Dybala and Cristante clash during Cardiff friendly

Roma suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly in Wales. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring from a Matías Soulé assist and had a penalty saved, while new signing Castro made his debut as a starter, remaining composed despite receiving a yellow card late in the match. Defender Bah was injured during the game. After the match, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged defensive lapses: "Distracted at the back in the first half, we conceded goals from scrambles. We produced some good moments, but if you're not switched on it becomes harder." Gasperini reiterated that the squad requires completion, saying: "The market started late, several players have left and we need signings to make the team truly competitive." He confirmed his requests for a defender, a winger, and two strikers, describing them as achievable targets. Castro is viewed as an excellent acquisition who can rotate with Donyell Malen and elevate the squad. Gasperini stressed the need for genuine quality to close both gaps and ensure two options per position—essential for cup competition. Konstantinos Koulierakis, a Greek defender born 2004, landed at Ciampino today. The centre-back arrives from Wolfsburg in a permanent deal worth approximately €16.5 million plus bonuses and 20 per cent of any future sale. He becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. Roma also remain interested in Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, a 2007-born forward, though the clubs differ on terms—Madrid seek a straight loan or loan with buyback option, a structure Roma finds unattractive.

Roma suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly, with Paulo Dybala scoring from a Matías Soulé assist in what Gasperini described as an August match without alarm. The team showed signs of rustiness after heavy training loads, conceding early in the first half and struggling defensively. Tensions flared late in the match: Castro was fouled without a whistle as Cardiff broke away to score; Soulé remonstrated with the referee, Bryan Cristante attempted to calm matters, but Dybala objected and became embroiled in heated words with the midfielder, leading to a physical exchange. Soulé was subsequently substituted. The squad also suffered a setback with Bah sustaining a right-knee distortion injury; he is due for medical scans on 2 August. Castro made a subdued debut, receiving tactical instruction from match analyst Mauro Fumagalli during the warm-up. Gasperini was pragmatic in his assessment, noting the side remains competitive but lacks full depth. The coach said: "We've conceded from rebounds. We did good things going forward, but it's clear that if you're that careless and unfit, as inattentive defensively as we were in the first half, it becomes difficult." With Koulierakis arriving on 2 August to strengthen the defence, Roma's transfer focus now shifts to midfield and attack. Gasperini explicitly stated the requirement: "Whoever plays in the cups must have at least two players per position—it's essential; those without it pay heavily." Roma has tabled a €25 million offer to Feyenoord and awaits a response regarding Read, expected on 2 August. Endrick is also under consideration for the wing position.

Roma suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their opening pre-season fixture in Wales on 1 August, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side struggling in the first test of their summer training camp. The result came on a day when the club welcomed defender Konstantinos Koulierakis to Trigoria in the morning, marking the second signing of the summer transfer window, though the deal remains to be officially confirmed. The friendly loss is a setback in Roma's preparation for the 2026–27 season. Gasperini addressed the performance and transfer activity with media after the match, though his specific comments are not detailed here. The arrival of Koulierakis signals the club's continued work in the transfer market as they reshape the squad ahead of the coming campaign. The Cardiff defeat underlines the work still required before Roma's competitive fixtures begin later in the summer.

Roma suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly in Wales. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring from a Matías Soulé assist and had a penalty saved, while new signing Castro made his debut as a starter, remaining composed despite receiving a yellow card late in the match. Defender Bah was injured during the game. After the match, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged defensive lapses: "Distracted at the back in the first half, we conceded goals from scrambles. We produced some good moments, but if you're not switched on it becomes harder." Gasperini reiterated that the squad requires completion, saying: "The market started late, several players have left and we need signings to make the team truly competitive." He confirmed his requests for a defender, a winger, and two strikers, describing them as achievable targets. Castro is viewed as an excellent acquisition who can rotate with Donyell Malen and elevate the squad. Gasperini stressed the need for genuine quality to close both gaps and ensure two options per position—essential for cup competition. Konstantinos Koulierakis, a Greek defender born 2004, landed at Ciampino today. The centre-back arrives from Wolfsburg in a permanent deal worth approximately €16.5 million plus bonuses and 20 per cent of any future sale. He becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. Roma also remain interested in Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, a 2007-born forward, though the clubs differ on terms—Madrid seek a straight loan or loan with buyback option, a structure Roma finds unattractive.

Roma suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly, with Paulo Dybala scoring from a Matías Soulé assist in what Gasperini described as an August match without alarm. The team showed signs of rustiness after heavy training loads, conceding early in the first half and struggling defensively. Tensions flared late in the match: Castro was fouled without a whistle as Cardiff broke away to score; Soulé remonstrated with the referee, Bryan Cristante attempted to calm matters, but Dybala objected and became embroiled in heated words with the midfielder, leading to a physical exchange. Soulé was subsequently substituted. The squad also suffered a setback with Bah sustaining a right-knee distortion injury; he is due for medical scans on 2 August. Castro made a subdued debut, receiving tactical instruction from match analyst Mauro Fumagalli during the warm-up. Gasperini was pragmatic in his assessment, noting the side remains competitive but lacks full depth. The coach said: "We've conceded from rebounds. We did good things going forward, but it's clear that if you're that careless and unfit, as inattentive defensively as we were in the first half, it becomes difficult." With Koulierakis arriving on 2 August to strengthen the defence, Roma's transfer focus now shifts to midfield and attack. Gasperini explicitly stated the requirement: "Whoever plays in the cups must have at least two players per position—it's essential; those without it pay heavily." Roma has tabled a €25 million offer to Feyenoord and awaits a response regarding Read, expected on 2 August. Endrick is also under consideration for the wing position.

Roma collapsed in their first friendly match in Wales, losing 4–1 to Cardiff. Ashford scored twice for the hosts, with goals also coming from Salech and Tanner. Paulo Dybala was Roma's sole bright spot, missing a penalty but pulling one back to make it 3–1, though the goal proved only a consolation. The defence struggled throughout, with Gianluca Mancini, Wesley and Devyne Rensch among the poorest performers, while debutant Castro misfired in attack. The squad trained this morning and appeared fatigued, carrying heavy workloads on their legs—a normal state at this stage of pre-season preparation. Young player Bah suffered a knee injury during the match, sustaining a right knee distortion; instrumental examinations will determine the full extent of the problem. Roma's next friendly comes on Tuesday against Newport at 19:00 local time (20:00 Italian time). The squad will train in the afternoon on Tuesday, with gym work scheduled for the morning.

Roma suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly, with Paulo Dybala scoring from a Matías Soulé assist in what Gasperini described as an August match without alarm. The team showed signs of rustiness after heavy training loads, conceding early in the first half and struggling defensively. Tensions flared late in the match: Castro was fouled without a whistle as Cardiff broke away to score; Soulé remonstrated with the referee, Bryan Cristante attempted to calm matters, but Dybala objected and became embroiled in heated words with the midfielder, leading to a physical exchange. Soulé was subsequently substituted. The squad also suffered a setback with Bah sustaining a right-knee distortion injury; he is due for medical scans on 2 August. Castro made a subdued debut, receiving tactical instruction from match analyst Mauro Fumagalli during the warm-up. Gasperini was pragmatic in his assessment, noting the side remains competitive but lacks full depth. The coach said: "We've conceded from rebounds. We did good things going forward, but it's clear that if you're that careless and unfit, as inattentive defensively as we were in the first half, it becomes difficult." With Koulierakis arriving on 2 August to strengthen the defence, Roma's transfer focus now shifts to midfield and attack. Gasperini explicitly stated the requirement: "Whoever plays in the cups must have at least two players per position—it's essential; those without it pay heavily." Roma has tabled a €25 million offer to Feyenoord and awaits a response regarding Read, expected on 2 August. Endrick is also under consideration for the wing position.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called for immediate squad additions following Roma's 4-1 loss to Cardiff. Gasperini said: "We must absolutely complete the squad as soon as possible" and revealed he has requested four signings. He emphasised the need for depth across all positions, stating: "You must have two players per role, otherwise you pay for it in the Champions League." Gasperini identified defensive focus as a particular concern in the Cardiff match, noting the team was "too distracted in defence" during the defeat. The coach's call for reinforcements underscores Roma's early-season struggles and highlights gaps in the squad that could prove costly in European competition. Paulo Dybala scored in the match, but tensions also emerged among players, with Dybala and Matías Soulé involved in a discussion with Bryan Cristante during the game. The result marks a difficult start to the campaign, and Gasperini's explicit demand for four new arrivals signals the club's need to act swiftly in the transfer market to bolster depth and address defensive vulnerabilities before the season's demands intensify.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in what appears to be a pre-season fixture. Gian Piero Gasperini's reaction to the hosts' first goal was notably frustrated, though he remained composed as further goals followed. Paulo Dybala scored for Roma, but the performance was marked by defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion. The defeat highlighted areas of concern for Roma ahead of the new season. Tensions emerged on the pitch during the match, with Dybala and Matías Soulé involved in a discussion with Bryan Cristante. Gasperini addressed the squad's preparation afterwards, remarking on their lack of focus and emphasizing the need to complete the squad roster as soon as possible. The result comes as Roma continue their pre-season preparations and work on the transfer market. Evan Ferguson made his debut for the club during the match, while other transfer activity continues to develop, with reported interest in Read and ongoing discussions about Soulé's future.