Formed in 1927 by the merger of various local sides (Lazio opted out), Associazione Sportiva Roma traditionally draw most of their support from the working-class heart of Rome. Although there are many Lazio fans in the city too, and their blue-and-white colours dominate the surrounding region, it's the red and yellow of the Roma fans which is most conspicuous in the city centre.

Since the team's creation Roma have won the scudetto three times, most recently in the 2000-2001 season when the partying lasted weeks and the entire city turned giallorosso. The mass celebrations around town and in the ancient chariot arena, Circo Massimo, have already passed into legend. Rome being Rome, of course, success has been followed by years of bitterness, loathing for former heroes, mediocrity and controversy. But the atmosphere at the club's big matches is still thrilling, and the team's derby games with arch-rivals Lazio are among Italy's most passionate and discussed sporting events.

Team colours: red and yellow

Known as: Roma are called the giallorossi (red-and-yellows). A Roma fan is a romanista (plural: romanisti).

Official website: www.asroma.it

Stadium

Stadio Olimpico
Via Foro Italico
Rome
Capacity: 82,000

Take Metro Linea A to Flaminio station, then take tram number 2 to Piazza Mancini (the terminus). The Stadio Olimpico is just over the Tiber.

Match Tickets

Tickets for Roma matches be bought online from Listicket.

In Rome you can buy tickets at the stadium and from some Lottomatica outlets (there is a list on the club website, under Ricevitorie). The club also has a number of shops where you can buy AS Roma merchandise and tickets. They're listed at www.asromastore.it; those with an asterisk sell tickets. Try the shop in Piazza Colonna, which is very central, or the branch at Via Appia Nuova 130 (Re di Roma or San Giovanni metro stations).

Rome Travel and Tourism

It goes without saying that Rome is one of the best places you could possibly visit on a football trip. There are enough sights, museums and attractions to fill the longest of trips, but even if you're only visiting for the weekend, the compactness of the city centre means you can still fit in the most important sights.

> A thorough tourist guide to Rome from our sister site, Italy Heaven
> Book a hotel in Rome
> Airport coach service

AS Roma shopping

> AS Roma stuff on eBay.co.uk