Rome (AFP) – Serie A side Roma were given the green light on Tuesday by Italian authorities to build their own stadium which they hope to occupy by the 2020/21 season.

The club’s American president James Pallotta officially launched the project in March 2014 but there were numerous setbacks before the four main governing bodies involved finally approved plans to build the Stadio della Roma.

“I’m delighted because I know what this decision could mean for Rome itself, for our club’s future and for our fans — and we want to give them the home they deserve,” said Pallotta in a statement.

The future stadium will be built in the Tor di Valle area in the south of the Italian capital and will have a 55,000 capacity.

Roma currently share the Stadio Olimpico with bitter rivals Lazio.