When planning a trip to Rome, your itinerary will likely be packed with visits to the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, and countless other historical and cultural landmarks. But if you're a football fan, or even just someone who enjoys a vibrant, authentic cultural experience, there's one activity you shouldn't miss: attending an AS Roma football match.
Stadio Olimpico, the home of AS Roma, one of the most successful and popular clubs in Italy, was high on our to do list when visiting Rome. It offers a unique blend of passion, history, and local flavour that you won't find anywhere else and it's still something that we talk about years later.
The Unmistakable Passion of Roman Football
Football in Italy is more than just a sport, it's a religion, and in Rome, AS Roma is at the heart of the city's identity. The bond between the team and its supporters, known as the "Giallorossi" (the Yellow and Reds), is something truly special. From the moment we arrived at the stadium, we felt the energy. The air was thick with anticipation, the sounds of pre-match chants echoed through the streets, and a sea of yellow and red scarves, flags, and jerseys filled every corner. It was a spectacle of colour, sound, and emotion that gave us goosebumps.
Attending an match isn't just about watching a game; it's a chance to immerse yourself in Roman culture and history. The club's crest features the "Lupa Capitolina" (Capitoline Wolf), a symbol of Rome itself, harking back to the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus. This deep connection to the city's origins is a source of immense pride for fans.
More Than Just a Game: A Full Day Out
A match day at the Stadio Olimpico is an all-day event. The pre-match atmosphere started hours before kick-off, with fans gathering in local bars and trattorias around the stadium. As we got closer to the stadium, the area surrounding the Stadio Olimpico was buzzing with an incredible fan zone.
This dedicated space was a fantastic hub of pre-match activity, offering entertainment, food, and a chance to soak in the Giallorossi spirit. There was lots of entertainment, including live music, DJs, and interactive games, organisers were getting members of the crowd up on stage and giving away merchandise. It was a family-friendly atmosphere where the kids played football games and everyone shared in the excitement. There were various stalls selling official AS Roma merchandise, perfect for grabbing a memento of our visit. There were also lots of different food and drink vendors serving up classic Italian street food and refreshing beverages.
It's an excellent place to feel the pulse of Roman fandom and witness the collective passion building up to kick-off. If you go, don't miss the chance to wander through it and soak up the unique atmosphere, it's like nothing we've ever experienced in the UK.
The Curva Sud: The Heartbeat of the Stadium
If you want to experience the true essence of AS Roma, try to get a ticket in the "Curva Sud" (South Curve). We booked this area of the stadium without doing much research so when we were told on the day of the game that this area is home to the Roma Ultras we were little apprehensive as we had 6 year old Charlie with us. However we has nothing to worry about, we felt welcome by the fans around us and joined in with cheering, the general excitement and had an incredible view close to the pitch
The Curva Sud is the home of the most passionate and dedicated fans, who lead the chants, wave the flags, and create an atmosphere that is arguably one of the most intense and electrifying in European football. While the Curva Sud might not be for the faint of heart, it was an incredible display of fanatical support that has left a lasting impression on us.
Practical Tips for Attending a Match
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Buying Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online through the official AS Roma website or authorised resellers. Be sure to book well in advance, especially for big matches against rivals like Lazio (the "Derby della Capitale") or top Serie A teams like Juventus or AC Milan.
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Getting to the Stadium: The Stadio Olimpico is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the metro to Ottaviano or Flaminio and then a tram or a bus to the stadium. On match days, there are often special bus services to accommodate the crowds. We decided to walk from our hotel which took us around 1 hour from the centre of Rome.
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Safety and Etiquette: While the atmosphere is passionate, we felt very safe. However, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid wearing gear from opposing teams and be respectful of the local customs.
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What to Wear: To truly blend in, wear something yellow and red! You can buy an official jersey or a scarf from the AS Roma store or a stall close to the stadium.
Conclusion
A trip to Rome is an unforgettable experience, but to truly understand the city's soul, you need to go beyond the guidebooks. Attending an AS Roma football match was an opportunity to see the passion, history, and culture of the Eternal City come alive in a way that has stayed with us long after we left. So, when you're planning your Roman holiday, make sure you leave an evening free for the Stadio Olimpico. You won't regret it.
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