AS Roma

Roma were formed in 1927, when three of the capital's clubs were merged under pressure from the fascist authorities to produce a side capable of competing with the industrial north. Lazio refused to take part. That refusal is why Rome still has two clubs, and why the rivalry between them is older than Roma itself.

They have played in the top flight in every season but one, 1951/52, and have won three league titles, in 1942, 1983 and 2001. The gaps between them define the club as much as the titles do: Roma are among the best supported sides in Italy and among the least decorated relative to that support. Their first European trophy came in 2022, the inaugural Conference League, under José Mourinho.

The Friedkin Group took control in 2020 and has committed to a privately funded stadium at Pietralata, in the north-east of the city, which would end a tenancy at the Stadio Olimpico shared with Lazio since the 1950s. It is the largest financial decision in the club's modern history, and the story running underneath every season until it is built. Gian Piero Gasperini became head coach in 2025.

For Arena Bulletin, Roma are the second pillar of our Serie A coverage alongside Inter, and the clearest test of whether support on that scale can be turned into sustained results.