Serie A CEO casts doubt on proposed Rome Derby kick-off time change

Lega Serie A chief executive Luigi De Siervo has publicly cast doubt on reports that the Rome Derby will be moved to a new kick-off time. Speaking on the topic on May 12, 2026, De Siervo said he could not confirm that any change had been agreed, signalling uncertainty over proposals affecting one of Italy’s most high-profile fixtures.

Why it matters

The Rome Derby between AS Roma and Lazio is one of Serie A’s marquee matches, drawing intense interest from fans, broadcasters and local authorities. Any alteration to kick-off times can affect attendance, policing arrangements, broadcast schedules and planning for both clubs and supporters, so statements from the league’s chief executive are watched closely.

What De Siervo said and what remains unclear

According to the source, De Siervo refused to confirm a reported switch to the derby’s kick-off time and was quoted as saying, in effect, 'I don’t think so.' The available metadata does not include further detail: it does not state a proposed new start time, whether the suggestion came from the clubs, broadcasters, local authorities or elsewhere, nor whether either club has commented.

Potential implications for clubs and supporters

Because the metadata is limited, there is no official detail on how a confirmed change would be implemented or enforced. Historically, changes to high-profile fixtures can affect matchday revenue, away fan travel, policing costs and TV scheduling. Any final decision would likely involve consultation with AS Roma, Lazio, the local government and broadcast partners, but those consultations are not documented in the supplied source metadata.

• Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo has cast doubt on reports of a change to the Rome Derby kick-off time.
• De Siervo said he could not confirm any agreed change, according to the source.
• The supplied metadata does not include the proposed new kick-off time, the origin of the proposal, or comments from the clubs involved.

Next steps and verification needed

The source provides a brief account of De Siervo’s reaction but lacks essential facts needed for a full report. To confirm the situation, journalists should seek: the exact kick-off time being proposed (if any); which party proposed the change; official responses from AS Roma and Lazio; confirmation from broadcasters or local authorities; and any written statement from Lega Serie A. Until those details are obtained, the league CEO’s comments point to uncertainty rather than a confirmed alteration.

What it means

For now, the Rome Derby’s kick-off time remains uncertain in public reporting. De Siervo’s words suggest Serie A is not ready to endorse a change; supporters and stakeholders should await formal confirmation from the league or the clubs before expecting any switch. Journalists and readers should treat reports of a definitive new kick-off time as unverified until corroborated by official statements.