Castro's Olimpico masterclass captivates Gasperini

Roma have made no new additions to their squad ahead of next season's Champions League group phase, with Donyell Malen's permanent signing from Aston Villa for €25 million not counting as a fresh arrival since the Dutch winger joined on loan in January. Only three other clubs already qualified for Europe's top competition—Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, and Villarreal—have similarly avoided summer reinforcements so far. Napoli have invested over €60 million in permanent signings but acquired only players already in their 2025–26 squad, including the redemptions of Højlund, Alisson Santos, and Milinkovic-Savic. PSG, the reigning European champions, have only brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni from AC Milan's youth academy on a free transfer, a prospect likely destined for the Under-19s rather than the first team. Villarreal, meanwhile, remain at zero spending. As rivals strengthen their ranks—Sporting investing over €100 million, Como confirming Nico Paz for €60 million and rescuing Morata while signing Liberali and Milla for €6 million each—Roma face mounting pressure to act. Arsenal have spent €80 million on Hincapié and Tzolis; Manchester City €135 million on Anderson alone; Manchester United €97 million on Andrey Santos and Tielemans.

Bryan Cristante spoke after Roma's 6–0 victory over Trastevere in a pre-season test under Gasperini's watch. The midfielder confirmed he has been in contact with Lorenzo Pellegrini, saying: "I've heard from him, we await him with open arms and hope he returns to the group as soon as possible." Cristante outlined Roma's ambitions for the coming season. "We expect to show continuity," he said. "We want to grow and have another great season. The Champions League makes everything harder—the initial phase will be tougher. But we want to run a strong campaign." He stressed that the squad is already familiar with Gasperini's concepts and is building steadily, with the club handling transfer business separately. On European competition, Cristante acknowledged the step up: "In the Champions League you face the best teams. Even in the first phase there are important sides. We need to be prepared and ready." The midfielder stopped short of setting specific targets for now, citing the difficulty of doing so at this early stage.

Bryan Cristante outlined Roma's ambitions in pre-season after the club's 6–0 friendly victory over Trastevere. The midfielder highlighted the squad's progress under Gasperini's direction, saying: "We're working well, we already know the manager's concepts, we're giving continuity. We started strong, there's a lot of work but that's how this period is." On incoming transfers, Cristante deferred to the club's hierarchy: "Someone will certainly arrive, but that's the society's job." With Lorenzo Pellegrini absent from the ritiro, Cristante confirmed he has been in contact with the captain and expects his swift return to group training. "I've spoken to him, we're awaiting him with open arms, we hope he gets back to the squad as soon as possible," Cristante said. Gasperini has set ambitious targets for the campaign, and Cristante reflected the squad's mindset: "We want to give continuity, we want to grow, make another great season. The Champions League is harder, it will be tough especially at the start. It's difficult to set objectives now." Regarding European competition, Cristante acknowledged the challenge of facing elite opponents early in the new league phase: "You meet the best teams there are, even in the first phase already. We're ready and prepared, we'll be ready for a beautiful season."

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 departed for Nice shortly before 10:00 and will reach Cannes by coach for their third pre-season fixture at 17:30 (live on Dazn) against the club owned by the Friedkin Group. Head coach Gasperini will deploy a front three of Dybala, Soulé, and Malen, with midfield reinforcements required due to absences. Pisilli and Vaz are unavailable through injury, while Cherubini misses out with fever. Central midfield will pair the young Bah with Cristante, flanked by Wesley and Rensch, while Svilar starts in goal behind a defensive line of Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso. Notably absent is Koné, though Neil El Aynaoui—currently on holiday in Cannes—will attend the match as a spectator before officially rejoining the squad on 30 July to depart for Wales, where the second phase of pre-season training will take place. A second-string lineup and Primavera players will feature in the second half. Roma will return to the capital after the match. Gasperini has granted the squad two days of rest, with no training scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.