The construction of the stadium in Pietralata is moving closer to realization, but the project, despite receiving the green light, faces numerous challenges. Residents and left-wing groups have once again raised concerns regarding the technical and social aspects of the investment.

Green light for stadium, red light for problems

Unlike Stadio Flaminio, which Lazio hopes to build, Roma’s stadium project has already been granted approval by being recognized as being of public interest. This decision was made on May 9, 2023, during an assembly at the Capitol. However, as opponents of the investment emphasize, the status of public interest does not mean that the Friedkin family’s project is free of flaws. Critics point to numerous issues that must be resolved before the first shovel hits the ground.

Concerned residents and members of the Green and Left Alliance (AVS) are openly expressing their concerns. At a meeting scheduled for January 30, 2025, at the ARCI club in Pietralata, they plan to raise questions about the investment’s impact on the environment, transport accessibility, and urban planning standards.

© AS Roma | Design of Nuovo Stadio Roma

Parking, environment, and location: points of contention

This is not the first time the stadium in Pietralata has sparked controversy. It began with issues related to excavations, and recently the dispute over a forest has resurfaced. One of the new key sticking points of the project is parking. According to the mayor’s guidelines, the 62,000-seat facility must provide parking for up to 50% of fans, requiring the construction of 15,000–20,000 spaces. However, the proposed stadium location, just a kilometer from Tiburtina Station, allows this requirement to be bypassed through modifications to urban planning regulations. These changes have drawn criticism from AVS activists, who see them as an attempt to circumvent essential standards.

Another concern is the investment’s impact on the environment. The wooded area that will be partially transformed into usable space has not undergone detailed studies or plans to compensate for the loss of greenery. Moreover, according to AVS representatives, the process of evacuating residents and clearing the site in August 2023 was rushed, without conducting proper geotechnical or archaeological surveys. These concerns are particularly significant in the context of Rome – a city with a rich history where any excavation could lead to unexpected discoveries.

© AS Roma | Design of Nuovo Stadio Roma

Opposition to the stadium comes not only from residents and environmentalists but also as part of broader political tensions. Allies of Mayor Gualtieri from the Green and Left Alliance have expressed disappointment. For some time now, we have been hearing constant announcements from the Roma Capitale city administration about AS Roma’s submission of the final project for the Pietralata stadium. Despite this expectation lasting over a year and a half – plenty of time – we note the absence of certain key answers they emphasize. The meeting at the ARCI club is intended to provide a forum for public discussion about whether the project truly addresses the needs of the city and its residents.

According to Il Messaggero, the location of the Pietralata stadium is not the only project planned for the area. Nearby, there are plans for the construction of the Rome Technopole – a modern research center to be jointly developed by universities and technology companies. Additionally, the redevelopment of the former Policlinico Umberto I hospital site is planned, which will include the creation of a modern university campus. This concentration of investments raises concerns about potential infrastructure strain, overcrowding, and conflicts of interest.