Matteo Todisco writes for The Atlantic Dispatch about AS Roma, Football Culture, being Milanese and the Art of Football Fashion
There’s a saying among AS Roma fans: Nun se po’ spiegà—“It cannot be explained.”
That’s exactly how it feels to support Roma. It’s not about logic, it’s about instinct.
For me, a Milanese creative with a Roman heart, the club has always been there, quietly shaping an identity that blends the best of two worlds.
While Milan is polished and precise, Rome is raw and deeply rooted in popular culture. The people are direct, honest, and rarely try to impress—unlike their northern counterparts.
Romans live with an unwavering belief that their city is the best in the world, and they’re not leaving anytime soon.
That confidence is infectious. Food dominates the conversation, even when plates are full. The sea lingers in the background. It’s a place that moves at its own rhythm, chaotic but completely captivating.
Experiencing Rome As a Local
First-time visitors often stick to Centro Storico, checking off the ancient sites.
But the real Rome is found in the suburbs—the Rioni—where everyday life unfolds.
Take a walk through Testaccio, a working-class neighbourhood where football and food intertwine.
It’s here that you’ll find Roman cuisine at its most authentic—places that perfect Carciofi alla Giudia without overcomplicating tradition.
The Art of Football Shirts
Football fashion is more than just kits—it’s a statement. The Roma shirt, especially from the early 2000s, carries nostalgia, style, and identity all in one.
It’s effortlessly wearable, and easily paired with classic staples. More than just a piece of sportswear, it reflects an era, a moment in time when Roma’s football had a distinct swagger.
The Stadio Olimpico Effect
Matchdays in Rome are an event. For those lucky enough to be near Flaminio, the stadium feels like an extension of the city itself.
On derby day, everything stops. It’s not just a game—it’s a collective experience, a city-wide obsession. It’s what makes Roma, and its football culture, impossible to explain—but impossible to ignore.
ALL WORDS BY MATTEO TODISCO WHO CAN FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @TODMATTEO
PHOTOGRAPHER MICHELE STROPPA WHO YOU CAN FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @michele_stroppa