Jubilee of disability: AS Roma for Special meets the men’s first team at Trigoria

AS Roma for Special is an extraordinary team that proudly wears the club’s colours and crest in the 7-a-side football tournaments organised by the FIGC’s Paralympic and Experimental Football Division, as well as in the Lega Unica 8-a-side league. It is one of the highest expressions of AS Roma’s commitment to integration and social inclusion.

The team, formed and managed by Meta Coop, is made up of 17 players aged between 17 and 40 with intellectual and relational disabilities. AS Roma for Special competes annually in a regional tournament with the chance to qualify for a national final, giving less fortunate players the opportunity to experience the excitement of a football season, just like professional footballers. 

To mark the Jubilee of disability on 28 and 29 April, the AS Roma for Special players fulfilled a dream by meeting their heroes in the flesh at Trigoria. This emotional encounter celebrated their hard work since 2023, when AS Roma chose to “adopt” the team led by coach Pietro Morisco and support its sporting journey. 

The team went to Trigoria with the trophy it had just won in the Serie A2 tournament of the Lega Unica 8-a-side league system, which AS Roma offered to keep in the club's Historical Archives along with its other trophies.

“We’re thrilled to have met these extraordinary athletes,” explained Lorenzo Pellegrini. “We may be their role models on the pitch, but I believe they can also be an inspiring example for us through their dedication, passion and daily commitment. We all share the same love for the beautiful game and when football creates opportunities like this, it becomes even more special.” 

Coach Morisco also expressed his gratitude for the day at Trigoria: “Football is a powerful vehicle for raising awareness around disability and facilitating integration and access to sport for all. AS Roma has shown great sensitivity towards inclusivity and we’re so proud to be part of this family and wear the club’s colours on the pitch.”

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AS Roma for Special squad and staff

Goalkeepers

Francesco Orlando

Paolo  Sonno

Defenders

Chiara Antonelli

David Brega

Riccardo Cantiano

Alessandra D'Ercole

Manuela Fusconi 

Midfielders

Simone Castiglia

Cosimo Greco 

Flavio Machta          

Andrea Piccardi

Alessio Vitale

Forwards

Andrea Pilia

Flaminia Ripoli

Stefano Salera

Coach:  Pietro Morisco

Staff: Francesca Di Giuseppe and Augusto Donati