First edition of Il Giallorosso magazine released
May 24, 1950
Founded by Angelo Meschini, Memmo Montanari (two of the most well-known figures in AS Roma supporters’ circles at the time), Mario and Pennino Catena and the lawyer Alberto Saccà, Il Giallorosso magazine was born in the Catena brothers’ deli in Via Solferino. In no time at all, the magazine became the most reliable authority around for the inside track on what the Roma fans thought of the club’s performance.
Delving back through the history of Il Giallorosso is not easy but, fortunately for us, certainly not impossible. To that end, the Archivio Capitolino city archive is an invaluable resource, as are a number of rare editions under private ownership.
The magazine itself had a truly unmistakable appearance. Printed on yellow paper, the magazine’s red cover initially bore the caption “Organ of the fans of AS Roma”, which was subsequently replaced by “Weekly Roma fan magazine”.
It managed to keep its price constant at 40 lire per copy (two euro cents) or 1500 lire for a subscription (77 euro cents), whilst the headquarters moved on numerous occasions (Via Dora, Via Pescara, Via D. Manin and finally Via Buenos Aires in September 1953).
One of the many renowned writers to contribute to the magazine over the years was Felice Borsato, who later went on to enjoy a successful career which brought him to RAI and the pearly gates of television journalism.
Il Giallorossi was not the first publication dedicated to Roma, however. AS Roma: Weekly Giallorossi football magazine was launched on December 8, 1931 and stayed active for the whole of the 1931-32 season. It was free to Giallorossi members, but just 31 lire (less than two euro cents) would buy you an entire subscription.
AS Roma: Weekly Giallorossi football magazine had a real air of authority about it, and indeed the magazine was based at the club headquarters in Via Monterone. The publication had a host of notable contributors, including none other than the legendary Fulvio Bernardini.
Massimo Izzi
Born on this day (statistics refer to all competitions)
Luigi Albani, May 24, 1928, Rome – Goalkeeper, 78 appearances, 85 goals conceded
Vittorio Cristini, May 24, 1928 in Sora (FR) – Striker, 5 appearances, 1 goal