Roma

ItalyEst. 1927Manager: Daniele De RossiStadio Olimpico

Europa League#8 · 5W-1D-2L · 16 pts

Associazione Sportiva Roma, commonly known as Roma, is one of Italy's most storied football clubs, founded in 1927 through the merger of four Roman clubs: Alba-Audace, Roman FC, Fortitudo-Pro Roma SGS, and Football Club Roma. The club was established with the ambitious goal of creating a team capable of representing the Italian capital on the national and international stage. Roma's early years were marked by steady growth in Italian football, though major success would take several decades to achieve. The club's first significant breakthrough came in the 1940s when they won their inaugural Serie A title in the 1941-42 season. This triumph established Roma as a force in Italian football and began a tradition of competing at the highest level. The team added a second Scudetto in 1982-83, a season that marked one of the most successful periods in the club's history under coach Nils Liedholm. Roma's golden era of the early 1980s featured legendary players like Bruno Conti, Agostino Di Bartolomei, Roberto Pruzzo, and Falcao. This team not only captured the Serie A title but also reached the European Cup final in 1984, losing to Liverpool on penalties at their home stadium, the Stadio Olimpico. This near-miss in Europe's premier competition remains one of the most painful memories in Roma's history, yet it also represents the club's highest achievement in European competition. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Roma consistently competed for major honors while building a reputation for attractive, attacking football. The arrival of coach Fabio Capello in 1999 brought immediate success, with the team winning the Serie A title in 2000-01, their third and most recent Scudetto. This squad featured stars like Francesco Totti, Gabriel Batistuta, Cafu, Aldair, and Vincenzo Montella, combining Italian tactical discipline with South American flair. Francesco Totti stands as the most iconic figure in Roma's history, spending his entire 25-year professional career with the club from 1992 to 2017. The Roman-born playmaker scored 307 goals in 786 appearances, becoming not just the club's all-time leading scorer but also a symbol of loyalty and local pride. Totti's creativity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Roma made him beloved by fans worldwide and established him as one of the greatest players in the club's history. The club has consistently maintained its position among Italy's elite, regularly qualifying for European competitions including the Champions League and Europa League. Roma's European campaigns have produced memorable moments, including reaching the Champions League semifinals in 2017-18 under Eusebio Di Francesco, featuring the historic comeback against Barcelona when they overturned a 4-1 first-leg deficit to win 3-0 at home. In 2022, Roma achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League under coach José Mourinho, defeating Feyenoord 1-0 in the final in Tirana, Albania. This victory marked the club's first major European trophy and provided validation for years of near-misses in continental competition. Mourinho's appointment in 2021 brought renewed optimism and international attention to the club, with the Portuguese coach's winning mentality and tactical expertise helping to elevate the team's performance. Roma's passionate fanbase, known as Romanisti, creates one of the most atmospheric environments in world football. The Curva Sud, the club's main ultras group, is renowned for spectacular choreographed displays and unwavering support. The Rome derby against city rivals Lazio, known as the Derby della Capitale, is one of the most intense fixtures in Italian football, dividing the city and creating an electric atmosphere whenever the teams meet. The club's youth academy has produced numerous talented players over the years, including Daniele De Rossi, Alessandro Florenzi, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, maintaining a strong connection between the team and the local community. This commitment to developing Roman talent has been a consistent theme throughout the club's history. Financially, Roma has faced various challenges over the years, including changes in ownership and efforts to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. American businessman James Pallotta owned the club from 2012 to 2020, before selling to the Friedkin Group, led by American businessman Dan Friedkin. The new ownership has brought stability and investment, supporting the club's ambitions both domestically and in Europe. Roma's playing style has traditionally emphasized technical skill, creativity, and attacking football, reflecting both Italian tactical sophistication and the club's commitment to entertaining supporters. The team has consistently attracted high-profile players and coaches, maintaining its status as one of the most recognizable clubs in world football. Today, Roma continues to compete at the highest level of Italian and European football, balancing respect for tradition with modern ambitions. The club's rich history, passionate supporters, iconic stadium, and commitment to attractive football ensure its position among the world's most respected football institutions. With recent European success and continued investment in the squad, Roma remains determined to add to their trophy collection and restore their position among Europe's elite clubs.