Cardiff City vs Roma: Team news, tickets and broadcast details

Amantino Mancini, who played for Roma between 2003 and 2008, has expressed confidence in the club's title prospects under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking to Sky Sport, the former winger praised the summer signings, particularly Argentine forward Castro, whom he described as "a young player who performed very well last season" and someone with "the right mentality for Italian football." Mancini highlighted Gasperini's achievement in returning Roma to the Champions League after seven years, calling the manager's appointment "the most important signing Roma have made in recent years." He believes the club can challenge for the Serie A title, though acknowledged they need to complete "one or two or three more" transfer deals to strengthen the squad further. The former Roma player noted that winning the scudetto would be a special gift for supporters as the club prepares to celebrate its centenary. On Castro specifically, Mancini urged the Argentine to quickly understand Roma's unique status as a place where "football is discussed twenty-four hours a day," adding: "I think he can make an enormous contribution to Roma. He is truly an important player." When asked if Roma could realistically become title contenders, Mancini replied: "Yes, I think so. It still needs to settle itself, make one or two or three signings, but I think it can win the scudetto."

Santiago Castro has been officially confirmed as a Roma player after arriving in the capital on Monday night, greeted by celebrating supporters at Termini station. The Argentine forward's signing was announced by the club on social media, where a particularly amusing post went viral. Roma shared a TikTok video showing Castro playfully correcting one of the stops on Line B of Rome's underground network. The station name 'Castro Pretorio' was humorously rebranded as 'Santiago Castro', complete with the familiar automated announcement that echoes across platforms when a train arrives. The club captioned the post: "A new station in the city".

Santiago Castro is officially AS Roma's new number 9. The Argentine striker arrived in the capital on Monday at midnight and was greeted by around 250 celebrating supporters before his announcement hours later. Castro completes an Argentine contingent at the club that now includes Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. Soulé, the former Frosinone player, welcomed his compatriot on social media by sharing one of Castro's first images in the yellow and red shirt. "Benvenuto fratello!" (Welcome brother!) wrote Soulé. Castro replied to the earlier Bologna forward with "Andiamo hermano!" (Let's go brother!) and a She-wolf emoji, signalling the bond forming within Roma's South American group at Trigoria.

Roma's squad returned to their Fulvio Bernardini training base yesterday afternoon after a friendly against Cannes that ended 3–3 in France, and have been granted a double session today ahead of the new season. Neil El Aynaoui is expected to rejoin the group at Trigoria after representing Morocco at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals. His return will give head coach Gian Piero Gasperini additional midfield depth, with Niccolò Pisilli currently sidelined by injury and Manu Koné absent following France's World Cup campaign that ended in a third-place playoff loss to England. With the Serie A opener against Fiorentina less than a month away, Roma are building their competitive shape in earnest. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar told reporters: "We're working physically a lot, so the results cannot be seen today or in a few days. We need another month of work to really be in good shape and fortunately we have it ahead of us before the real matches arrive." Bryan Cristante and youth academy players have carried the midfield load during the first phase of pre-season. The squad travels to Wales tomorrow to Vale Resort at Hensol, where they will face Cardiff on 1 August, Newport on 4 August, and Brighton on 8 August. Roma return to Rome before the final warm-up fixture against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal at AS Roma remains unsigned despite an agreement being reached in principle between the club and his agent Pocetta. The midfielder is set to earn 2.5 million euros plus bonuses over two seasons, with a unilateral option for the club to extend the deal until 2029. However, the signing has been delayed, with Pellegrini's physical condition emerging as a complicating factor. Pellegrini suffered a setback to a right thigh muscular injury in May while attempting to recover in time for the Derby della Capitale. The injury stems from a torn rectus femoris tendon sustained in May 2025, for which he underwent surgery by Dr. Lempainen in Finland. Pellegrini reportedly travelled to Finland for a follow-up examination with the specialist, during which a procedure to clean the old scar tissue was performed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasparini, Bryan Cristante, and Mile Svilar have all publicly expressed hope for a positive resolution. Final approval from the Friedkin Group is awaited before the contract can be completed, with expectations that the signature could arrive in the coming week.

Mile Svilar has reaffirmed his commitment to AS Roma, stating he has no interest in a move to Juventus despite reported interest from the Serie A champions following his performance in a friendly against Cannes. The goalkeeper's declaration comes as Roma awaits official confirmation of Santiago Castro, the club's first summer signing. Artem Dovbyk has departed for Bologna, marking another change in Roma's forward line as the club reshapes its squad during the transfer window. Svilar's public stance underscores Roma's defensive strength and his intention to remain at the Giallorossi despite external interest from rival clubs. Elsewhere, Roma's women's team announced new signings, while the Italian national team continues its rebuild under Mancini and Ranieri.

Amantino Mancini, who played for Roma between 2003 and 2008, has expressed confidence in the club's title prospects under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking to Sky Sport, the former winger praised the summer signings, particularly Argentine forward Castro, whom he described as "a young player who performed very well last season" and someone with "the right mentality for Italian football." Mancini highlighted Gasperini's achievement in returning Roma to the Champions League after seven years, calling the manager's appointment "the most important signing Roma have made in recent years." He believes the club can challenge for the Serie A title, though acknowledged they need to complete "one or two or three more" transfer deals to strengthen the squad further. The former Roma player noted that winning the scudetto would be a special gift for supporters as the club prepares to celebrate its centenary. On Castro specifically, Mancini urged the Argentine to quickly understand Roma's unique status as a place where "football is discussed twenty-four hours a day," adding: "I think he can make an enormous contribution to Roma. He is truly an important player." When asked if Roma could realistically become title contenders, Mancini replied: "Yes, I think so. It still needs to settle itself, make one or two or three signings, but I think it can win the scudetto."

Roma have completed the signing of Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg, marking the club's second transfer of the window following Castro's arrival. The Greek defender, the tenth from his country to join Roma, will serve as backup to Mario Hermoso while bringing a crucial attacking asset: prowess in the air. Koulierakis ranks second among defenders across Europe's top five leagues for headed goals in the 2025–26 season, with 4 to his name. Only Van Dijk has surpassed him, with 5. Gianluca Mancini sits in third place, also on 4 headed goals. Combined, Koulierakis and Mancini have scored 8 headed goals in the last season—a striking advantage for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. The data, published by OptaPaolo, underscores how Roma's defensive line will add a significant dimension to set-piece attack, with the pair poised to become dangerous threats from corners and free kicks.

Roma's transfer window has shifted into high gear. An official double announcement confirming the exchange of Santiago Castro and Artem Dovbyk with Bologna is expected imminently. Director of football Tony D'Amico is close to securing Konstantinos Koulierakis, the left-footed centre-back from Wolfsburg born in 2003, who has already given his full approval. An agreement with the German club is being finalised for a fee near €15 million. Koulierakis will expand Roma's central defensive options alongside Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Jan Ziółkowski pushing for a departure. In defence and the wide areas, Ivan Fresneda (Sporting Lisbon asking €20 million) and Gabriele Cacciamani, the 19-year-old Torino prospect who impressed on loan at Juve Stabia, remain under consideration at €15 million. In attack, Abde Ezzalzouli has returned to the agenda alongside Jean-Mattéo Bahoya. Real Betis are demanding €45 million, while Roma are targeting a reduction to €35 million. On outgoings, Riccardo Pagano's move to Cesena has been confirmed with a sell-on clause retained by Roma. Anass Salah-Eddine's transfer to Olympiacos for €7.5 million is closing, and Angeliño has joined Deportivo La Coruña on loan with a €3 million purchase option.

Roma have completed the signing of Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg on a deal worth €15M plus add-ons. The Greek centre-back, who joined Wolfsburg from PAOK in 2024, has made 66 appearances for the German club, recording 4 goals and 3 assists. He has earned 22 caps for Greece and arrives to provide competition for Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in Roma's defensive ranks. The club have moved swiftly to bolster their backline and are now pursuing Givairo Read of Feyenoord as a primary target on the right flank, with Ivan Fresneda listed as an alternative. Roma are prepared to table a €25M offer for Read, who has scored 5 goals and provided 11 assists in 54 appearances for Feyenoord. Nottingham Forest have already submitted two proposals for the Dutchman, both of which were rejected by the Dutch club. Read has also attracted interest from Inter throughout the summer window. In squad movements, Angeliño is departing on loan to Deportivo La Coruna with a €2.5M option to buy. Centre-back recruitment was not considered a pressing need, though Roma continue to assess their options including Jan Ziółkowski and Daniele Ghilardi. The club remain active in pursuit of wing talent but have faced competition from rival suitors in the market.

Roma have completed the signing of Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg, marking the club's second transfer of the window following Castro's arrival. The Greek defender, the tenth from his country to join Roma, will serve as backup to Mario Hermoso while bringing a crucial attacking asset: prowess in the air. Koulierakis ranks second among defenders across Europe's top five leagues for headed goals in the 2025–26 season, with 4 to his name. Only Van Dijk has surpassed him, with 5. Gianluca Mancini sits in third place, also on 4 headed goals. Combined, Koulierakis and Mancini have scored 8 headed goals in the last season—a striking advantage for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. The data, published by OptaPaolo, underscores how Roma's defensive line will add a significant dimension to set-piece attack, with the pair poised to become dangerous threats from corners and free kicks.

Kostas Koulierakis has completed his move to AS Roma, becoming the club's second summer signing under director D'Amico. The Greek defender met head coach Gian Piero Gasperini via videoconference on Tuesday evening. Although presented by some as a backup option, Gasperini views him—like fellow new arrival Artem Dovbyk—as a core addition to the squad rather than reserve cover. Gasperini pushed for the upgrades after Roma finished third and qualified for the Champions League, seeking improvements across multiple fronts: numerically, technically, and tactically. With Zeki Çelik's departure confirmed and moves away for both Salah Eddine and Angeliño imminent, Roma's full-back options have thinned to just Devyne Rensch and Wesley, both capable on either flank. The recruitment team is pursuing two more wide defenders—targets include Read with Fresneda as an alternative, and Cacciamani—all of whom Gasperini has already approved. The club also plans to add further attacking reinforcements in the coming weeks, with Nusa identified as an immediate priority and Endrick a longer-term target. D'Amico's push to accelerate business reflects the board's backing for Gasperini's vision and focus on squad improvement rather than other institutional matters.