Campo Testaccio in Rome: A Long-Awaited Revival
Rome, April 12 – Campo Testaccio, the historic heart of Roman football, is finally set for a comprehensive revitalization. After years of neglect, the project to transform the iconic site has received crucial approvals from the Municipality and Commission, paving the way for a Services Conference scheduled for Thursday. This formal step is the culmination of extensive discussions, particularly with the Superintendence, signaling a new chapter for the Testaccio district.
Community Hopes and Cautions
Yuri Trombetti, president of the Heritage Commission and a long-time advocate for the field’s return to the city, expressed optimism: “Finally, we are here: after the green light from the Council, we await the project.” The proposed plans include a new piazza, a bar-restaurant, a ‘light’ underground car park, a gym, a padel area, and potentially a museum dedicated to AS Roma memorabilia. The news of the project’s unblocking has rekindled hope among residents, though some remain cautious given past delays.
“We hope they keep their promise this time,” whispered residents among the public housing blocks of Via Caio Cestio. Simona Ridolfi, a mother and volunteer at the Salesian oratory, lamented, “This story of reopening has been going on forever. Now that place is a jungle, and we’ve resigned ourselves to taking the bus to take our children to training.” Vincenzo Giannetti, president of Asd Don Bosco Testaccio, added, “Our football school at the parish field of Santa Maria Liberatrice has always kept sport alive in the area, offering an alternative for those without a car to reach Garbatella or Trastevere. We would all be happy if children could play close to home again.”
A Community-Wide Chorus of Support
The sentiment is echoed throughout the neighborhood. Tonino, a Lazio fan and newsagent, remarked, “Instead of so many years of abandonment, wouldn’t it have been better to leave us the small fields for the kids? Today it’s all dark, and when you walk, you have to cross yourself.” At Nasini’s butcher shop, near the family business that earned Claudio Ranieri the nickname ‘er Fettina,’ the chorus is unanimous. “If it were true, it would be good for the whole neighborhood,” exclaimed Valerio Riggi. His brother, Marco, explained, “It’s a field that conveys unique emotions even to the little ones. I still remember when I scored with a chip like Totti.”
Alessandro Santagà, pizzaiolo at the historic pizzeria Da Remo, who also scored in that very goal, added, “Maybe they would restart a football school.” However, for Testaccio’s Roma fans, the priority is the indissoluble link with the Giallorossi team. “Campo Testaccio represents Rome and Roman identity,” stated Manuel Mariani, president of the Roma Club. “No padel, no fitness, we want homage to be paid to AS Roma.”
Next Steps and Future Prospects
The deliberation, championed by the Capitol’s Sports Councillor Alessandro Onorato, will now proceed to the Services Conference. This marks a significant step forward in a process that has been stalled for years. The project aims not only to restore a vital community space but also to honor the historical and cultural significance of Campo Testaccio to Rome and its football heritage.
The community eagerly awaits the realization of these plans, hoping that this time, the promises made will finally come to fruition, transforming a neglected area into a vibrant hub for sport, culture, and community life.
