Roma and Lazio take significant step towards new stadiums as Mayor of Rome delivers major update

AS Roma and SS Lazio have both been handed a significant boost in their long-running plans to move into their own stadiums.

Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri says work on both projects is progressing, with the city already looking towards major international events.

What has the Mayor of Rome said about new Roma and Lazio stadiums?

Roma and Lazio have shared the Stadio Olimpico for decades, but both clubs are now pursuing separate stadium projects in the Italian capital.

Roma are planning a new 60,000-capacity stadium in the Pietralata neighbourhood, with the club targeting completion by 2031.

Lazio, meanwhile, are looking to transform the currently unused Stadio Flaminio, with a potential opening targeted for late 2029 or early 2030.

The Flaminio project has faced several obstacles despite receiving an initial green light from Rome's municipality.

Italy's heritage authorities have requested changes to preserve elements of the historic stadium, while the family of architect Pier Luigi Nervi has also objected to aspects of Lazio's plans.

There have also been questions surrounding the financing of the estimated £400m million project, with Lazio yet to provide a full explanation of how the redevelopment would be funded.

However, Gualtieri has now offered encouragement to both clubs.

Speaking during an event in New York, the mayor said Roma's project was “ahead of the curve” but insisted that work was also progressing on Lazio's plans.

He added that the city is working towards potentially hosting Euro 2032 matches at the two stadiums, while also seeing the projects as part of a possible Olympic bid for 2036 or 2040.

FGG says: This is a major boost for Rome's football ambitions

Having two major stadium projects moving forward simultaneously would represent a huge change for football in Rome.

The prospect of Roma and Lazio finally having their own homes would also allow both clubs to develop venues around their own supporters and commercial needs.

There are still significant hurdles to overcome, particularly around Lazio's Flaminio plans, but the mayor publicly confirming progress on both projects is an important development.

If Rome can get these stadium plans over the line, the benefits could extend beyond the two clubs, with Euro 2032 and a potential Olympic bid giving the projects an even bigger purpose.