When it comes to passion, pageantry, and pure football theatre, Rome has few rivals.
The Eternal City is not only home to the fiery rivalry of AS Roma and SS Lazio, but also a perfect gateway to an underrated hotbed of lower-league football scattered across Lazio, Umbria, and Abruzzo.
Whether you want the gladiatorial roar of the Curva (Sud for Roma and Nord for Lazio) or the dusty terraces of a fourth-tier provincial club, Rome delivers a weekend groundhopping experience like no other.
Thanks to its central location, excellent rail links, and sheer density of clubs, Rome lets you mix world-class football with intimate matchday experiences in charming hill towns and regional stadiums that are steeped in community pride.
Add in the city’s unmatched cultural depth, warm Roman hospitality, and an iconic food scene, and you’ve got the recipe for a calcio pilgrimage that goes far beyond the pitch.
Groundhopping options from Rome
Serie A
- AS Roma (Stadio Olimpico) – Historic, volatile, theatrical. The Curva Sud is legendary.
- Lazio (Stadio Olimpico) – Same stadium, totally different identity. Expect an intense atmosphere, especially in derbies. Laziale can be found in the Curva Nord and they provide a fantastic experience.
Serie B (Within 1.5–2 hours by train or car)
- Ascoli – Strong local following and historic identity. About 2 hrs by train.
- Ternana (Terni) – Loud fans, historic working-class pride. ~1 hr by train.
- Perugia – Beautiful setting and passionate ultras. ~2 hrs by regional train (or back in C depending on promotion).
Serie C (Excellent range)
- Latina – An easy trip from Rome (~1 hr); intense fans and southern flavour.
- Monterosi Tuscia – One of the newest clubs in Italian pro football, ~1 hr north.
- Gubbio – Umbrian town with an old-school football vibe (~2.5 hrs, worth a weekend trip).
Serie D (Plentiful options near Rome)
- Trastevere – Right in the city. A real local club with community vibe in a historic neighbourhood.
- Ostia Mare – By the sea. Combine calcio with a walk on the beach.
- Cynthia (Genzano) – Small town south of Rome, scenic and authentic.
- Flaminia (Civita Castellana) – Picturesque town football at its purest.
Cultural things to do in and around Rome
Rome’s cultural offerings could fill a lifetime, but even a weekend gives you enough to soak in its magic:
- Colosseum & Roman Forum – Step into the heart of ancient Rome.
- Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica – Art, faith, and scale like nowhere else.
- Pantheon & Piazza Navona – Gorgeous baroque Rome at street level.
- Testaccio – Underrated foodie neighbourhood with working-class roots and football heritage.
- Trastevere – Cobbled lanes, hidden churches, buzzing night life.
Day Trips:
- Tivoli – UNESCO-listed gardens and villas.
- Orvieto – Cliffside town with Gothic cathedral and stunning views.
- Castelli Romani – Wine villages south of Rome; Frascati is a must.
What local food should you try?
Roman cuisine is famously simple, bold, and addictive — perfect for refuelling after 90 minutes on the terraces.
Must-eat dishes:
- Cacio e Pepe – Pasta with Pecorino Romano and black pepper.
- Carbonara – The original Roman recipe (no cream!): eggs, guanciale, and cheese.
- Amatriciana – Tomato, guanciale, and pecorino — spicy and rich.
- Supplì – Fried rice balls with melted mozzarella inside.
- Saltimbocca alla Romana – Veal with prosciutto and sage.
- Carciofi alla Giudia – Deep-fried artichokes, a Roman Jewish classic.
Where to eat:
- Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere) – Famous for classic pasta dishes.
- Felice a Testaccio (Testaccio) – Famous for its cacio e pepe – Maybe the best in Rome!
- Trattoria Pennestri (Ostiense) – Elegant but authentic.
- Ivo a Trastevere (Trastevere) – Great pizzas and very popular with Roma fans.
- Er Buchetto (Near Termini) – Great porchetta sandwiches – owned by a Lazio fan.
- Ai Marmi (Trastevere) – Excellent pizzas in Trastevere – you might have to wait for a table but it’s worth it.
- Trapizzino (Trastevere and other lcoations) – Modern street food twist on Roman stews.
Flying to Rome from the UK and Ireland
Rome Airports:
- Fiumicino (FCO) – Main international airport.
- Ciampino (CIA) – Smaller, often used by low-cost airlines.
Direct Flights From UK & Ireland (2025):
- London (all airports) – British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air
- Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds – Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet
- Dublin, Cork, Belfast – Ryanair, Aer Lingus
Getting to central Rome from the airport
From Fiumicino (FCO):
- Leonardo Express Train – Direct to Roma Termini (~32 min, ~€14).
- Regional Train (FL1) – Cheaper, connects with Rome’s metro (~€8).
- Bus (Terravision or SIT) – Cheaper (~€6–€8), takes longer (~50–60 min).
- Taxi – Fixed fare to the centre (~€50).
From Ciampino (CIA):
- Bus + Metro – Shuttle to Anagnina Metro (~15 min) then Line A into centre.
- Direct Bus – Terravision and others run direct to Termini (~40 min, ~€6).
- Taxi – Fixed fare to centre (~€30).
Conclusion: Why Rome Is a groundhopper’s dream
Groundhopping in and around Rome offers a perfect blend of the sacred and the raw — from the thunder of the Olimpico during a Derby della Capitale to the humble stands of a Serie D club surrounded by olive groves.
This is where football is felt in the streets, shouted from rooftops, and debated over coffee in every bar.
With its wealth of football options, rich cultural history, and famously warm hospitality, Rome is more than a destination — it’s an experience.
Every game feels like part of a wider story: of neighbourhood identity, of pride, of passion. For any groundhopper wanting a deep dive into the soul of Italian football, Rome is not just a stop — it’s a must.
