Schedule chaos: Roma ‘working tirelessly’ to ensure derby is played on Sunday, date still unconfirmed | OneFootball

Roma have released a statement confirming that they are ‘working tirelessly’ to ensure that the upcoming Derby della Capitale against rivals Lazio is played on Sunday rather than Monday, as the date and times of five Serie A matches are still unconfirmed just days before the games have to be played.

The penultimate round of 2025-26 Serie A fixtures has been a logistical disaster: With less than two days remaining before the 37th round of fixtures is meant to kick off, the date and times of five different matches have still not been confirmed.

The issue centres around the upcoming derby between Roma and Lazio, which will clash with the men’s final of the Italian Open, being played at the same complex that houses the Stadio Olimpico, if it is played on Sunday.

This is a safety and security concern given that over 100,000 supporters are expected to attend between the two events, and that doesn’t account for the fact that President Sergio Mattarella is expected to attend the Italian Open final, which in itself is a major security operation.

As a result, the local authorities in Rome have ordered for the game to be played on Monday evening, as they have deemed that there is no other possible slot for the Roma vs. Lazio derby to be played. The game cannot be played on Saturday, as Lazio will not have enough time to recover after their Coppa Italia final defeat against Inter on Wednesday night.

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 22: General view outside the stadium prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma at Stadio Olimpico on December 22, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

However, as Roma (5th in Serie A) are still in the mix for a Champions League spot, and knowing that the 37th round of fixtures could be decisive in the battle for the top four, matches involving Napoli (2nd), Juventus (3rd), Milan (4th) and Como (6th) will also have to be played at the same time.

That means that if Roma vs. Lazio is played on Monday night, then Pisa vs. Napoli, Como vs. Parma, Genoa vs. Milan and Juventus vs. Fiorentina will have to be moved as well.

The Lega Serie A proposed on Wednesday that the games be played at 11.00 BST (12.00 local time) on Sunday and that the Italian Open be pushed back in order to create a big enough gap for the derby to be played and for fans to exit safely, but the prefecture in Rome does not approve of this proposal.

For that reason, the issue has been taken to the regional administrative courts (TAR) and an emergency decision will be made within 24-48 hours of the appeal being filed. At the time of writing on Thursday afternoon, a decision over the timing of this weekend’s fixtures has not yet been reached.

Roma statement as Serie A scheduling chaos continues

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Fans of AS Roma show thier support by displaying flags prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on November 30, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Roma have since released a statement on the matter, acknowledging the frustration that the ongoing ordeal has caused among supporters, and confirming that the club are doing everything they can to make sure the game is played on Sunday rather than Monday evening, which is more convenient for the typical match-going fan.

“AS Roma — while maintaining full respect for the decisions that will be taken by the competent Institutions and authorities in accordance with the law — fully understands the legitimate disappointment expressed by its supporters in recent hours,” a club statement read.

“We are fully aware of the sacrifice, passion, and personal commitment involved in following the team, not only for season ticket holders, but above all for those who experience the Stadium as an integral part of their lives.

“For this reason, the Club is working tirelessly through every appropriate channel to ensure that the match can be played on Sunday, in the belief that the rights of every citizen, supporter, and Giallorossi season ticket holder must be protected.

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Roma has always recognized in its fans a unique heritage of belonging, responsibility, and love for these colors. It is precisely in the most complex and difficult moments that the sense of belonging which has always united the team and its supporters takes on an even deeper meaning.

“Whatever the final decision may be, the Club will continue to defend the passion of its supporters with respect and determination, confident in the maturity and attachment that the Romanista people have always demonstrated and which is, and always will be, a unique source of pride for the entire AS Roma.”