Dybala and Malen combine for Roma's second goal in Cannes friendly

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 produced a commanding performance against Cannes, with Paulo Dybala in outstanding form orchestrating the attack. The Argentine playmaker set up Donyell Malen's goal and opened the scoring himself with a free-kick, establishing Roma's control in the first half. However, the match was overshadowed by a controversial second yellow card shown to Wesley for what appeared to be a minor midfield challenge. The decision left Gasperini visibly incredulous on the bench, with the Roma head coach protesting the referee's decision. Wesley's dismissal forced Roma to play the entire second half with ten men, though they maintained their two-goal advantage. Dybala's performance was the standout feature of Roma's first-half display, as he guided his teammates through a period of increased intensity after a slow opening. The Argentine was named the undisputed MVP of the opening 45 minutes. Despite being reduced to ten players following Wesley's controversial red card, Roma's attacking superiority and advantage from their two-goal lead offered them realistic prospects of seeing out the match.

Roma produced a commanding performance against Cannes, with Paulo Dybala in outstanding form orchestrating the attack. The Argentine playmaker set up Donyell Malen's goal and opened the scoring himself with a free-kick, establishing Roma's control in the first half. However, the match was overshadowed by a controversial second yellow card shown to Wesley for what appeared to be a minor midfield challenge. The decision left Gasperini visibly incredulous on the bench, with the Roma head coach protesting the referee's decision. Wesley's dismissal forced Roma to play the entire second half with ten men, though they maintained their two-goal advantage. Dybala's performance was the standout feature of Roma's first-half display, as he guided his teammates through a period of increased intensity after a slow opening. The Argentine was named the undisputed MVP of the opening 45 minutes. Despite being reduced to ten players following Wesley's controversial red card, Roma's attacking superiority and advantage from their two-goal lead offered them realistic prospects of seeing out the match.

Wesley was sent off in the second minute of stoppage time in the first half during Cannes' match against Roma, receiving a second yellow card in a decision that sparked disbelief on the pitch and from both benches. The Roma defender and his teammates reacted with shock to the referee's call, while head coach Gian Piero Gasperini appeared to notice the situation only after it was pointed out by his assistant, Gritti. The incident drew surprise from the Cannes technical staff as well, with the French club's manager reportedly appearing almost apologetic toward the Roma bench following the expulsion.

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.

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 produced a commanding performance against Cannes, with Paulo Dybala in outstanding form orchestrating the attack. The Argentine playmaker set up Donyell Malen's goal and opened the scoring himself with a free-kick, establishing Roma's control in the first half. However, the match was overshadowed by a controversial second yellow card shown to Wesley for what appeared to be a minor midfield challenge. The decision left Gasperini visibly incredulous on the bench, with the Roma head coach protesting the referee's decision. Wesley's dismissal forced Roma to play the entire second half with ten men, though they maintained their two-goal advantage. Dybala's performance was the standout feature of Roma's first-half display, as he guided his teammates through a period of increased intensity after a slow opening. The Argentine was named the undisputed MVP of the opening 45 minutes. Despite being reduced to ten players following Wesley's controversial red card, Roma's attacking superiority and advantage from their two-goal lead offered them realistic prospects of seeing out the match.

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 produced a commanding performance against Cannes, with Paulo Dybala in outstanding form orchestrating the attack. The Argentine playmaker set up Donyell Malen's goal and opened the scoring himself with a free-kick, establishing Roma's control in the first half. However, the match was overshadowed by a controversial second yellow card shown to Wesley for what appeared to be a minor midfield challenge. The decision left Gasperini visibly incredulous on the bench, with the Roma head coach protesting the referee's decision. Wesley's dismissal forced Roma to play the entire second half with ten men, though they maintained their two-goal advantage. Dybala's performance was the standout feature of Roma's first-half display, as he guided his teammates through a period of increased intensity after a slow opening. The Argentine was named the undisputed MVP of the opening 45 minutes. Despite being reduced to ten players following Wesley's controversial red card, Roma's attacking superiority and advantage from their two-goal lead offered them realistic prospects of seeing out the match.