Dybala to sign two-year extension as Roma name him club ambassador for centenary

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma on a permanent transfer from Wolfsburg. The 2003-born defender arrived at Ciampino on 1 August, completed medical examinations and signed his contract to become an official Roma player. He has chosen the number 33 shirt. Koulierakis arrives with senior experience across two prominent European clubs. He previously played for PAOK before his spell in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg. The Greece international made his senior debut aged 18 and has earned 22 caps for his national team to date. The deal concludes Roma's acquisition of the defender on permanent terms.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma from Wolfsburg on a permanent transfer. The Greek defender, born in 2003, arrived at Ciampino and the club confirmed the acquisition on 1 August 2026. He is available immediately for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the 2026–27 season and has selected shirt number 33. Koulierakis brings experience from PAOK and Wolfsburg to Roma's defence. He made his Greece senior debut at 18 and has earned 22 caps for the national team. The signing bolsters Gasperini's squad depth in defence as the club prepares for the new campaign. AS Roma's official statement read: "The AS Roma is pleased to announce the arrival of Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg. The operation is concluded with a permanent acquisition. The defender, class of 2003, has worn the shirts of PAOK and Wolfsburg; he made his debut at 18 in the Greek national team, with which he has recorded 22 appearances so far."

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his move to Roma from Wolfsburg. The Greek defender arrived at Ciampino airport around midday on 1 August, was greeted by supporters, and underwent medical tests before the club confirmed the signing in the evening. Roma have acquired him on a permanent basis for 18 million euros plus a percentage on resale. Koulierakis, born in 2003, previously played for PAOK and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. He made his Greece debut at 18 and has earned 22 senior international caps. He will wear number 33 at Roma. The club released a statement: "Welcome to Roma, Konstantinos!" The defender will not remain in the capital immediately. On the morning of 2 August, Koulierakis will travel to Wales to rejoin the squad for their training camp.

Roma suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their first pre-season friendly of the summer, with Paulo Dybala opening the scoring from a Matías Soulé assist before missing a penalty. Gianluca Castro made his debut, starting up front and battling throughout before receiving a yellow card late on; defender Bah was also forced off with injury. Gasperini analysed the performance in his post-match comments: "Distratti dietro nel primo tempo, abbiamo preso gol su rimpalli. Qualcosa di buono l'abbiamo fatto, ma se sei poco attento diventa tutto più difficile." The coach reiterated that the squad requires completion, stating: "Il mercato è partito tardi, sono andati via diversi giocatori e servono innesti per rendere la squadra davvero competitiva." Gasperini confirmed his targets—a defender, a winger, and two forwards—insisting they are achievable objectives. Castro is viewed as an excellent acquisition who can rotate with Donyell Malen and elevate the squad's level. On the transfer front, Greek defender Konstantinos Koulierakis landed at Ciampino airport and completed his move from Wolfsburg on a permanent basis for approximately €16.5 million plus bonuses and a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Born in 2004, Koulierakis becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. The club is also pursuing Franco Mastantuono, a 2007-born Madrid youth prospect, though Real's preference for a loan or loan with option has not convinced Roma; Fiorentina are advancing in those talks. Negotiations for Feyenoord winger Read continue, with Roma offering €23 million plus €2 million in add-ons.

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.

Tension flared during Roma's friendly match in Wales when Paulo Dybala and Bryan Cristante clashed on the pitch. The incident began with protests from Matías Soulé, followed by Cristante's intervention—a move that drew Dybala's displeasure. The clash prompted a heated exchange between Dybala and Cristante as nerves frayed on the field. The friendly in Cardiff served as an early test for Gian Piero Gasperini's side ahead of the new season. Squad unity and composure during pre-season fixtures are typically viewed as important markers for Roma's preparation. Dybala's involvement in the confrontation underscores the intensity the players are bringing to their summer preparations. The match also saw Soulé involved in the broader friction, suggesting multiple players were engaged in the tensions that emerged during the encounter.