Baldissoni proud of new Stadio della Roma plans

AS Roma today moved another step closer to breaking ground on Stadio della Roma. As a lifelong AS Roma fan, will you have any mixed emotions about leaving Stadio Olimpico when the time comes?

“Stadio Olimpico has been home to AS Roma for such a long time that certainly a strong bond exists - I still remember with affection how the stadium was before the renovation for the 1990 World Cup. However, the excitement for the new infrastructure is so big that I’m sure it will prevail over any other emotions.”

Can you recall your first ever visit to Stadio Olimpico?

“My father started taking me to AS Roma games when I was a little kid. I was less than 1m tall and I had no rights to a proper seat! I'm not sure what game was the first one I attended but I clearly remember players like Loris Boni (for his big mustache, I guess), Walter Casaroli and Giorgio Morini.”

Do you have a favorite memory inside the Stadio Olimpico?

“I have many good memories obviously but I tend to consider my favorite moments when we as fans stood up for the team despite negative results. I remember, for instance, the Cup Winners' Cup quarter-final game versus Bayern Munich in 1985, when we were chanting continuously for a big part of the game, under the rain and despite the negative score.

“Or the return match of the Coppa Italia final vs Torino in 1993, when both the fans and the players remained on the stands and on the field for at least half an hour after the end of the game, thanking each other, despite the failed comeback in the score. Very touching moments.”

And the lowest moment supporting Roma at Stadio Olimpico?

“There can't be a low moment in supporting AS Roma.”

The new stadium promises to be one of the best sports stadiums in the world. How proud are you that it will be home to AS Roma?

“I think that proud is the right word. I'm very proud to associate Roma to any excellence. I always look at the away fans’ section in our stadium when we chant the Roma song and spread out our scarves right before the game, because I'm proud to see them taking pictures of us. I can imagine how astonished they will be when they take a seat in the new venue and how many pictures they will have to take.”

The fan experience will be exceptional but what impact do you think it will have on the Roma players when they play in the stadium for the first time?

“I’ve seen Roma fans pushing the players ahead so many times at Stadio Olimpico. I expect to see players lifted by the wave of enthusiasm generated by the fans in the new stadium and fly.”

Are the players excited about the prospect of playing in the new stadium?

“They are really excited. They often ask about the status of the project and clearly they would love to play there for Roma.”