Objections from neighbors and environmentalists, the discovery of toxic substances during excavations, a lawsuit, and criticism from celebrities are just some of the many obstacles that have stood in the way of AS Roma’s plans to build a new stadium. Now, however, all signs point to the stadium finally being built.

Years of efforts and controversy

The Nuovo Stadio Roma is a facility the club has been fighting to build for years, in part because the Stadio Olimpico–which it shares with Lazio on a daily basis–is too large for the Gialorossi, offers too few commercial opportunities, and features an athletic track that separates the stands from the field.

After years of planning, it was finally decided to locate the stadium in Pietralata, far from the city center–a decision that sparked controversy in and of itself. The environmental issue was perhaps the most alarming. During archaeological work to prepare the site, traces of arsenic and so-called heavy hydrocarbons were detected, and opponents of the project highlighted environmental concerns, the impact of construction on nearby green spaces, and potential transportation issues.

A storm of controversy was also sparked last week by statements from the Regional Governor –Francesco Rocci–who claimed that Tor Vergata would be a better location for the project. The opposition’s response was swift: Yesterday’s statements by Lazio Regional President Francesco Rocci regarding the location of Roma’s new stadium constitute an unjustified step backward and can only fuel the biased positions of the ‘no’ committees, to which the president should not be presenting arguments. However, Rocci reassured everyone that his remarks in no way meant the project was being blocked.

© AS Roma | AS Roma’s new stadium project in Pietralata has taken an important step forward. The Lazio Region issued a positive opinion on the proposal, although this does not yet mean final construction approval.

(Almost) a green light

There were concerns within the club that all these issues would significantly delay the project’s approval and, consequently, its implementation. In June, however, the government designated the stadium a strategic investment–one of vital importance to the country given its role in hosting a major tournament such as the 2032 EURO’s. Thanks to this decision, an expedited administrative process was introduced leading to the issuance of the so-called unified investment permit.

The effects of this decision were not long in coming. Instead of waiting months for bureaucratic decisions, the club received–not a final, but a significant–approval in less than a month. The Lazio Regional Urban Planning Department issued a positive opinion on the technical and economic feasibility study, which is an important step in the authorization process. This is a positive sign, but it does not yet mean final approval.

According to regional authorities, the most important urban planning and landscape issues that arose during the preliminary analysis of the project have already been resolved within the scope of their jurisdiction. More detailed technical aspects are to be refined during subsequent stages of the project’s preparation.

One of the most contentious issues remains the forested area located within the boundaries of the planned project. The region cites analyses conducted by Roma Capitale, which indicate that part of the area considered to be forest is not subject to landscape protection under the Cultural Heritage Code. At the same time, it was noted that the developer will still be required to offset the project’s environmental impact, in accordance with applicable regulations.

The opinion also addressed the issue of traffic volume, one of the main arguments raised by opponents of the project. Although the region acknowledges that the Pietralata district already faces heavy traffic, it considers that the solutions provided for in the project–such as greater use of public transportation and the promotion of sustainable forms of mobility–are sufficient to continue the process of obtaining the necessary approvals.

© AS Roma | After years of disputes, protests and environmental concerns, Roma’s stadium project is gaining momentum. Its recognition as a strategic investment has accelerated procedures, while key urban planning and landscape issues have been preliminarily resolved.