Stadio Olimpico

Stadio Olimpico, set within Mussolini's grand Foro Italico sports complex on the banks of the Tiber, is one of European football's most storied multi-purpose stadiums. Originally inaugurated in 1953 as the Stadio dei Centomila (Stadium of the Hundred Thousand) and substantially rebuilt for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, today it has a capacity of 70,634 — the second-largest in Italy after San Siro — and serves as the shared home of AS Roma and SS Lazio, plus the regular venue for the Italy national team and the Coppa Italia final. Few stadiums in Europe have hosted as much elite competition: it has staged the 1960 Olympic opening ceremony, the 1990 World Cup final (West Germany 1-0 Argentina), four UEFA Champions League finals (1977, 1984, 1996, 2009) and the opening match plus a quarter-final of UEFA Euro 2020/2021.

Located about 5 km north-west of Rome's historic centre, the Olimpico is also the cathedral of the Derby della Capitale — the city derby between Roma and Lazio, recognised as one of football's most intense local rivalries. The stadium is part of a broader sports city that includes the Foro Italico tennis complex (host of the Italian Open) and a 1930s marble-clad Mussolini-era architectural ensemble that is itself a Roman landmark. With both Roma and Lazio working through long-term plans for new club-owned stadiums, the Olimpico continues to anchor Rome's footballing identity for the foreseeable future. Whether you're attending a Sunday-night Roma fixture under floodlights, a Lazio Champions League match, or watching Italy at home — and however the visit compares to a trip to Maradona in Naples or Allianz Stadium in Turin — the Olimpico delivers a distinctly Italian matchday: sun, scarves, and operatic singing under the curva.

Construction of what was then called the Stadio dei Centomila began in the late 1930s as part of Mussolini's Foro Italico sports city, but was halted by World War II and only completed in 1953 to a design by Annibale Vitellozzi. The original capacity was around 100,000 (largely standing) and the stadium initially had no roof. Both AS Roma and SS Lazio adopted it as their home from 1953 onwards, replacing earlier grounds (Roma's Campo Testaccio and Lazio's Stadio Nazionale).

The 1960 Rome Olympics

In 1960 the stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the XVII Summer Olympic Games — the events that gave the venue its current name. The 1960 Olympics also produced one of the most famous moments in athletics history when Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia won the marathon barefoot, finishing under the Arch of Constantine.

Champions League Heritage

The Olimpico has hosted four European Cup/Champions League finals: Liverpool 3-1 Borussia Mönchengladbach (1977), Liverpool 1-1 Roma (1984, won by Liverpool on penalties — a particularly painful Roma memory), Juventus 1-1 Ajax (1996, lost on penalties), and Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United (2009). UEFA Euro 1968 and Euro 1980 finals were also held here, as were the opening match and a quarter-final of Euro 2020 (rescheduled to 2021).

The 1990 World Cup Rebuild

For the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the Olimpico was almost completely rebuilt to a design by Studio Vitellozzi — the previous structure was largely demolished, a new roof was added covering the entire seating bowl, and capacity was reduced to roughly 73,000 all-seated. The venue hosted six matches including West Germany's 1-0 final win over Argentina. After UEFA introduced new safety standards in the late 1990s, capacity was further reduced to the current 70,634.

European Adventures of Roma and Lazio

Both Roman clubs have produced memorable European nights at the Olimpico. AS Roma reached the European Cup final in 1984 (lost on penalties at home to Liverpool), the UEFA Cup final in 1991, and most recently won the inaugural UEFA Conference League in 2022 under José Mourinho — a result that triggered scenes of celebration along the Tiber. SS Lazio won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1999 and the 2000 Scudetto in a season climaxed at the Olimpico. The 2003-04 era under Sven-Göran Eriksson and Cesare Maldini, the Totti-Cassano Roma of the early 2000s, and Lazio's Mourinho-era resurgence have all made the venue a regular European football fixture.

The New-Stadium Question

Both Roma and Lazio have long pursued plans to build new club-owned stadiums. Roma's Stadio della Roma project at Pietralata, north-east of the city, advanced through urban planning approvals in 2024-25 and is the more developed proposal. Until any new venue opens, the Olimpico remains the heart of Roman football — and given the historical and architectural importance of the Foro Italico complex, it will continue to host the Italy national team and the Coppa Italia final for the foreseeable future.

How to Get Roma and Lazio Tickets

There are three main ways to attend a match at the Stadio Olimpico:

1. Official Club Tickets (Best Value)

Buy directly from each club, depending on which is the home team:

• AS Roma: asroma.com/en/tickets — general sale opens 2-3 weeks before kickoff
• SS Lazio: sslazio.it/en/tickets — general sale opens 2-3 weeks before kickoff
• Italy national team: vivaticket.com — sale typically 3-4 weeks before match

Prices range from €30 (Curva upper corners) to €150+ (Tribuna Tevere central). Italian rules require nominative tickets with a matching photo ID. Roma's 'Romulus' membership and Lazio's 'Aquile' membership unlock earlier sales windows.

⚠️ Important: Derby della Capitale, Champions League/Europa League knockouts and visits from Inter, Milan, Juventus and Napoli sell out before general sale.

2. Official Hospitality (Guaranteed Access)

Both clubs offer hospitality at the Olimpico — the most reliable route to derbies and European knockouts:

• AS Roma: Tribuna Monte Mario VIP, Premium Tevere — packages from €280
• SS Lazio: Tribuna Tevere Premium, Sky Box — packages from €260

Book via each club's hospitality team; corporate groups should contact the clubs directly.

3. Third-Party Platforms (Sold-Out Matches)

For sold-out fixtures, established platforms aggregate verified resale:

• LiveFootballTickets — Serie A specialists, from €80
• SeatPick — comparison platform across multiple sellers

⚠️ Note: Italian nominative-ticket rules mean some resale tickets cannot be legally transferred. Always verify the seller can re-issue the ticket in your name.

Stadio Olimpico Tour

The Stadio Olimpico Tour is a relatively low-key experience compared to the dedicated club museums at Camp Nou or Allianz Stadium, as the Olimpico is shared. However, both Roma and Lazio operate experiences at the stadium plus their own training-ground museums and tours.

What's Available

• Foro Italico guided walks covering the 1930s architectural ensemble, the marble-clad Stadio dei Marmi, and the Olimpico's exterior
• AS Roma Stadium Tour when arranged by the club — pitch-side, dressing rooms, tunnel access; offered around big home matches
• SS Lazio museum and tour at Formello (training ground) and at the stadium
• Italy national team experiences offered by FIGC around home internationals

Practical Details

• Schedule: Tour availability is irregular — check each club's official website close to your visit
• Price: €15-25 depending on operator and inclusions
• Languages: Italian, English (variable)
• Accessibility: Generally accessible; confirm in advance

Booking

• GetYourGuide — Foro Italico walks from €15
• Viator — combined experiences from €20
• AS Roma: asroma.com/en/stadium-tour
• SS Lazio: sslazio.it

Pro tip: If you want a deep stadium tour experience around your visit, consider pairing the Olimpico with a day-trip to Allianz Stadium in Turin or Maradona in Naples — both have richer dedicated museum offerings.

Quick Tips

• Bring photo ID: Tickets are nominative; mismatched names will be refused
• Big matches: Derbies and European knockouts rarely reach general sale
• Public transport: Tram 2 and dedicated matchday buses are the easiest options
• Avoid touts: Counterfeit nominative tickets are a known problem outside Foro Italico
• Pair with sightseeing: The walk back along the Tiber to central Rome is one of the great post-match strolls in European football

Best Seats at Stadio Olimpico

The Olimpico is a single-tier (with mezzanine) oval bowl with the running track between the stands and the pitch — a layout shared with most multi-purpose European stadiums of its era. The Tribuna Tevere central sections offer the best balance of view, atmosphere and price. Read on for the breakdown by stand.

Curva Sud (South End)

The most iconic stand at the Olimpico — historically the home end for the Roma ultras when Roma is the home team, and the away end for Lazio when Lazio is at home. Distinta Sud Curva sections behind the goal are the loudest. Curva Sud prices typically €30-50 for Serie A. The atmosphere is unmatched in Italian football alongside San Siro's curve.

Curva Nord (North End)

The traditional Lazio ultras end (when Lazio is at home, vice-versa for Roma). Same architectural pattern as the Curva Sud. Prices €30-50. Both curve are known for elaborate tifos in the Derby della Capitale.

Tribuna Tevere (Long Side, East — Tiber Side)

The Tribuna Tevere runs along the long side closest to the river. Sections Tevere Centrale, Parterre and Tevere Top offer excellent halfway-line views. Pricing roughly €55-100 (lower), €45-80 (upper), with central sections being most expensive. The Tribuna Tevere is the focal point of TV cameras.

Tribuna Monte Mario (Long Side, West)

The Tribuna Monte Mario runs along the long side opposite the Tiber, with views toward Monte Mario. Sections include Monte Mario Centrale and Monte Mario Lateral. Pricing similar to Tribuna Tevere (€50-100). The dressing-room tunnel and dugouts are at the south end of this stand.

Tribuna Autorità & Premium

The Tribuna Autorità central section behind the dugouts hosts dignitaries, sponsors and hospitality areas. Premium hospitality runs from around €220 to €500+ for the Derby della Capitale. Each club operates its own hospitality programme depending on the home team.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available across multiple sections with companion seats. Lift access between levels is provided. Contact the home club's accessibility desk in advance.

Pro Tips

• Best atmosphere: Curva Sud (Roma home) or Curva Nord (Lazio home), lower section
• Best balance: Tribuna Tevere central, lower mezzanine
• Best photographs: Tribuna Tevere upper — the curva tifos and Monte Mario hills frame beautifully
• Away fans: Allocated section in the opposite curva upper tier
• Derby della Capitale: Tickets sell out instantly to members; expect to use hospitality
• Italy matches: Tribuna Tevere central is the focal point — book early via vivaticket.com

A matchday at the Stadio Olimpico is one of European football's great atmospheric experiences — Roma or Lazio singing under the Roman sky, the Foro Italico's marble around you, and the curva tifos matching the city's theatrical character.

What to Bring

The Olimpico applies standard Italian league security. Bags larger than A4 (21cm × 30cm) are not permitted; small handbags and rucksacks are subject to search. Prohibited items include large backpacks, umbrellas with rigid handles, professional cameras with detachable lenses, selfie sticks, flares, glass and outside food/drink. Italian regulations require nominative tickets matched to a photo ID — bring a valid passport or ID card. Arrive 45-60 minutes before kickoff; for derbies, 90 minutes.

Pre-Match (2-3 hours before)

The matchday begins around the Foro Italico complex and along Lungotevere Maresciallo Cadorna by the Tiber. The Ponte Duca d'Aosta bridge is the main pedestrian approach from the Flaminio side; the Stadio dei Marmi (with its iconic marble statues) sits just outside the stadium and is part of the pre-match walk. Pre-match bars and restaurants cluster along Via di Villa Madama, Piazza Mancini and Piazza della Libertà. Try Bar Stadio at Lungotevere or the canteens around Piazza Mancini for an authentic Roman pre-match. The atmosphere is theatrical and unmistakably Roman — espressos and supplì (rice balls) until 30 minutes before kickoff.

Inside the Stadium

Gates open roughly 90 minutes before kickoff. Both Roma and Lazio matches feature elaborate pre-match displays, but the Derby della Capitale tifos — particularly from the Curva Sud (Roma) and Curva Nord (Lazio) — are among the most spectacular in European football. Roma fans sing 'Roma Roma Roma', 'Forza Roma', and the iconic 'Grazie Roma' by Antonello Venditti. Lazio fans answer with 'Vola Lazio Vola' and 'Lazio nel cuore'. Both clubs' anthems are performed before kickoff with scarves raised across the bowl.

Food & Drink

Concession kiosks sell traditional Roman matchday fare — supplì (deep-fried rice balls), panini con porchetta (roast pork rolls), pizza al taglio, plus Peroni and Moretti. Prices are reasonable (around €5-7 for panino + drink). Hospitality areas in the Tribuna Autorità offer Roman antipasti and plated dining.

After the Match

Post-match crowds funnel toward Piazzale della Farnesina and the bus interchange, plus the Lungotevere for those walking back to the centre. Allow 20-30 minutes for crowds to clear. For dinner, Prati, Borgo (near the Vatican) and Trastevere all stay lively until late. The Foro Italico itself empties quickly post-match.

International Visitor Tips: Italian rules require nominative tickets matched to a photo ID. The walk back from the Olimpico along the Tiber on a clear evening is one of football's underrated experiences — head south toward Castel Sant'Angelo and you'll be in central Rome in 30-40 minutes on foot. Combine with a morning at the Foro Italico complex (Stadio dei Marmi, fascist-era architecture, Italian Open courts) for context.

Where to Stay for Stadio Olimpico

Near the Stadium (Foro Italico / Flaminio)

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The immediate Foro Italico area is residential, sporty and quiet. Most visitors prefer staying in central Rome or the Prati district just south of the stadium for the better restaurants and walking access to the Vatican and historic centre.

Hotel degli Aranci (Parioli, 2 km)

Four-star villa-style hotel in the upmarket Parioli district just south of Foro Italico. Walking distance to Villa Borghese and a 25-30 minute walk to the stadium along the Tiber. Quiet, elegant, popular with corporate visitors.

Prati (Recommended for Match-Focused Visits)

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The Prati district just south of the stadium combines walking distance to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant'Angelo with a 30-35 minute walk along the Tiber to the Olimpico. The area has excellent restaurants, the daily Trionfale market, and direct metro access (Line A) to the rest of Rome.

Hotel Atlante Star (Prati)

Four-star with rooftop terrace overlooking St. Peter's. Walking distance to the Vatican and the Olimpico (35-minute walk) along the Tiber. Excellent breakfast, dependable service.

The Building Hotel (Prati)

Design-led four-star with stylish rooms and rooftop bar. Excellent location between the Vatican and Piazza del Popolo. Younger feel than the more traditional Roman hotels.

Centro Storico (Recommended for Most Visitors)

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For most visitors balancing football with sightseeing, central Rome around the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, or Trastevere is the better base — the matchday walk along the Tiber is a highlight in itself, and Rome's restaurants and historic centre are unmatched.

Hotel de Russie (Piazza del Popolo, 4 km)

Five-star Rocco Forte property at Piazza del Popolo with secret garden and Stravinskij Bar. The benchmark luxury option in Rome and ideally placed for the matchday walk along the Tiber to the Olimpico.

Hotel Eden (Spanish Steps, 5 km)

Five-star Dorchester Collection above the Spanish Steps. Rooftop bar with panoramic views, exceptional service. A serious 5-star choice for combining football with high-end Roman tourism.

Our Recommendation

For most visitors, stay in central Rome (Centro Storico, Trastevere or Prati). The matchday walk along the Tiber is one of football's underrated experiences and Rome's restaurants and historic sites are far better explored from a central base. Stadium-area hotels make sense only for purely match-focused trips, and even then Prati offers a better balance than Foro Italico itself.