Stadio Olimpico

The Stadio Olimpico is the sporting heart of Rome. Located in the north of the city, within the Foro Italico complex, it hosts the home matches of the two rival clubs from the Italian capital: AS Roma and SS Lazio.

Its history dates back to the late 1920s, with the major sporting developments launched under Mussolini's fascist regime. The original project, entrusted to architect Enrico Del Debbio, called for the creation of a vast sporting complex around the Stadio dei Cipressi. Work was interrupted by the Second World War, then resumed after 1945.

The current stadium was inaugurated on 17 May 1953 with a match between Italy and Hungary. A few years later, it became one of the main venues for the 1960 Rome Olympics. Since then, the Stadio Olimpico has undergone several renovations, most notably for the 1990 World Cup, the 2009 Champions League final, and Euro 2020.

Its current capacity exceeds 70,000 seats, making it the largest stadium in Italy after San Siro. It holds UEFA Category 4 status (the highest level).

The Olimpico is renowned for its atmosphere: the Curva Sud and Curva Nord are home to the ultras of Roma and Lazio respectively, the driving force behind the Derby della Capitale — one of the most electric fixtures in Europe.

Beyond football, the stadium also hosts matches played by the national rugby team during the Six Nations Tournament, as well as athletics competitions and concerts by international artists such as U2, Madonna, and Ed Sheeran.

Accessible by bus or tram (line 2 to Piazza Mancini), the Stadio Olimpico is open for visits year-round. A tour lasting around one hour takes you behind the scenes of Roman sport: dressing rooms, the players' tunnel, the pitchside area, the official stands, and a museum dedicated to the history of Roma, Lazio, and the Squadra Azzurra.