Roma will face Fiorentina on Monday, August 20 at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico, opening the 2026/27 Serie A season. With a dominant history at the Olimpico and a favorable referee, Roma aims to turn the first night of the season into a statement of ambition.

Statistics in Roma’s Favor

In the last three Serie A matches against Fiorentina, Roma won all and kept the goal‑mouth shut in two of them. At the Olimpico, out of 52 home matches, Roma lost only 3 times, achieving 33 wins and 16 draws. The last away defeat for Fiorentina at the giallorossi home ground was on April 7, 2018, when they won 2‑0. Since then, Roma has recorded 6 wins and 2 draws. The most recent encounter, May 4, 2026, saw Roma demolish Fiorentina 4‑0.

Matteo Marcenaro’s Role

The referee will preside over the match: Matteo Marcenaro, born November 9, 1992, directed 12 games in the 2025/26 season, with 49 yellow cards, 1 red, 2 penalties awarded and an average of 4.1 cards per match. He won 10 home games, drew 2 and never won away. For Roma, Marcenaro issued 11 yellows to the giallorossi, 18 to opponents, no red to Roma and two to opposing teams. He awarded 2 penalties in favour of Roma, none against. With Fiorentina, he directed 7 matches, with 4 wins for the viola and 3 losses, 17 yellows to Fiorentina and 18 to opponents. No red for Fiorentina, one for opponents, and no penalty for the viola.

VAR and Season Stats

With Abisso as VAR, Roma has recorded 16 wins, 5 draws and 8 losses, while Fiorentina has 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. These figures suggest a slight edge for Roma against the VAR system.

First‑Day and Expectations

In the last 14 season starts in Serie A, Roma lost only once (Verona, September 2020). They achieved 8 wins and 5 draws, with two successes against Fiorentina: 2‑0 in 2014/15 and 3‑1 in 2021/22. Fiorentina, on the other hand, remained unbeaten in the last four opening days, but drew the last two.

Evening Weather

Weather forecasts for Rome still indicate a summer climate, with high temperatures and the possibility of local thunderstorms. Temperature will be a factor to monitor, but Roma aims to use the heat and familiarity of its stadium to create a favourable environment.

Conclusion

With the home‑field advantage and a favourable history against Fiorentina, Roma aims to turn the first night of the season into a statement of ambition. Fiorentina, conversely, must break a winless streak away that has lasted since 2018. Monday evening, at 20:45, will be the moment of the first responses.