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Lazio may hold stadium vote Thursday 13 September, 2007

With opinion on Lazio’s proposed move to a new stadium outside Rome dividing opinion, there has been a call for a referendum.

Lazio currently share the Stadio Olimpico with city rivals Roma, but traditionally the areas outside the Eternal City are Biancocelesti areas with the centre more Giallorossi orientated.

Lazio President Claudio Lotito is keen to build a new home for his club - the Stadio delle Aquile – but has revealed that he may choose a location to the south of Rome.

The region in question is Valmontone – a comune which lies around 40km south of Rome and is a hot bed of Lazio support.

“Lazio would move nearer to 80 per cent of the fans who live in the province,” the area’s ex-major Angelo Miele insisted.

“Valmontone isn’t open countryside, it’s 10 minutes from Rome and there are good transport links.”

However, ex-captain Beppe Signori reflects the views of many faces from the club’s past, stressing that Lazio belong in Rome.

“The club was born at the Stadio Olimpico and should stay there,” the penalty king stated. “I say that as an ex-player as it wouldn’t be right for the fans to move.”

All the debate has led to the suggestion that there should be some kind of vote to allow the supporters to have their say.

“I’m very worried as it will separate the club from its supporters and its history,” declared Alessandro Cochi, Vice-President of the Sporting Commission of Rome City Council.

“The results could be catastrophic so I hope that there is some kind of survey or referendum involving the fans.”

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