Overview
Associazione Sportiva Roma, often referred to as AS Roma, is a prominent football club situated in Rome, Italy. Established in 1927, the club was formed from the merger of three older Roman clubs with the aim of creating a strong and unified team to challenge the dominant northern Italian clubs. Since its inception, AS Roma has predominantly competed in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football, contributing to its status as one of the most recognized clubs in the country Wikipedia.
Identity
AS Roma's identity is deeply intertwined with the city of Rome itself. The club's official colours, imperial purple and golden yellow, are derived from the traditional colours of Rome. The club crest features the Capitoline Wolf, an ancient symbol of Rome, suckling the twin founders of the city, Romulus and Remus. This emblem underscores the club's strong connection to Roman history and mythology. The club's supporters, known as Romanisti, are renowned for their fervent passion and loyalty, particularly during the Derby della Capitale against rivals Lazio.
Ownership
As of 2026, AS Roma is owned by The Friedkin Group, an American holding company led by Dan Friedkin. The group completed its acquisition of the club in August 2020, becoming the latest in a series of foreign investors to take control of Italian football clubs. The Friedkin Group's ownership marked a new chapter for the club, with stated intentions to invest in infrastructure, player development, and global brand expansion Wikipedia.
Current League Position
AS Roma concluded the 2023-24 Serie A season in 6th position, securing qualification for the UEFA Europa League group stage. The team demonstrated resilience throughout the campaign, particularly under the guidance of head coach Daniele De Rossi, who took over midway through the season Flashscore. This finish reflects the club's ongoing efforts to compete at the highest levels of Italian and European football, building on recent continental successes.
History
Founding (1927)
AS Roma was founded on 22 July 1927, born from the initiative of Italo Foschi, a prominent figure during the Fascist era, who sought to merge three existing Roman clubs – Roman FC, SS Alba-Audace, and Fortitudo-Pro Roma SGS – into a single, dominant entity. The objective was to create a strong Roman side capable of challenging the established and often industrially-backed clubs from northern Italy, such as Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan Wikipedia. This merger aimed to foster a sense of civic pride and sporting prowess for the capital city.
Early Success and Post-War Period
Roma quickly established itself as a competitive force, securing its first Serie A title in the 1941–42 season under the guidance of coach Alfréd Schaffer and captained by Amedeo Amadei Wikipedia. The post-war period saw the club experience mixed fortunes, including a relegation to Serie B in 1951, though they quickly returned to the top flight the following season. The 1960s brought further success with the club winning the Coppa Italia in 1964 and 1969, and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1961, marking their first European trophy UEFA.com.
The 1980s: Golden Era
The 1980s are often considered a golden era for AS Roma. Under the presidency of Dino Viola and with Nils Liedholm as coach, the club won its second Serie A title in the 1982–83 season, featuring star players like Falcão, Bruno Conti, and Agostino Di Bartolomei Wikipedia. Roma also reached the European Cup final in 1984, losing to Liverpool on penalties at their home ground, the Stadio Olimpico. This period solidified Roma's status as a major Italian club and a contender on the European stage.
Modern Era and Totti's Legacy
The late 1990s and early 2000s were dominated by the presence of Francesco Totti, a local legend and one-club man who became the symbol of AS Roma. Under coach Fabio Capello, Roma secured its third Serie A title in the 2000–01 season, with Totti, Gabriel Batistuta, and Vincenzo Montella leading the attack Wikipedia. Despite consistent high finishes and numerous Coppa Italia victories, further Serie A titles proved elusive. The club experienced several changes in ownership, culminating in the acquisition by The Friedkin Group in 2020. Recent years have seen a renewed focus on European competition, with AS Roma winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 and reaching the UEFA Europa League final in 2023 UEFA.com.
Honours & trophies
AS Roma has accumulated a significant number of domestic and continental honours throughout its history, reflecting its consistent presence at the top levels of Italian football. The club's trophy cabinet includes multiple Serie A titles, Coppa Italia wins, and recent European success.
Domestic
| Competition | Wins | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 3 | 1941–42, 1982–83, 2000–01 |
| Coppa Italia | 9 | 1963–64, 1968–69, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1983–84, 1985–86, 1990–91, 2006–07, 2007–08 |
| Supercoppa Italiana | 2 | 2001, 2007 |
Continental
| Competition | Wins | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Inter-Cities Fairs Cup | 1 | 1960–61 |
| UEFA Europa Conference League | 1 | 2021–22 |
Beyond these victories, AS Roma has also been a runner-up in several major competitions, including the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1984, the UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) in 1991, and the UEFA Europa League again in 2023 UEFA.com. These appearances highlight the club's consistent pursuit of European glory and its presence among the continent's elite.
Home stadium
AS Roma plays its home matches at the Stadio Olimpico, a multi-purpose stadium located in the Foro Italico sports complex in Rome, Italy. With a seating capacity of 70,634, it is the second-largest stadium in Italy, after San Siro in Milan Wikipedia. The Stadio Olimpico is shared with fierce city rivals Lazio, a unique arrangement for two major clubs in European football.
The stadium was originally built in 1937 and underwent significant renovations for the 1960 Summer Olympics, hence its name. Further major overhauls occurred for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where it hosted the final between West Germany and Argentina. The Stadio Olimpico has also been the venue for four European Cup/Champions League finals (1977, 1984, 1996, 2009) and the final of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament UEFA.com.
For AS Roma, the Stadio Olimpico is more than just a playing field; it is the stage for their history, their triumphs, and their most passionate expressions of support. The Curva Sud, the south stand of the stadium, is particularly renowned as the home of Roma's most enthusiastic ultras, creating an intimidating and vibrant atmosphere during home games. The club has, at various times, explored plans for building its own dedicated stadium, but as of 2026, the Stadio Olimpico remains their spiritual home.
Notable players
Over its nearly century-long history, AS Roma has been home to numerous legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the club and Italian football. These players represent different eras, contributing to Roma's identity and success.
- Francesco Totti: Often referred to as Il Capitano, Totti is the epitome of a one-club man. He spent his entire 25-year professional career with Roma, from 1993 to 2017. An attacking midfielder and forward, he is the club's all-time leading goalscorer and most capped player, a Serie A winner, and a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006 Transfermarkt.
- Daniele De Rossi: Another Roman native and a product of the club's youth system, De Rossi was a combative defensive midfielder who spent 18 seasons with Roma, from 2001 to 2019. He served as captain after Totti and was also part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad. He later returned to manage the club Transfermarkt.
- Falcao: Known as 'The Eighth King of Rome', the Brazilian midfielder Paulo Roberto Falcão played for Roma from 1980 to 1985. He was instrumental in the club's 1982–83 Serie A title win and their run to the 1984 European Cup final, revered for his elegance and vision Transfermarkt.
- Bruno Conti: A winger who played for Roma from 1973 to 1990 (with loan spells), Conti was a key player in the 1980s golden era, known for his dribbling and crossing ability. He was also a crucial member of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning team Transfermarkt.
- Amedeo Amadei: A forward, Amadei was a prodigy who debuted for Roma at just 15 years old. He played for the club from 1936 to 1948 and was a vital part of the 1941–42 Serie A-winning squad. He remains one of the club's iconic early figures Transfermarkt.
- Aldair: The Brazilian central defender was a rock in Roma's defence for 13 seasons, from 1990 to 2003. A World Cup winner in 1994, he was a key component of the 2000–01 Serie A title-winning team and is considered one of the greatest defenders in the club's history Transfermarkt.
Among current stars, players like Paulo Dybala, with his technical ability and goal-scoring prowess, and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, a homegrown midfielder, continue to carry the torch for the Giallorossi, embodying the club's blend of international talent and Roman heart.
Rivalries
AS Roma's most intense and celebrated rivalry is with their city neighbours, SS Lazio. This fixture, known as the Derby della Capitale (Derby of the Capital), is one of the most passionate and fiercely contested derbies in world football. The rivalry dates back to the early 20th century, intensified by geographical proximity, differing social bases (historically, Roma was seen as the club of the working class and the historic city centre, while Lazio represented the northern, more affluent areas), and the constant battle for supremacy in Rome Wikipedia. Matches between the two clubs are often characterized by elaborate choreography from both sets of ultras, intense atmosphere, and high stakes, regardless of league positions.
Beyond the local derby, Roma also maintains significant rivalries with other major Italian clubs, particularly those from northern Italy, due to historical competition for national honours. These include:
- Juventus: Matches against Juventus often carry significant weight, stemming from both clubs' consistent presence at the top of Serie A and their direct competition for league titles, particularly in the 1980s and early 2000s.
- Inter Milan: Another historical rivalry, often featuring high-stakes encounters in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
- AC Milan: While not as intense as the Turin or Milan derbies, games against AC Milan are always important, given both clubs' status as giants of Italian football.
These rivalries contribute to the rich tapestry of Italian football, with each match against a traditional rival being a highly anticipated event for players and fans alike.
Why AS Roma matters in football
AS Roma holds a unique and enduring significance in the landscape of global football, extending beyond its trophy cabinet. The club embodies the spirit of Rome itself – a blend of ancient history, passionate culture, and a resilient, sometimes theatrical, approach to life. Its identity is inextricably linked to its city, fostering an almost unparalleled sense of belonging and loyalty among its fanbase. This deep connection ensures that AS Roma is not just a football club, but a cultural institution, representing Roman pride on both national and international stages.
From a sporting perspective, Roma has consistently challenged the established northern Italian powers, providing a vital counter-narrative in Serie A. Their triumphs, particularly the 1983 and 2001 Scudetti, are celebrated as victories for the capital against industrial might. The club's commitment to developing local talent, exemplified by legends like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, resonates deeply with fans and offers a model for club identity in an increasingly globalized game. Furthermore, their recent European successes, including the UEFA Europa Conference League, demonstrate a continued ambition to compete at the highest level, cementing their place as a significant European club with a fervent following.
"Roma is more than a club; it's a way of life, an extension of the city's soul. Its history is written in passion, its future in the hearts of its people." – Gianni Mura, Italian sports journalist Wikipedia.