**, there are also enough **top clubs** that have won the title more than once.\n\n### The main king of the Europa League — \"Seville\"\n\nThere is no team that would feel more comfortable here than **\"Sevilla\"**. The Spaniards took this trophy **seven times** and each time proved that this tournament is **their territory**. They won in different lineups, with different coaches, but always found a way to reach the finals and win.\n\n### Clubs with a big name\n\nIn different years, the **Europa League** was won by teams that are well known even to those who do not follow football very much:\n\n* **\"Inter\" and \"Juventus\"** are Italian giants with a rich European history.\n* **Chelsea and Manchester United** are English clubs that approach the tournament seriously if there is a chance to win it.\n* **\"Atletico Madrid\"** is another club that won the **Europa League** several times and then moved to a higher level.\n\n### Teams that surprised\n\nSometimes the **Europa League** brings surprises. For example, in **2011**, the champion was **\"Porto\"**, which played brightly, quickly and efficiently. And in **2022** won by **\"Eintracht Frankfurt\"** - a club that was not considered a favorite, but it beat all stronger opponents.\n\n> \"This tournament is a great opportunity for clubs to prove that they are worthy of the biggest European recognition.\"\n\n## Europa League statistics and records\n\n**Europa League** has accumulated a lot of interesting records. Some of them seem to be around for a long time.\n\n### Team records\n* **The most titles** – **\"Seville\" (7 times)**.\n* **The most finals** is also **\"Sevilla\"**, because they almost always win in the finals.\n* **The most productive final** – **5:4** (the match **\"Alavés\" – \"Liverpool\"** in **2001**).\n\n### Individual records\n* **Most goals in the tournament** - **Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Radomel Falcao** who made the difference in their respective seasons.\n* **The player who has won the most titles** – **Jesus Navas (4 times with Sevilla)**.\n\n### Records for the number of matches\n\nSome players spend dozens of matches in the **Europa League** because their teams play consistently in this tournament. Among the leaders are **Daniel Carisso and Adil Rami**, who have accumulated an impressive number of games.\n\n> \"These records show once again that the Europa League is not just a secondary tournament, but a separate world with its own history.\"\n\n## The current state of the Europa League\n\nToday, the **Europa League** is an **important part of European football**. This is a tournament that gives a chance to those who have not made it to the **Champions League** but still want **European glory**.\n\n### Favorites of the season\n\nEach year has its own leaders. In the **2024/25** season, among the main contenders for the trophy are **\"Liverpool\", \"Roma\", \"Bayer\", \"Ajax\". All these clubs have experience in European tournaments and know how to play in decisive matches.\n\n## How the Europa League has changed\n\nIn recent years, the tournament has become even more interesting:\n* **Changed the format**, made it more balanced.\n* **Added the Conference League**, which slightly reduced the number of weaker teams in the **Europa League**.\n* **The prizes have increased** and now even the financial motivation for the clubs has become significant.\n\n### Impact on European football\n\nPreviously, the **Europa League** was a tournament that many teams did not take seriously. But now the situation has changed — **the winner gets a place in the Champions League**, so the clubs are fighting with all their might.\n\n> \"Now this is not just the second European cup tournament, but a real chance for teams to take a step forward in their history.\"\n\n## Interesting stories and facts from the Europa League\n\nThe **Europa League** is often referred to as the \"second tournament\", but in fact, so many bright things happen here that many people start their acquaintance with European football from it.\n\n> \"Those who are not afraid to work until the last minute win here, and this is where unexpected heroes are born.\"\n\n**One of the most recognizable teams** in this league is undoubtedly **Sevilla**. The fans are joking: if the Spaniards reached the final, get ready, the trophy will go to them again. And so it usually happens. Behind the shoulders of **\"Sevilla\"** — **seven victories, and no lost finals**.\n\n**But the craziest final** happened in **2001**. Then **Liverpool and Alaves** staged a real battle — **nine goals, extra time, and a winning own goal**. This is not a writer's fiction - this is a real match, which is still remembered as one of the most emotional in history.\n\n**It is interesting that among the winners** of the **Europa League** there is also a team that is not quite \"European\" in the geographical sense. **Galatasaray** from **Turkey** became **the first club from a partially Asian country** to win this trophy. It happened in **2000**.\n\n> \"And while winning is the main goal, there is another very important incentive: the winner of the Europa League automatically enters the Champions League.\"\n\n**One more fact** — **penalty**. The finals of this tournament more than once reached a series of **11-meter kicks**. In **2021**, for example, **\"Villarreal\" and \"Manchester United\"** took turns taking penalties until the score was **11:10**. **Goalkeeper scored and then another goalkeeper didn't score**. It was spectacular and completely unpredictable.\n\n**Sometimes** there are endings that few people talk about not because of the game, but because of the location. Yes, in **2019** the match between **Chelsea and Arsenal** was held in **Baku**. Due to the remoteness and high flight prices, many fans stayed at home.\n\n> \"The atmosphere was unusually \"quiet\", and even the players themselves admitted that this is not the way to conduct the finals.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that the **UEFA Europa League** continues to evolve, remaining an **important platform for European clubs**. This is a tournament where **dreams come true** and unexpected heroes write their names in the **history of European football**. Will anyone be able to break **Seville's dominance**? Time will tell, but one thing is certain — **drama and passion** remain the main attributes of this great tournament.\n","active":true,"short_code":"UEFA EL","category":1,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192f734-639b-758d-883a-142a314056bb","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":true,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

UEFA Europa League: what you should know

It is the second most prestigious club football tournament in Europe after the Champions League. It is organized by UEFA and involves clubs from various countries who have placed highly in their national championships but failed to qualify for the top tournament.

This league covers a huge geography — from Spain to Azerbaijan. And although it is sometimes considered the \"younger sister\" of the Champions League, in fact it has its own atmosphere, its own heroes and its own intrigues.

\n
\"Every year, the Europa League gathers hundreds of millions of viewers, and the winner not only gets the trophy, but also a guaranteed place in the next Champions League.\"
\n

History of the UEFA Europa League

It all started in 1971, when the tournament was officially named the UEFA Cup. But in fact, its roots are even deeper - back in the 1950s there was a so-called Fairs Cup in which teams from major European cities played.

Over time, the format changed, and in 2009 the tournament was updated — this is how the Europe League in its modern form appeared. It became more attractive: they added a group stage, updated the brand and increased the prizes.

In different years, this tournament was won by big clubs. \"Sevilla\" from Spain, for example, has a record — it won the Europa League seven times, and this is the absolute maximum.

\n
\"Also, such teams as \"Inter\", \"Juventus\", \"Chelsea\", \"Atletico\", \"Porto\", \"Manchester United\" have left their mark in the history of the tournament.
\n

This indicates that the struggle here is no less serious than in the Champions League.

Format of UEFA Europa League competitions

Europa League consists of several stages. First, there are qualifying rounds where clubs from smaller football countries compete. Then a group stage is formed, in which 32 teams play.

In the group there are four teams, each of which plays six matches (at home and away). The first two teams from each group advance to the playoffs. The teams that took third places in the Champions League groups are added to them.

Then the elimination starts: 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, semi-final, final. All rounds except the final are played home and away. Final is one match at a neutral stadium.

\n
\"The points in the groups are calculated as follows: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw. In case of the same number of points, head-to-head meetings and goal difference are considered.\"
\n

Famous teams of the Europa League

Although the Europa League is often perceived as the second most important tournament after the Champions League, there are also enough top clubs that have won the title more than once.

The main king of the Europa League — \"Seville\"

There is no team that would feel more comfortable here than \"Sevilla\". The Spaniards took this trophy seven times and each time proved that this tournament is their territory. They won in different lineups, with different coaches, but always found a way to reach the finals and win.

Clubs with a big name

In different years, the Europa League was won by teams that are well known even to those who do not follow football very much:

\"Inter\" and \"Juventus\" are Italian giants with a rich European history.
Chelsea and Manchester United are English clubs that approach the tournament seriously if there is a chance to win it.
\"Atletico Madrid\" is another club that won the Europa League several times and then moved to a higher level.

Teams that surprised

Sometimes the Europa League brings surprises. For example, in 2011, the champion was \"Porto\", which played brightly, quickly and efficiently. And in 2022 won by \"Eintracht Frankfurt\" - a club that was not considered a favorite, but it beat all stronger opponents.

\n
\"This tournament is a great opportunity for clubs to prove that they are worthy of the biggest European recognition.\"
\n

Europa League statistics and records

Europa League has accumulated a lot of interesting records. Some of them seem to be around for a long time.

Team records

The most titles – \"Seville\" (7 times).
The most finals is also \"Sevilla\", because they almost always win in the finals.
The most productive final – 5:4 (the match \"Alavés\" – \"Liverpool\" in 2001).

Individual records

Most goals in the tournament - Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Radomel Falcao who made the difference in their respective seasons.
The player who has won the most titles – Jesus Navas (4 times with Sevilla).

Records for the number of matches

Some players spend dozens of matches in the Europa League because their teams play consistently in this tournament. Among the leaders are Daniel Carisso and Adil Rami, who have accumulated an impressive number of games.

\n
\"These records show once again that the Europa League is not just a secondary tournament, but a separate world with its own history.\"
\n

The current state of the Europa League

Today, the Europa League is an important part of European football. This is a tournament that gives a chance to those who have not made it to the Champions League but still want European glory.

Favorites of the season

Each year has its own leaders. In the 2024/25 season, among the main contenders for the trophy are **\"Liverpool\", \"Roma\", \"Bayer\", \"Ajax\". All these clubs have experience in European tournaments and know how to play in decisive matches.

How the Europa League has changed

In recent years, the tournament has become even more interesting:

Changed the format, made it more balanced.
Added the Conference League, which slightly reduced the number of weaker teams in the Europa League.
The prizes have increased and now even the financial motivation for the clubs has become significant.

Impact on European football

Previously, the Europa League was a tournament that many teams did not take seriously. But now the situation has changed — the winner gets a place in the Champions League, so the clubs are fighting with all their might.

\n
\"Now this is not just the second European cup tournament, but a real chance for teams to take a step forward in their history.\"
\n

Interesting stories and facts from the Europa League

The Europa League is often referred to as the \"second tournament\", but in fact, so many bright things happen here that many people start their acquaintance with European football from it.

\n
\"Those who are not afraid to work until the last minute win here, and this is where unexpected heroes are born.\"
\n

One of the most recognizable teams in this league is undoubtedly Sevilla. The fans are joking: if the Spaniards reached the final, get ready, the trophy will go to them again. And so it usually happens. Behind the shoulders of \"Sevilla\" — seven victories, and no lost finals.

But the craziest final happened in 2001. Then Liverpool and Alaves staged a real battle — nine goals, extra time, and a winning own goal. This is not a writer's fiction - this is a real match, which is still remembered as one of the most emotional in history.

It is interesting that among the winners of the Europa League there is also a team that is not quite \"European\" in the geographical sense. Galatasaray from Turkey became the first club from a partially Asian country to win this trophy. It happened in 2000.

\n
\"And while winning is the main goal, there is another very important incentive: the winner of the Europa League automatically enters the Champions League.\"
\n

One more fact — penalty. The finals of this tournament more than once reached a series of 11-meter kicks. In 2021, for example, \"Villarreal\" and \"Manchester United\" took turns taking penalties until the score was 11:10. Goalkeeper scored and then another goalkeeper didn't score. It was spectacular and completely unpredictable.

Sometimes there are endings that few people talk about not because of the game, but because of the location. Yes, in 2019 the match between Chelsea and Arsenal was held in Baku. Due to the remoteness and high flight prices, many fans stayed at home.

\n
\"The atmosphere was unusually \"quiet\", and even the players themselves admitted that this is not the way to conduct the finals.\"
\n

It is worth noting that the UEFA Europa League continues to evolve, remaining an important platform for European clubs. This is a tournament where dreams come true and unexpected heroes write their names in the history of European football. Will anyone be able to break Seville's dominance? Time will tell, but one thing is certain — drama and passion remain the main attributes of this great tournament.

\n","has_description":true,"area":{"id":10343,"name":"Europe","country_code":"EUR","iso_code":null,"createdAt":"2024-11-04T11:59:12.049Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:27.477Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70b-1639-7b91-baca-b5f375430636","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Europe_EU_f58c38cec9.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}}}}

Liam Kelly: Profile