Roma’s week carries the weight of old ties, beginning with José Mourinho’s return to the Olimpico with Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday 14 October and continuing three days later with Daniele De Rossi arriving as Genoa’s representative in Serie A.
For De Rossi, the Saturday 17 October meeting will have a particular emotional edge. The former Roma captain is set to receive recognition from a stadium that was once his home, although Genoa will travel without the usual backing from supporters in Liguria.
Quick facts
- Roma host Real Madrid, led by former Giallorossi coach José Mourinho, in the Champions League on Wednesday 14 October.
- Genoa visit the Olimpico for the Serie A fixture on Saturday 17 October.
- Daniele De Rossi returns to Roma as part of the Genoa party.
- Ticket sales have been barred for residents of the Liguria region.
- The away allocation is limited to Genoa C.F.C. loyalty-card holders who do not live in Liguria.
The restrictions were imposed by the Rome Prefecture on public-order grounds. The security assessment judged the fixture to carry a high level of risk after previous meetings between the two fan groups had led to disorder.
There is an additional complication in the capital on the same day. BC Roma Basket face Umana Venezia Basket, bringing Venezia supporters to the city at the same time as Genoa’s visit.
Authorities noted that some Venezia basketball followers are close to ultras associated with Venezia’s football team, whose relationship with Genoa supporters is particularly hostile. Genoa’s rivalry with Lazio fans was also considered a concern, with the possibility that the presence of Ligurian supporters in Rome could prompt reprisals.
De Rossi’s return will therefore unfold in a tightly controlled setting: a former Roma figure welcomed back by the Giallorossi public, but without the travelling support that would normally accompany his current club for a league afternoon at the Olimpico.
