Olympic Roma Training Academy has confirmed the signing of Italian goalkeeper Francesco De Michelis, marking a major acquisition ahead of the 2025/26 Serie A1 season. The 25-year-old returns to his hometown after two successful seasons with Serbian powerhouse Novi Beograd.
De Michelis, a product of Roma Nuoto’s youth system, brings a wealth of experience to Mario Fiorillo’s side. After developing through the ranks and earning the Italian Goalkeeper of the Year award twice, he made the move abroad in 2023 to join Novi Beograd. There, he collected a domestic league title, a Regional Liga championship, and appeared in two consecutive Champions League Final Fours—finishing as runner-up in 2025.
A long-time member of Sandro Campagna’s Settebello squad, De Michelis has represented Italy at every level—from the Youth Olympic Games in 2015 to winning bronze at the U20 World Cup and gold at the 2023 Universiade. Though he narrowly missed out on a spot at the upcoming World Championships in Singapore, his move back to Italy may boost his chances of rejoining the national team fold.
Olympic Roma sporting director Giuseppe Corsello called the signing “the most important” in the young club’s history. “When President Fiorillo mentioned the opportunity, I was ecstatic,” said Corsello. “Francesco is a guarantee in goal, especially under the new rules. His story with this club started years ago, when a very young De Michelis made his debut under Fiorillo’s guidance in Serie A2. Now it comes full circle.”
Head coach Mario Fiorillo, who first gave De Michelis his debut as a teenager, echoed the excitement. “We’re bringing in a top-level player who has grown immensely,” he said. “His experience at Novi Beograd and with Settebello will raise the level of our team and allow us more tactical flexibility.”
De Michelis himself expressed enthusiasm for the project: “I’m thrilled to join the Olympic family. Even though the club is still young, the ambition is real. I believe we can be the wild card of the upcoming season. I can’t wait to get started.”
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