Roma ultras have announced they will stage a protest against the decision to sack coach Daniele De Rossi, boycotting Ivan Juric’s debut.
The Eternal City was shaken by the surprise news that club icon De Rossi had been fired, just four games into the new season and more crucially only weeks after he had signed a new contract extension to June 2027.
He has been replaced by former Torino and Genoa boss Juric, who is set to make his debut at the Stadio Olimpico against shock Serie A leaders Udinese this weekend.
However, the atmosphere will be very different to usual, because the Curva Sud will be empty for at least the opening half-hour of the match.
“The moment has arrived to make our voices heard,” read a statement from the Roma ultras groups.
“The Curva Sud invites all the fans from any sector to participate in the protest, which will see the entire Curva Sud remain out of the stadium for the first half-hour of the match.”
While not a complete boycott, the fans will be deserting the stands for the traditional pre-match warm-up and the singing of the club anthem.
It remains to be seen how many of the other supporters around the Stadio Olimpico will join in the protest and leave their seats empty.
