Cannes 0-0 Roma: Mancini suffers fall in third friendly clash

Paulo Dybala opened the scoring in Roma's first-half friendly against Cannes in France with a superb set-piece finish. The Argentine playmaker initially elected not to take a direct free-kick, instead laying the ball off to Donyell Malen. A subsequent phase of play resulted in another free-kick opportunity on the edge of the box, which Dybala converted with a perfectly struck effort under Gian Piero Gasperini's watch. The goal showcased Dybala's quality from dead-ball situations and gave Roma an early advantage in the pre-season fixture. The friendly provided valuable minutes for Gasperini's squad as the club continues preparations ahead of the upcoming competitive campaign.

Paulo Dybala scored Roma's third goal in their match against Cannes, capping a dominant performance after coming on in the second half. Launched down the right flank, Dybala cut inside onto his left foot and finished clinically across the goalkeeper to the near post, extending Roma's lead to 3–0. The Argentina international had already made an impact from the moment he entered the pitch, first delivering a spectacular free kick to put Roma ahead, then providing the assist for Malen's goal that doubled the lead. Dybala's brace of contributions highlighted Roma's attacking fluency in what proved a commanding display away from home. The performance underscored the quality available to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma continue their preparations, with Dybala demonstrating the form and precision that have made him a focal point of the team's attacking play this season.

Roma went 2–0 up against Cannes in a friendly despite playing with ten men for part of the first half after Wesley was sent off. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring from a free kick, then set up Dybala's second goal just before half-time. Malen finished from close range after Dybala's serpentine run into the box and a slightly overhit pass that fell invitingly to the striker, who made no mistake. The partnership between Dybala and Malen proved decisive in the opening period, with the Argentine playmaker pulling strings despite Roma's numerical disadvantage. The clinical finishing—both from distance and in the box—highlighted the attacking potential in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as pre-season preparations continue.

Roma began their 2026–27 pre-season with a goalless draw against Cannes at Stadio Pierre de Coubertin, with kickoff at 17:30. The match marked Gian Piero Gasperini's first outing in charge and the debut of Roma's new home kit for the season. Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group, provided the opposition as Roma continue their build-up without all their summer signings and with some players still returning from holiday. Donyell Malen came closest to breaking the deadlock when a cross from Paulo Dybala found him in the box, but his attempted heel flick sailed wide. Later in the first half, Malen was played through on goal and attempted a lob after evading defenders with a dribble, but the effort was deflected wide. Gianluca Mancini made a crucial defensive intervention in the 25th minute, earning applause from the travelling support after an initial knock but continuing the match. Gasperini fielded a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal and a defence of Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Bryan Cristante anchored the midfield alongside new recruit Bah, with Devyne Rensch and Wesley operating as wing-backs. The attacking trio of Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Malen provided the creative spark throughout the first 45 minutes.

Roma face Cannes in a pre-season friendly at the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin, with kick-off at 17:30. The match represents the club's third summer test following earlier fixtures against Roma's Primavera and Trastevere during their pre-season camp. Gasperini names Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen in attack, deployed in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Mile Svilar starts in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield features Devyne Rensch and Wesley at full-back, with Bryan Cristante and a player listed as Bah in central midfield. The fixture will be broadcast live on DAZN, accessible via smartphone, PC or tablet through the app or the official website. Roma's pre-season schedule continues as Gasperini prepares the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Roma secured a 3–2 victory over Cannes at the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium in France, with Paulo Dybala scoring twice and setting up a third goal to emerge as the standout performer. Dybala opened the scoring with a free-kick in the 35th minute, then combined brilliantly with Donyell Malen to make it 2–0 before half-time. Malen added the third in the 56th minute after cutting inside, but Roma's afternoon was complicated when Wesley received a second yellow card in the first half, leaving Gasperini's side to play the majority of the match with ten men. Cannes pulled goals back through Lopez in the 68th and 88th minutes, creating a tense finale, but Roma held firm to seal the win. This was Roma's third pre-season outing under new head coach Gasperini, following 6–0 victories against Trastevere and the Primavera. The squad remains thin, with the coach continuing to rotate heavily and blood younger players. Dybala, Soulé and Malen formed the attacking line, with Bryan Cristante and Bah deployed in midfield, while Gianluca Mancini shook off a minor knock to complete the first half in defence. Gasperini made wholesale changes at the interval, introducing Artem Dovbyk and academy prospects, giving the group essential minutes as Roma awaits reinforcements in the transfer window.