Italian Interior Ministry Requests Postponement of Rome Derby Between Roma and Lazio Due to Security Concerns - Elbotola
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Italian Interior Ministry Requests Postponement of Rome Derby Between Roma and Lazio Due to Security Concerns

Italian Interior Ministry Requests Postponement of Rome Derby Between Roma and Lazio Due to Security Concerns

G. E (Elbotola)
14 April 2026at12:00

The Italian Interior Ministry has requested a change to the schedule of the Rome derby between AS Roma and SS Lazio, originally set for May 17 as part of Serie A's 37th (penultimate) matchday.

The Ministry submitted an official request to move the match to Monday, May 18, at 6:00 PM, instead of its initial date. This proposal aims to ensure more effective public order management, given the security challenges associated with this highly anticipated fixture.

Italian authorities clarified that the request stems from the match coinciding with the Italian Open Tennis Championships, which take place in the Foro Italico area adjacent to the Olympic Stadium. The Ministry also emphasized the need to avoid historical tensions between the two clubs' fan bases, particularly at a time when the area experiences a significant influx of fans for various sports.

In this regard, a spokesperson for the Italian Interior Ministry stated: "The match will not be held in the evening," indicating a preference for fans to disperse during daylight hours.

Conversely, the managements of both AS Roma and SS Lazio have expressed their opposition to the proposed date change. Reports suggest that both clubs prefer to adhere to the pre-determined domestic competition schedule. The Interior Ministry is expected to make a final decision on the matter in the coming days, especially as the previous derby in January 2025 also saw a similar timing adjustment for security reasons following clashes between supporters.

These developments recall the organizational difficulties experienced in the Italian capital last year during a Lazio vs. Juventus match, when the exit of tennis fans coincided with the entry of football supporters into the stadium. This reinforces authorities' concerns about a repeat scenario, given the significant sensitivity surrounding top-tier matches in Rome and their direct impact on traffic and security in areas surrounding sports venues.

Why has the Rome derby between Roma and Lazio been requested to be postponed?

The Rome derby between Roma and Lazio has been requested to be postponed by the Italian Interior Ministry due to significant security concerns. Authorities cited the match's original date coinciding with the Italian Open Tennis Championships and historical fan tensions as key reasons for the proposed schedule change.

How does the proposed Rome derby postponement impact the clubs involved?

The proposed Rome derby postponement impacts both AS Roma and SS Lazio as both clubs have expressed opposition to the date change. They prefer to adhere to the pre-determined domestic competition schedule, indicating potential disruption to their preparations and league rhythm.

What is the next step regarding the Rome derby's potential schedule change?

The next step regarding the Rome derby's potential schedule change involves the Italian Interior Ministry making a final decision in the coming days. This decision is highly anticipated, especially given previous derby timing adjustments for security reasons and similar past organizational difficulties.
AS Roma
Lazio
Italian Serie A

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