Formed in 1927 by the merger of various local sides (Lazio opted out), Associazione Sportiva Roma traditionally draw most of their support from within the city. Thus while surrounding areas are staunchly blue-and-white, Rome itself frequently gives the impression of being a one-team city. Gruff wrinkled market-traders and bartenders carefully pin up pictures of hero Totti, while middle-aged and elderly women have been known to mob their Roma favourites in theatres and other public places.

Since the team's creation Roma have won the scudetto three times, the most recently being the 2000-2001 season when the partying lasted weeks and the entire city turned giallorosso. The mass celebrations around town and in the ancient chariot arena, Circo Massimo, have already passed into legend.

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