Rome, the eternal city of Italy, is not only known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine but also for its passionate football scene. The city is home to two fierce football teams that dominate the Serie A league – AS Roma and SS Lazio. Let’s dive into these two iconic clubs and explore their history, achievements, and fanbase.
AS Roma
AS Roma, also known as simply Roma, was founded in 1927. The team plays their home matches at the Stadio Olimpico, a stadium they share with their cross-city rivals Lazio. Roma has a strong fanbase known as the “Romanisti” who passionately support their team.
Roma’s iconic symbol is a she-wolf nursing two babies – Romulus and Remus. This symbolizes the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus in ancient mythology.
History:
Roma has a long and storied history in Italian football. They have won Serie A three times – in 1941-42, 1982-83, and most recently in 2000-01. The club has also lifted the Coppa Italia on nine occasions.
One of Roma’s most memorable moments came during the 1983-84 season when they won their first-ever European trophy – the UEFA Cup (now known as the UEFA Europa League). Led by their iconic captain Francesco Totti, Roma defeated Dundee United in the final to etch their name in European glory.
Rivalry:
The rivalry between AS Roma and SS Lazio is one of the fiercest in Italian football and is often referred to as “The Derby della Capitale” or “The Rome Derby.” Matches between these two teams are highly anticipated and fiercely contested, with intense emotions running high both on and off the pitch.
SS Lazio
SS Lazio, commonly known as Lazio, was founded in 1900. Like Roma, they also call the Stadio Olimpico their home ground. Lazio has a passionate fanbase known as the “Laziali” who rally behind their team with unwavering support.
The club’s emblem features an eagle, representing both power and Roman symbolism. The colors of their kit are sky blue and white, which are also the colors of the city of Rome.
Lazio has experienced success throughout its history. They have won Serie A twice – in 1973-74 and 1999-2000. Additionally, they have won the Coppa Italia seven times.
In 1999-2000, under the management of Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lazio achieved a historic season by winning not only the Serie A title but also lifting the Coppa Italia and UEFA Super Cup trophies.
The rivalry between Lazio and Roma is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and social factors. Derby matches between these two teams often transcend football and reflect the deep-seated divisions within Rome itself. The passion displayed by fans during these matches is truly awe-inspiring but can also lead to occasional incidents of violence.
Conclusion
Rome’s football scene is undoubtedly enriched by its two iconic teams – AS Roma and SS Lazio. The fierce rivalry between them adds an extra layer of excitement to Italian football. Whether you choose to support Roma or Lazio, one thing is for sure – witnessing a Rome Derby live at the Stadio Olimpico is an experience that every football fan should have at least once in their lifetime.