AS Roma joins Tor Vergata hospital’s virtual derby initiative

The initiative gets underway on Sunday 26 April, with a virtual derby between Roma and Lazio that will see fans from both sides play the decisive role in the outcome.

On a website specially created for the occasion, www.tutticontrocovid.it, fans will be able to watch the action from a virtual football pitch, as the ball is moved up and down the pitch by donations from supporters from both clubs.

The more fans from one club donate, the more the ball will be advanced to the opposition goal. When certain targets are reached, fans could end up scoring the decisive goal that helps seal a victory.

A minimum donation of two euros is required to move the ball. Donations can be made via all he most common digital payment providers on the platform.

"Since the beginning of the coronavirus emergency, Roma has always been asking how the club can help the city,” said Francesco Calvo, AS Roma chief operating officer. “In recent weeks we have put in place several initiatives to support local communities and, in continuing to do so, we have decided to participate in this particular derby. Our fans have already demonstrated incredible generosity and we thank them for this. We know that on Sunday, they will also help us in this new initiative to support Tor Vergata hospital."

All donations made during the derby will go towards supporting the Covid-19 wing at Tor Vergata university hospital.

“During a period like this we need to keep striving and reorganising; implementing new services, exploring new technologies and equipment, making sure we are ready for every eventuality,” said Tiziana Frittelli, Special Commissioner and General Director at Tor Vergata hospital.

“To do all of that we need resources, but we also need support from the community.

“To show someone support you need to embrace them. Fans of any club understand this, and for that reason we ask them to unite in a virtual hug with one another at Tor Vergata – to help us remain strong and prepared in the most important derby of all, against Covid-19.”

Beginning in March, the club and its charity arm Roma Cares has put into place a number of initiatives to support local communities; distributing vital protective equipment to hospitals, shelters, churches and the elderly while also striving to aid those on the frontline of the battle against Covid-19.

In April, AS Roma brought all the initiatives together under the ASSIEME (‘Together’) project – aimed at supporting and providing vital services to fans in need during the current worldwide emergency.

During Sunday’s virtual derby, shown at www.tutticontrocovid.it, fans will be able to watch a live stream of the event – which will also include audio commentary and some special guests.

A number of familiar faces from the Giallorossi will also take part in the matchday events.