The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is Italian football’s most historic active venue. Built for the 1960 Olympic Games, it sits beside the Tiber River in the Foro Italico complex north of the city centre. AS Roma share the stadium with city rivals Lazio, creating one of world football’s most heated local derbies — the Derby della Capitale. Roma’s impassioned Curva Sud supporter section has been one of European football’s most dedicated fan cultures for generations.
Getting Tickets
Tickets are available through the official AS Roma website (asroma.com). The Derby della Capitale against Lazio is Italian football’s most politically charged fixture — allocation and sale require care and advance planning. Regular Serie A fixtures are more accessible. Roma are planning a move to a new purpose-built stadium at Pietralata, which may change the match day experience in coming years.
Getting to the Stadium
Ottaviano or Lepanto metro stations on Line A connect to the stadium area, with a 20-minute walk along the Tiber or a bus connection. Bus lines 32 and 280 also serve the Foro Italico from central Rome. The walk along the river to the stadium is pleasant in good weather.
Match Day Experience
Roma’s Curva Sud creates one of Serie A’s most theatrical atmospheres — vast tifos, coordinated singing, and an emotional connection to the club that reflects Rome’s intense footballing identity. The Olimpico’s open ends and aging structure can reduce atmosphere for routine fixtures, but for derby day and Champions League nights the stadium transforms entirely.
Around Rome
Rome needs no introduction — the Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and the food culture of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto make it one of the world’s greatest cities. Allow at least three days alongside the football to do justice to the Eternal City.
Best Time to Visit
The Derby della Capitale against Lazio is the standout fixture — one of football’s most intense city derbies, charged with political and cultural meaning beyond sport. Champions League knockout nights at the Olimpico produce the loudest and most atmospheric occasions the ground hosts.
