Serie A news: Why do Roma have SPQR on their shirts for game against AC Milan and what does it mean?

In Serie A news, Roma welcome AC Milan in a Serie A clash on Saturday that is pivotal to both sides' Champions League hopes next season.

The Italian giants, in fourth and fifth respectively, are almost inseparable having boasted identical points tallies and goal difference.

But eagled-eyed fans will notice Jose Mourinho's side are sporting a slightly different kit for the visit of their Rossoneri rivals.

Roma have ditched their DigitalBits sponsorship logo on the front of their shirts and replaced it with the letters SPQR. Here's why…

Why do Roma have SPQR on their shirts?

The Giallorossi appealed to Serie A's governing bodies to remove the DigitalBits from their home strip for the visit of AC Milan.

In other Serie A news, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, this was in response to a missed payment by the Crypto brand.

Instead, the letters SPQR will be printed as a replacement alongside other sponsors New Balance and the club's badge.

The acronym is a tribute to the city of Rome and previously adorned Roma shirts for a local derby with rivals Lazio in the 2016/17 season.

What does SPQR mean?

SPQR is the Romans' own abbreviation for their state: Senatus Populusque Romanus, meaning 'the Senate and People of Rome'.

Originating during the ancient Roman empire, the phrase reflected Rome's political system by suggesting that all power comes from the people of Rome and its rejection of monarchy.

Senatus, meaning "Senate", and Populusque Romanus (People of Rome) had to combine for the welfare of the Republic.

In modern day it still appears on Roman currency, on monuments in the city and at the end of official documents that are made public.

In popular culture, SPQR became an emblem of Rome and is often used to represent the Empire and Roman Republic.

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