Baldini hails quality of young Italy squad as Pisilli prepares for Champions League step

Santiago Castro spoke to Roma's official channels following the confirmation of his transfer to the club. The Argentine forward expressed his eagerness to join, saying: "It was a short negotiation, I wanted to come here from the beginning. I spoke with the sporting director, he told me what they would have wanted from me. I know what I can give to the manager and the squad." Castro praised Gasperini's track record in Italy, noting: "Of course I like him! For many years he's done very well in Italy, with Atalanta and Roma, which he's now brought to the Champions League. I see myself where he wants me: I'm here to help the squad, I'll do what he wants." The 21-year-old acknowledged Roma's rich history, particularly its tradition of Argentine players, as a source of motivation. He described hearing the Champions League anthem at the Olimpico as "incredible", adding that witnessing the stadium with European football "will be beautiful". Castro highlighted his previous performances at the Olimpico, where he has scored twice against Lazio. Looking ahead to the Derby della Capitale, he stated: "Yes, you could say so. Hopefully we continue like this! The last two times I played here I scored two goals and hit the crossbar... against Lazio I scored twice, now I want to make up for it in the derby." He also thanked Roma fans for their support since news of his transfer emerged.

Santiago Castro was officially unveiled as a Roma player after arriving in the capital on Monday at midnight. The Argentine striker spoke to the club's official channels in his first interview as a Giallorossi player, expressing his immediate commitment to the project. "From the first moment I wanted to come here," Castro said. "I felt the sporting director, they told me what they wanted from me and what they thought I could give the squad. I know what I can do, how I can help the manager and the team." Castro joins Roma under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has guided the club back into the Champions League. The striker praised the coach's proven track record and expressed confidence in their partnership. "Gasperini has been doing very well in Italy for many years, he did it at Atalanta and now at Roma, bringing them back to the Champions League," Castro said. "I see myself where he wants me. I'm here to help and give a hand to the squad." The 21-year-old has previous experience at the Stadio Olimpico, having scored twice against Lazio and once against Roma before joining. When asked about repeating that goalscoring form, Castro replied: "The last two times here I scored and hit the crossbar. Against Lazio I scored two goals, we're level. We want to continue like that, scoring in the derby." He also emphasised his readiness to compete in the Champions League: "Hearing the anthem is the dream of every child who starts playing football. It will be beautiful to experience those evenings at the stadium."

Daniele De Rossi has reflected on his dismissal from Roma, which came unexpectedly following a draw with Genoa in 2024. Speaking to Cronache Di Spogliatoio, the former manager said: "When I was sacked from Roma I was absolutely furious. I had my enemies and felt beaten in a battle I never had time to fight, but I never wanted to show that I was bitter about it. I only did it once, in a press conference at Spal, and I regretted it. I worked hard on these things." De Rossi revealed the emotional toll of derbies against Lazio during his playing career, describing physical illness before those matches. He addressed the nature of his Roma departure with perspective, stating: "My story with Roma was not perfect, but it didn't deserve an ending with lingering resentment. There is a time and place for everything: if I had wanted to say something, I should have done it when I was still there." De Rossi managed Roma in 2024–25 before being dismissed by the Friedkin Group after just four matches.

Roma arrived in Wales for their pre-season training camp on Tuesday, though roughly an hour behind schedule after switching flights due to an operational issue. The squad will be based at Vale Resort in Hensol and face Cardiff City in their opening friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday at 16:00 local time (15:00 UK time). No morning training session is scheduled before the match. Santiago Castro, who has completed initial work at Trigoria, is primed to feature after his recent arrival, with Donyell Malen set to start as the sole new signing present. Matteo Koulierakis has not yet arrived for his medical examination; he is expected in the capital on Wednesday before joining the squad in Wales. Niccolò Pisilli has been recalled to the group as he continues recovery from a left soleus muscle injury but will not play. Robinio Vaz has fully recovered from injury and is available, while Neil El Aynaoui has returned after extended leave following World Cup duties. Approximately 10,000 tickets have been sold for the fixture. Shuttle bus services will operate every 15 minutes on route 95 between Cardiff city centre and the stadium from Wood Street (stop JB), beginning two hours before kickoff and running until the crowd has dispersed. Gates open at 13:30—90 minutes before the 15:00 local start. Around 100 Roma supporters are expected to attend.

Konstantinos Koulierakis will undergo medical tests in Rome tomorrow after all regulatory approvals were secured, becoming Roma's second summer signing. The Greek defender joins from Wolfsburg on a deal worth 16.5 million euros plus 1.5 million in add-ons, with the German club retaining 20 per cent of any future resale. He has already signed his contract. Meanwhile, Roma have begun the second phase of their summer preparation in Cardiff, Wales, under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The squad will remain at their Hensol base—approximately 20 kilometres from Cardiff—until 8 August, training at the WRU National Centre of Excellence and facing three friendly matches against Cardiff City, Newport County, and Brighton. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from a calf problem and was included in the touring party, along with Robinio Vaz, who recently returned to group training. Roma are also pursuing Givairo Read, the Dutch right-back from Feyenoord. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has submitted a 25 million euro offer to open negotiations, though Read remains a target for several Premier League clubs. Read said: "If the opportunity presents itself to join a club I like, I'll be ready. I feel good physically and mentally right now. My goal is to stay in shape and prove my value on the pitch."

Roma have announced the squad selected by Gian Piero Gasperini for the second phase of pre-season, with the team departing for Wales in the afternoon. The travelling group includes defenders Rensch, Ndicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Mannini, Nardin, Reale, Lulli and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui, Pisilli, Panico and Bah; and forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala, Cherubini and Vaz. The Wales camp marks a significant checkpoint in Roma's preparation for the new season under Gasperini's management. The head coach has selected a mixed squad that blends established first-team players with younger prospects, reflecting the club's approach to squad development during the off-season training schedule. The three-week pre-season programme continues to build fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of Serie A's return.