Borussia Dortmund target German Super Cup as Roma visit Signal Iduna Park

Roma face Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly. The fixture carries historical weight: 19 years ago, in the summer of 2007, Roma travelled to Germany and lost 4–0 to Dortmund under Luciano Spalletti. That defeat prompted criticism of Spalletti's preparation methods, which were deemed too physically demanding. Yet that same Roma side went on to challenge for the Serie A title until the final day against Inter. Roma's pre-season campaign so far suggests the current side may be undergoing an equally rigorous build-up. The nature of the friendly schedule has drawn comparisons to Spalletti's era. There is hope among supporters that, like that 2007 team, the Giallorossi can translate a punishing pre-season into success when the competitive campaign begins.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly in Germany. The fixture echoes a historic encounter: 19 years ago, in the summer of 2007, Roma visited Dortmund and suffered a 4–0 defeat under manager Spalletti. That loss drew criticism of the coach's heavy pre-season preparation, yet the Roma side that year went on to challenge for the Serie A title until the final day against Inter. Roma's recent warm-up matches suggest the current pre-season training load is similarly demanding. The comparison raises the possibility that, as in Spalletti's era, the giallorossi could deliver strong form once the competitive season begins. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad will look to use this fixture as an opportunity to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

Mario Hermoso left the field early in the second half during Roma's 3–0 friendly defeat to Brighton on 8 August after a collision caused sharp pain in his left ankle, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini withdrew him purely as a precaution rather than due to any inability to continue play. The Spanish defender is expected to be fit and available for Roma's next test against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August. Roma's heavy loss to Brighton came without the additional concern of a serious injury to their defence. Gasperini's decision to substitute Hermoso reflected a cautious approach to the player's status ahead of the Dortmund fixture, which will serve as further preparation before the competitive season begins.