The toll from clashes between violent fans and police at the weekend’s Rome derby includes 24 law enforcement officers injured, one arrest and at least 40,000 euros ($45,000) in damaged garbage dumpsters.

Officials in the capital were still trying to sum up the damages after fans on Sunday attacked police in riot gear in a heavily populated area where people had been gathering ahead of the Serie A game between Lazio and Roma.

“I am disgusted,” said Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. “It’s unacceptable that hooligans transform a day of sport into a scene of urban warfare.”

Some 2,000 police officers were stationed at various flashpoints around the Stadio Olimpico and swept into action when Lazio’s hard-core “ultra” fans attempted to push through a barred-off area.

Fans reacted to the intervention by launching fireworks and other objects at the police officers. Police then responded with tear gas and water cannons.

The derby was restored to an 8:45 p.m. kickoff this season after six years of earlier start times in order to avoid violence. Now next year’s games will likely start earlier again.

Lazio and Roma both expressed solidarity with the injured police officers and denounced the violence.

The game ended 1-1.

The Rome derby has been plagued by violence for years.

In 2004, the derby was suspended due to a false rumor that police had killed a boy outside the stadium.

In January, a car went up in flames outside the stadium before this season’s first derby.

AP

The post Rome derby clashes likened to ‘urban warfare’ with 24 police officers injured appeared first on Inside Politic.

The firing of a club hero, planned protests and now the resignation of the CEO — chaos continues to reign at Roma.

A frenetic week continued at the capital club on Sunday as CEO and general manager Lina Souloukou resigned amid reports she played a major part in coach Daniele De Rossi’s surprise dismissal.

Roma fired De Rossi on Wednesday and hired Ivan Jurić in a move that was surprising despite the Giallorossi going winless in their opening four Italian league matches.

Fans were outraged at the decision to fire their beloved former captain and there are protests planned for Sunday’s match at home to in-form Udinese. The Curva Sud will stay outside the stadium for the first half hour of the match, while fans in other sectors will be there from the start but limit their support to the second half.

Many directed their ire at Souloukou, believing that a falling out over the summer — partly due to transfer strategy — was a major reason why De Rossi was let go so early in the campaign. The now former Roma CEO reportedly had to have a security detail over the past few days.

“AS Roma announces today that CEO Lina Souloukou has stepped down from her role,” Roma said in a brief statement. “We thank Lina for her dedicated service during a critical period for the club and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

“The ownership remains fully committed to AS Roma’s growth and success, with continued focus on the values that make our club so special.”

Owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin have never spoken publicly in the four years since they purchased Roma from fellow American James Pallotta and have not explained why they fired De Rossi.

De Rossi was hired in January to replace the fired Jose Mourinho and impressed so much during the second half of last season that he was given a contract extension in June through 2026-27 — something Souloukou was reportedly hesitant about.

Souloukou had only taken the role at Roma in April 2023 having previously worked in the same position at Greek club Olympiacos.

AP

The post Chaos continues to reign at Roma as CEO Lina Souloukou resigns amid fan anger appeared first on Inside Politic.

“After meeting yesterday afternoon with Daniele De Rossi, we are delighted to announce he will continue as head coach of AS Roma after this season and for the foreseeable future,” the Friedkins said in a statement. “In his short tenure as head coach, the positive impact that his leadership has brought to the entire club has told its own story.”

When De Rossi, a former Roma captain, took over for the fired Jose Mourinho in January with a contract through the end of the season, Roma was languishing in ninth place and at risk of missing out on qualifying for Europe. Under De Rossi, Roma has surged to fifth place and is in contention for a Champions League spot.

In 16 games across all competitions under De Rossi, Roma has won 11, drawn three and lost two. The only defeat under De Rossi in Serie A came against Italian leader Inter Milan, with the other loss being a 1-0 defeat to Brighton in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 after Roma had virtually secured advancement with a 4-0 victory in the opening leg.

The owners’ announcement comes ahead of a Europa League quarterfinal second leg against AC Milan later Thursday — with Roma holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

“We couldn’t be happier to build a long-term project with Daniele,” the Friedkins said. “Further details to follow in the coming days.”

AP

The post Daniele De Rossi’s contract at Roma is extended just 3 months after replacing Jose Mourinho appeared first on Inside Politic.