The construction of AS Roma’s new stadium has encountered a problem that city officials have described as "nonsense": A statement from the Fratelli d’Italia party in Rome’s 2nd district raised concerns that the pedestrian and cycling bridge might not be built. If true, this could jeopardize the entire project.

Pedestrian bridge removed from the project?

The issue, which the city hall called a misunderstanding, arose during a transparency committee meeting in the 2nd district—chaired, notably, by a councilor from the opposition party Fratelli d’Italia. During online meetings, it was claimed that the pedestrian and cycling bridge over Via Livorno, an essential part of the stadium project in Pietralata, had been removed. If this were the case, the entire investment would lose its status as a public utility project, which could ultimately derail the stadium’s construction. Other infrastructure elements, such as new trains, tram lines between Togliatti and Tiburtina, and tunnels and viaducts on Via dei Monti Tiburtini, are publicly funded and depend on the overall project.

© AS Roma

Rumors debunked: The bridge remains a key element

This claim was made by Fratelli d’Italia councilor Sandra Alessia Bertucci and quickly spread on social media by citizens' committees in Pietralata, citing it as evidence of mismanagement and project feasibility issues. It was also reported that the district president had confirmed the bridge’s cancellation, despite it being considered a crucial infrastructure component by city officials.

However, the city promptly responded, with Paolo Aielli, the general director responsible for the stadium project, issuing a statement: I categorically deny any plans to remove the pedestrian and cycling bridge. This passage, along with those at Tiburtina Station and Via dei Monti Tiburtini, remains a fundamental requirement outlined in the resolution that designates the project as a public utility, Aielli stated. He clarified that the bridge is still part of the investment package and that the stadium cannot proceed without it. Aielli also emphasized that AS Roma must finalize and submit the definitive project as soon as possible.

AS Roma has already set the date for presenting this document. It will take place on April 21. This date is not accidental: April 21, the birthday of Rome, will also be the birthday of Roma. After the presentation, the documentation will be handed over to the Campidoglio, which will begin the Service Conference, during which it will be verified whether the project meets all the requirements. Once this stage is completed, the international tender for awarding the works can begin, and construction is expected to start in the coming months.

© AS Roma

Opening date delayed again

The expected date for the first match at the new AS Roma stadium has once again been postponed. Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, who is still waiting for the club’s final project submission, announced that the stadium will now be completed in 2028 instead of 2027, as initially planned for AS Roma’s centenary. The stadium will be built, and it won’t take forever. We are on the right track. During my second term as mayor, I hope to watch a Roma match there, Gualtieri stated on Rai Radio 1.