AS Roma (also known as Associazione Sportiva Roma or Roma) is a professional Italian football club which is based in Rome, Italy. AS Roma was founded in 1927 and has played in the top tier of the Italian football since then.

AS Roma home games are played at the Stadio Olimpico stadium which is also used by the rivals, Lazio. The Stadio olimpico stadium is the second largest of its kind in Italy with a capacity of nearly 75,000 seats (the largest stadium is San Siro).

AS Roma won Serie A for the first time in the 1941/42 season, AS Roma has also won Serie A in the 1982/83 and 2000/01 seasons. AS Roma has won more than 8 Coppa Italia titles and several Italian Super Cups. In the 80's, AS Roma reached high league rankinghs which they had not touched since the '40s when AS Roma finished as runners-up to juventus in the 1980/81 season. In the 1982/83 football season, AS Roma won the title for the first time in 41 years. In the following years, AS Roma has finished in the 3rd place in the 1987/88 season. After winning its 7th Coppa Italia in 1991, AS Roma was not measuring up to its traditional standards of performance for the rest of the 90's but in the 2001 AS Roma has rised again and won its 3rd Serie A title. However, AS Roma has failed in protecting the Serie A title in the following season in which AS Roma has ended as runners-up to Juventus.

In 2006, AS Roma fans were very proud in their team when the Serie A Scandal was revealed and it was clearly proved that AS Roma was not involved. Because of the punishments that were handed out in regards to the scandal, AS Roma was classified as runners-up for the 2005/06 season. In the 2 following seasons, AS Roma finished as Serie A runners-up. Eventually, during the 2000's; AS Roma has finished in the top 2 positions more than in any other decade in the AS Roma history.

US Lecce (also known as U.S. Lecce or Unione Sportiva Lecce) is a professional Italian football club based in Lecce, Italy. US Lecce was founded in 1908 as Sporting Club Lecce. In its first years, US Lecce mostly played in regional leagues and competitions and until the 1980's the team played in Serie B and Serie C.

US Lecce achieved its promotion to Serie A for the first time in the club's history in 1985 but finished at the bottom of the table and the team was relegated to play the next season in Serie B. US Lecce returned to Serie A only in 1988 and finished in the 9th place; this time, US Lecce remained in Serie A for 3 seasons before being relegated again.

US Lecce achieved promotion back to Serie A for the 1993/94 season and again finished at the bottom of the table; the second relegation came the following year. US Lecce returned to Serie A in 1999 for the next three years and was relegated again in the fourth year but returned to Serie A in 2003.

In the 2004/05 season, US Lecce finished at the 10th position and at the end of the 2005/06 season, the team was relegated to Serie B after finishing in the 19th place. The 2006/07 season started somewhat better for Lecce and eventually, the team finished the season in mid-table at the 9th place of the Serie B table.

During the 2007/08 season US Lecce had to fight to achieve promotion to Serie A for the next season; at the end of the season, US Lecce secured its place in the final and then won the first leg away match before securing a 1-1 draw in the second leg and at the Via del Mare to gain promotion for the eight time.

Roma president Sensi refuses to give up on West Ham midfielder Behrami

AS Roma president Rosella Sensi admits they remain keen on West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami.

Roma were looking to sign the Swiss star from Upton Park, but couldn't match the Hammers' demands.

“Behrami is an important player,” Sensi told Centrosuonosport.

“We did want him but unfortunately the deal could not be sealed. We had to keep our balance.

“I don't know whether we will sign him or not, but never say never.”

Click here for the best West Ham United coverage on the 'net. All your Hammers news and gossip in one spot.

 Mexes casts doubt on long-term Roma future

Philippe Mexes has again cast doubt on his long-term future with AS Roma.

The signing of Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdisso has Mexes concerned over his playing chances.

“Burdisso has returned to Roma and it's obvious that the competition has increased,” Mexes said.

“I risk playing little and my contract is set to expire. Right now, I am seriously considering if it's worth prolonging it.

“If I don't get any space in the first half of the season, I could also think about not renewing it. A lot will depend on Blanc's decisions.

“If I were to be in his plans, I would be forced to make a decision - leaving Roma to play or staying in the capital where I have been for a very long time.

“I have to consider many things, like for example, the fact I am 28 and I want to play for France at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Roma captain Totti rules out coaching

Francesco Totti has no idea what he'll do when he hangs up the boots at AS Roma.

Totti retired from the Italy squad after the World Cup in 2006, but is still going strong in Serie A.

He said: “I have never considered what I’ll do when I retire. I don’t even dream of it at night. I still feel like a football player.

“The day I realise I’m not myself anymore and can no longer do on the pitch what I can do now, then I’ll be the first to throw in the towel.

“I don’t want to end up on the bench, the kind of person who plays 10 games per season. As soon as I feel that I am no longer Totti, I’ll step aside from everything.

“Of course, I hope that doesn’t happen for a long time.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Preziosi admits Genoa could have signed Roma midfielder Baptista

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi admits they passed on the chance of signing AS Roma midfielder Julio Baptista.

The Rossoblu were the kings of the transfer market with a series of big summer signings, but there were almost even more.

Preziosi said: “On the afternoon of deadline day we had the option of picking up Baptista from Roma, but overall I think we did what we wanted to within our capabilities.”

 Roma captain Totti not thinking of retirement

AS Roma captain Francesco Totti insists he has no thoughts of retirement.

The Roma legend is now 34 and has been linked with Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but will see out his career with his hometown club.

“I never regretted staying in my city and the team I always supported,” he told La Repubblica newspaper.

“It wasn’t easy, as there are pros and cons to this situation. I have the advantage of knowing everything, down to every blade of grass, of this environment.

“I also have the disadvantage of always being the centre of attention. But I am proud of my choice, which was made with the heart and the head.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Behrami: West Ham can count on my commitment

Valon Behrami insists he won't be found wanting for West Ham United, despite not getting his move to AS Roma this week.

The 25-year-old especially wants to repay the supporters who have appreciated his whole-hearted approach since he first signed from S.S. Lazio two years ago.

"After the transfer window was closed," he told whufc.com. "Everything was OK for me. I am concentrating 100 per cent to give this club good results. There is nothing more in my head.

"In the last three weeks, the manager and the chairman have both helped me a lot because they understood the situation. Of course in football, there is the business side as well. We didn't find the right solution for the club and for me.

"I now just want to try to help everyone here, the people who have helped me with a difficult moment [in my life]. Now we as a team are in a difficult moment and I give everything.

"I feel that the fans understand my situation and they will help me like they did in my first two years at West Ham. And they will also do that for the third year. They know I try to give 100 per cent, sometimes it was good, sometimes not - but if we are all together I feel we can do something good this year."

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Fabio Zambrela returns to Newcastle after Roma spell

Fabio Zambrela has slipped quietly back to Newcastle United.

The Evening Chronicle says Italian striker Zambrela is now back at United after a loan stint with AS Roma last season.

Zambrela was signed during the controversial Dennis Wise era.

Need your Newcastle United news fix? Click here for all Toon news and transfer rumours.

 Agent: Man City boss Mancini wanted Roma signing Borriello

The agent of AC Milan striker Marco Borriello has revealed the interest of Manchester City.

Borriello signed on-loan with AS Roma on transfer deadline day this week.

"It could have ended differently," said Borriello's agent Tiberio Cavalleri to Corriere dello Sport.

"On Monday, I had a call from (Manchester City coach Roberto) Mancini saying he wanted the player (Borriello) to go to Manchester City.

"On Tuesday, Real Madrid made an approach but then (Real's Karim) Benzema said no to (a move to) Marseille and that's when Roma came into the picture."

Need your Manchester City news fix? Click here for all City news and transfer rumours.

 Behrami admits he was ready to leave West Ham

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami admits he was ready to return to Italy this week.

The Swiss star held talks with AS Roma - but the Italian club were unable to sell players to raise the funds.

Behrami, 25, said: "I am disappointed the deal failed to go through - that is for certain.

"Avram Grant gave me his permission to speak with Roma.

"But he also said he needs me, with West Ham bottom of the table.

"I'm sure I'll still get to play for them."

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 AC Milan striker Borriello: Roma move dream come true

AC Milan striker Marco Borriello is delighted with his move to AS Roma.

Borriello has signed with Roma on a season-long loan.

He said: “Roma spoke to me about their plans, their strategies. Rosella Sensi spoke to me with heart, Roma didn't make me feel just like a number.

“I have Roma in my blood. I want to make the fans happy. I have realised my life's dream.

“I am happy. I chose Roma because I know that it's a permanent transfer. Roma believed in me and I count on repaying them.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Roma chief Montali: We believe in Mexes

AS Roma chief Giampaolo Montali says Philippe Mexes still has a big future at the club.

Despite a summer of transfer speculation, Montali insists they are counting on the French defender long-term.

Montali said: “We are focusing on him. He still has a year left on his contract. Prolonging it is our priority, I want to make that clear.

“We will occupy ourselves with that in the next few weeks.

“Mexes will not leave in January. He is unsellable.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Roma reveal late bid for West Ham’s Behrami

AS Roma made a late bid for West Ham United’s Valon Behrami it has been revealed.

The Italian club’s lawyer Antonio Conte admitted that the capital club were unsuccessful in their pursuit of the Switzerland international on the final day of the transfer window.

"(Roma's) President Rosella Sensi and other executives tried to sign Behrami yesterday," Conte told Centro Suono Sport.

"(Roma sporting director Daniele) Prade tried until the end but there were problems of time as well as some missed assignments that were required for Roma to conclude the deal."

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 West Ham midfielder Behrami had bags packed for Italy

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami had his bags packed for Italy yesterday.

TMW says Behrami was ready to fly to Rome for a medical with AS Roma, but the capital club couldn't convince the Hammers to part with the Swiss.

Roma offered goalkeeper Alexandre Doni in part exchange, but West Ham weren't interested.

Palermo also made an attempt offering their Brazilian keeper Rubinho, but again West Ham weren't keen.

Behrami will now wait until January to return to Italy.

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 West Ham rejected Roma fullback Cicinho

West Ham United turned down the chance to sign AS Roma fullback Cicinho yesterday.

Roma included the former Real Madrid defender in their bid for Valon Behrami, but it wasn't enough for West Ham.

In the end, the Hammers snapped up Blackburn Rovers defender Lars Jacobsen on a free transfer.

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Galliani: Man City winger Robinho a gift from Berlusconi to AC Milan fans

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says the signing of Manchester City winger Robinho is a gift from Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi to the club's fans.

Robinho completed the surprise move yesterday, just days after Milan had also spent big on former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Galliani said: "This purchase was a gift from Berlusconi. We were pondering what to do and he told me to proceed with the operation even if the transfer of Marco Borriello (who eventually joined AS Roma) wasn't going to happen.

"The cost of Robinho? €18 million plus bonuses."

Need your Manchester City news fix? Click here for all City news and transfer rumours.

 Roma president Sensi refuses to give up on West Ham midfielder Behrami

AS Roma president Rosella Sensi admits they remain keen on West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami.

Roma were looking to sign the Swiss star from Upton Park, but couldn't match the Hammers' demands.

“Behrami is an important player,” Sensi told Centrosuonosport.

“We did want him but unfortunately the deal could not be sealed. We had to keep our balance.

“I don't know whether we will sign him or not, but never say never.”

Click here for the best West Ham United coverage on the 'net. All your Hammers news and gossip in one spot.

 Mexes casts doubt on long-term Roma future

Philippe Mexes has again cast doubt on his long-term future with AS Roma.

The signing of Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdisso has Mexes concerned over his playing chances.

“Burdisso has returned to Roma and it's obvious that the competition has increased,” Mexes said.

“I risk playing little and my contract is set to expire. Right now, I am seriously considering if it's worth prolonging it.

“If I don't get any space in the first half of the season, I could also think about not renewing it. A lot will depend on Blanc's decisions.

“If I were to be in his plans, I would be forced to make a decision - leaving Roma to play or staying in the capital where I have been for a very long time.

“I have to consider many things, like for example, the fact I am 28 and I want to play for France at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Roma captain Totti rules out coaching

Francesco Totti has no idea what he'll do when he hangs up the boots at AS Roma.

Totti retired from the Italy squad after the World Cup in 2006, but is still going strong in Serie A.

He said: “I have never considered what I’ll do when I retire. I don’t even dream of it at night. I still feel like a football player.

“The day I realise I’m not myself anymore and can no longer do on the pitch what I can do now, then I’ll be the first to throw in the towel.

“I don’t want to end up on the bench, the kind of person who plays 10 games per season. As soon as I feel that I am no longer Totti, I’ll step aside from everything.

“Of course, I hope that doesn’t happen for a long time.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Preziosi admits Genoa could have signed Roma midfielder Baptista

Genoa president Enrico Preziosi admits they passed on the chance of signing AS Roma midfielder Julio Baptista.

The Rossoblu were the kings of the transfer market with a series of big summer signings, but there were almost even more.

Preziosi said: “On the afternoon of deadline day we had the option of picking up Baptista from Roma, but overall I think we did what we wanted to within our capabilities.”

 Roma captain Totti not thinking of retirement

AS Roma captain Francesco Totti insists he has no thoughts of retirement.

The Roma legend is now 34 and has been linked with Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but will see out his career with his hometown club.

“I never regretted staying in my city and the team I always supported,” he told La Repubblica newspaper.

“It wasn’t easy, as there are pros and cons to this situation. I have the advantage of knowing everything, down to every blade of grass, of this environment.

“I also have the disadvantage of always being the centre of attention. But I am proud of my choice, which was made with the heart and the head.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Behrami: West Ham can count on my commitment

Valon Behrami insists he won't be found wanting for West Ham United, despite not getting his move to AS Roma this week.

The 25-year-old especially wants to repay the supporters who have appreciated his whole-hearted approach since he first signed from S.S. Lazio two years ago.

"After the transfer window was closed," he told whufc.com. "Everything was OK for me. I am concentrating 100 per cent to give this club good results. There is nothing more in my head.

"In the last three weeks, the manager and the chairman have both helped me a lot because they understood the situation. Of course in football, there is the business side as well. We didn't find the right solution for the club and for me.

"I now just want to try to help everyone here, the people who have helped me with a difficult moment [in my life]. Now we as a team are in a difficult moment and I give everything.

"I feel that the fans understand my situation and they will help me like they did in my first two years at West Ham. And they will also do that for the third year. They know I try to give 100 per cent, sometimes it was good, sometimes not - but if we are all together I feel we can do something good this year."

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Fabio Zambrela returns to Newcastle after Roma spell

Fabio Zambrela has slipped quietly back to Newcastle United.

The Evening Chronicle says Italian striker Zambrela is now back at United after a loan stint with AS Roma last season.

Zambrela was signed during the controversial Dennis Wise era.

Need your Newcastle United news fix? Click here for all Toon news and transfer rumours.

 Agent: Man City boss Mancini wanted Roma signing Borriello

The agent of AC Milan striker Marco Borriello has revealed the interest of Manchester City.

Borriello signed on-loan with AS Roma on transfer deadline day this week.

"It could have ended differently," said Borriello's agent Tiberio Cavalleri to Corriere dello Sport.

"On Monday, I had a call from (Manchester City coach Roberto) Mancini saying he wanted the player (Borriello) to go to Manchester City.

"On Tuesday, Real Madrid made an approach but then (Real's Karim) Benzema said no to (a move to) Marseille and that's when Roma came into the picture."

Need your Manchester City news fix? Click here for all City news and transfer rumours.

 Behrami admits he was ready to leave West Ham

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami admits he was ready to return to Italy this week.

The Swiss star held talks with AS Roma - but the Italian club were unable to sell players to raise the funds.

Behrami, 25, said: "I am disappointed the deal failed to go through - that is for certain.

"Avram Grant gave me his permission to speak with Roma.

"But he also said he needs me, with West Ham bottom of the table.

"I'm sure I'll still get to play for them."

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 AC Milan striker Borriello: Roma move dream come true

AC Milan striker Marco Borriello is delighted with his move to AS Roma.

Borriello has signed with Roma on a season-long loan.

He said: “Roma spoke to me about their plans, their strategies. Rosella Sensi spoke to me with heart, Roma didn't make me feel just like a number.

“I have Roma in my blood. I want to make the fans happy. I have realised my life's dream.

“I am happy. I chose Roma because I know that it's a permanent transfer. Roma believed in me and I count on repaying them.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Roma chief Montali: We believe in Mexes

AS Roma chief Giampaolo Montali says Philippe Mexes still has a big future at the club.

Despite a summer of transfer speculation, Montali insists they are counting on the French defender long-term.

Montali said: “We are focusing on him. He still has a year left on his contract. Prolonging it is our priority, I want to make that clear.

“We will occupy ourselves with that in the next few weeks.

“Mexes will not leave in January. He is unsellable.”

Need your AS Roma news fix? Click here for all Roma news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Roma reveal late bid for West Ham’s Behrami

AS Roma made a late bid for West Ham United’s Valon Behrami it has been revealed.

The Italian club’s lawyer Antonio Conte admitted that the capital club were unsuccessful in their pursuit of the Switzerland international on the final day of the transfer window.

"(Roma's) President Rosella Sensi and other executives tried to sign Behrami yesterday," Conte told Centro Suono Sport.

"(Roma sporting director Daniele) Prade tried until the end but there were problems of time as well as some missed assignments that were required for Roma to conclude the deal."

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 West Ham midfielder Behrami had bags packed for Italy

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami had his bags packed for Italy yesterday.

TMW says Behrami was ready to fly to Rome for a medical with AS Roma, but the capital club couldn't convince the Hammers to part with the Swiss.

Roma offered goalkeeper Alexandre Doni in part exchange, but West Ham weren't interested.

Palermo also made an attempt offering their Brazilian keeper Rubinho, but again West Ham weren't keen.

Behrami will now wait until January to return to Italy.

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 West Ham rejected Roma fullback Cicinho

West Ham United turned down the chance to sign AS Roma fullback Cicinho yesterday.

Roma included the former Real Madrid defender in their bid for Valon Behrami, but it wasn't enough for West Ham.

In the end, the Hammers snapped up Blackburn Rovers defender Lars Jacobsen on a free transfer.

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Galliani: Man City winger Robinho a gift from Berlusconi to AC Milan fans

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says the signing of Manchester City winger Robinho is a gift from Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi to the club's fans.

Robinho completed the surprise move yesterday, just days after Milan had also spent big on former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Galliani said: "This purchase was a gift from Berlusconi. We were pondering what to do and he told me to proceed with the operation even if the transfer of Marco Borriello (who eventually joined AS Roma) wasn't going to happen.

"The cost of Robinho? €18 million plus bonuses."

Need your Manchester City news fix? Click here for all City news and transfer rumours.

 

Lecce away at AC Milan - Follow LIVE text commentary
Lecce away at AC Milan Follow all the action as Lecce travel away to AC Milan in the Italy Serie A on 29-Aug-2010...

 De Canio handed Lecce reins
Lecce have sacked coach Mario Beretta and brought in Luigi De Canio to try and engineer an escape from the threat of relegation to Serie B...

 Lecce away at AC Milan - Follow LIVE text commentary
Lecce away at AC Milan Follow all the action as Lecce travel away to AC Milan in the Italy Serie A on 29-Aug-2010...

 De Canio handed Lecce reins
Lecce have sacked coach Mario Beretta and brought in Luigi De Canio to try and engineer an escape from the threat of relegation to Serie B...