Cardiff 4–2 Roma: Ashford double, Dybala scores in defeat

Paulo Dybala converted in the 58th minute of Roma's friendly match against Cardiff City, pulling a goal back after the striker had come close on several earlier occasions and missed a penalty opportunity. Matías Soulé broke down the left wing, winning a contested ball, and crossed for Dybala to tap in at the far post. The friendly saw Roma mount a comeback, with Dybala's strike reducing the deficit during the pre-season fixture. The Argentine forward had been presented with multiple chances throughout the match but wasted a clear opening from the spot before finding the back of the net in the second half.

Roma faced Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side testing themselves further after earlier sessions at Trigoria and against Cannes. The match took place at Cardiff City Stadium as part of the club's Welsh training camp. The Giallorossi lined up in a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and Wesley and Devyne Rensch operating as full-backs. Bryan Cristante anchored midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala deployed in attacking support of the centre-forward. The standout feature of Roma's team sheet was the first appearance of Castro, who took the centre-forward berth in the starting XI. Gasperini continues to build match fitness across the squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Roma suffered defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, 1 August, with an own goal from Ashford proving decisive in a 1–0 loss. The match, broadcast exclusively on DAZN with a 16:00 kickoff, represented head coach Gasperini's first significant test of the summer after earlier friendlies against Primavera, Trastevere, and Cannes. Gasperini fielded Paulo Dybala in attack alongside Matías Soulé, with Donyell Malen leading the line. Santiago Castro, a summer arrival, remained on the bench ready to demonstrate his movements during the match. The Wales trip served as a key moment to assess tactical development within the new squad and provide Gasperini with concrete answers during pre-season. Among those available were Robinio Vaz, returning to the squad, and Neil El Aynaoui, back from vacation and ready to contribute. The fixture marks Roma's progress through their warm-up schedule ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Paulo Dybala converted in the 58th minute of Roma's friendly match against Cardiff City, pulling a goal back after the striker had come close on several earlier occasions and missed a penalty opportunity. Matías Soulé broke down the left wing, winning a contested ball, and crossed for Dybala to tap in at the far post. The friendly saw Roma mount a comeback, with Dybala's strike reducing the deficit during the pre-season fixture. The Argentine forward had been presented with multiple chances throughout the match but wasted a clear opening from the spot before finding the back of the net in the second half.

Roma faced Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side testing themselves further after earlier sessions at Trigoria and against Cannes. The match took place at Cardiff City Stadium as part of the club's Welsh training camp. The Giallorossi lined up in a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and Wesley and Devyne Rensch operating as full-backs. Bryan Cristante anchored midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala deployed in attacking support of the centre-forward. The standout feature of Roma's team sheet was the first appearance of Castro, who took the centre-forward berth in the starting XI. Gasperini continues to build match fitness across the squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Roma suffered defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, 1 August, with an own goal from Ashford proving decisive in a 1–0 loss. The match, broadcast exclusively on DAZN with a 16:00 kickoff, represented head coach Gasperini's first significant test of the summer after earlier friendlies against Primavera, Trastevere, and Cannes. Gasperini fielded Paulo Dybala in attack alongside Matías Soulé, with Donyell Malen leading the line. Santiago Castro, a summer arrival, remained on the bench ready to demonstrate his movements during the match. The Wales trip served as a key moment to assess tactical development within the new squad and provide Gasperini with concrete answers during pre-season. Among those available were Robinio Vaz, returning to the squad, and Neil El Aynaoui, back from vacation and ready to contribute. The fixture marks Roma's progress through their warm-up schedule ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Roma faced Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side testing themselves further after earlier sessions at Trigoria and against Cannes. The match took place at Cardiff City Stadium as part of the club's Welsh training camp. The Giallorossi lined up in a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and Wesley and Devyne Rensch operating as full-backs. Bryan Cristante anchored midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala deployed in attacking support of the centre-forward. The standout feature of Roma's team sheet was the first appearance of Castro, who took the centre-forward berth in the starting XI. Gasperini continues to build match fitness across the squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Roma have not completed any significant departures during the current transfer window, despite extensive speculation over outgoing moves. The club declined offers from Inter for Mancini and N'Dicka, from Juventus for Svilar (€42 million) and from Porto for Pisilli (€22 million). Atlético Madrid also made an offer for Koné, though Manchester United are reportedly interested in the midfielder. The decision to retain key players appears to have been made by the Friedkin Group at the request of head coach Gasperini, who wanted to maintain squad competitiveness. Roma needed to engineer profitable sales to address Financial Fair Play regulations with UEFA, following an extension of the compliance deadline. By allowing the 31 July transfer deadline to pass without moving on any of their leading talents, the club has deferred resolving this situation. As a result, Roma face disciplinary action from UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, with a ruling expected in November. The club anticipates a fine of €10–12 million and a restriction on squad size for European competitions in 2027–28, reducing the permitted roster from 25 to 22 players. More severe penalties — such as a ban on fielding newly signed players or exclusion from competitions — are considered unlikely.

Roma did not complete a player sale by 31 July to satisfy UEFA's financial fair play requirements, despite a deadline extension. The decision to hold firm in the transfer market was reportedly made by the Friedkin Group at the request of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who sought to maintain squad competitiveness. Rejected offers included Inter's approach for Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka, Juventus's bid for Mile Svilar (€42 million), and Porto's interest in Niccolò Pisilli (€22 million). Manu Koné and Matías Soulé also remained at the club despite external interest. Roma anticipates UEFA will announce a penalty in November. The club expects a fine of €10–12 million and a restriction on squad size for European competition in 2027–28, reducing the available roster from 25 to 22 players. A ban on fielding newly signed players is considered unlikely, and outright exclusion from European competitions is deemed improbable.

Roma faced Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side testing themselves further after earlier sessions at Trigoria and against Cannes. The match took place at Cardiff City Stadium as part of the club's Welsh training camp. The Giallorossi lined up in a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and Wesley and Devyne Rensch operating as full-backs. Bryan Cristante anchored midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala deployed in attacking support of the centre-forward. The standout feature of Roma's team sheet was the first appearance of Castro, who took the centre-forward berth in the starting XI. Gasperini continues to build match fitness across the squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

AS Roma completed the signing of defender Konstantinos Koulierakis on 1 August 2026, with the Greek international arriving at Ciampino airport to begin his medical and contract formalities. Koulierakis joins on a permanent deal from Wolfsburg for a fixed fee of €16.5 million, with €1.5 million in add-ons and a 20 per cent sell-on clause included in the agreement. He becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. The 23-year-old represents a significant defensive reinforcement for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the club prepares for the 2026–27 season. Koulierakis, who has featured regularly in the Bundesliga, brings experience at a high level and adds depth to Roma's backline alongside existing defenders including Mario Hermoso, Evan N'Dicka, and Gianluca Mancini. The transfer was confirmed across social media on 1 August, with images and video of Koulierakis and his agent Paschalis Tountouris captured during their journey to the Italian capital. The defender will now complete standard club procedures before being integrated into pre-season training.

Konstantinos Koulierakis landed at Ciampino airport at 13:10 on 1 August as Roma's second summer signing. The Greek defender arrived with his entourage and partner to a reception of around 25 supporters, who greeted him with chants and applause. He made an immediate impression by holding a fan's daughter, marking his first moment as a Roma player. The deal was completed on 31 July. Roma will pay Wolfsburg €16.5 million plus €1.5 million in bonuses, with the German club retaining a 20 per cent share of any future sale. Koulierakis has signed a contract until 2031 worth approximately €2 million per season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will use him to complete his defensive line alongside Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi and Jan Ziółkowski. Koulierakis will undergo medical examinations in Rome before departing immediately for Wales, where Gasperini and the rest of the squad are continuing their pre-season training camp.