Official: Roma vs Lazio Given New Date as Prefect Intervenes
· Yahoo Sports
The Derby della Capitale between Roma and Lazio has been moved to a new date after the latest twist in the Serie A scheduling chaos.
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Roma Derby Timing Causing Major Stir
The Biancocelesti are currently preparing to play Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday, so playing the Derby on Saturday was never an option. While Sunday afternoon would have been the ideal timing, it proved to be an impossible solution due to the Italian Open (a global tennis tournament taking place in the same sports complex as the Stadio Olimpico).
Therefore, the Lega Serie A decided to place this fixture on Sunday’s early kickoff (12:30 CET), much to the dismay of Maurizio Sarri, who had threatened to boycott all media activities before and after the game. Moreover, Rome’s Police Chief had expressed his concern about orgainizing two major events within the same area on the same day.
Roma vs Lazio to Take Place on Monday Evening
On Tuesday, the Prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, decided to take matters into his own hands, forcing the game to be moved to Monday evening (20:45 CET). The Capitoline Prefecture explained the decision announcement. citing concerns over public safety and traffic congestion.
In light of the assessments carried out by the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Safety, with particular reference to aspects related to the management of public order and urban mobility in conjunction with a world-class event such as the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, currently underway at the Foro Italico, it has been decided that the Roma-Lazio football match will be played on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 8:45 p.m.
Lega Serie A Preparing an Appeal?
According to Il Corriere dell Sport, there could be another twist in the tale, as the Lega Serie A could appeal the decision in front of the Regional Administrative Court, which, in the case, would have to deliver a verdict by Thursday.
It should be noted that this decision doesn’t only impact Roma and Lazio, but four other fixtures that must be played simultaneously to avoid any advantages in the race for European spots. These matches are Pisa-Napoli, Juventus-Fiorentina, Genoa-Milan, and Como-Parma.