Friedkin joins Roma in Wales for Newport friendly

Mario Hermoso scored to give Roma a 1–0 victory over Newport County in a pre-season friendly during the club's Welsh training camp on 4 August. The result comes after two disappointing warm-up matches: Roma conceded three goals in a comeback loss to Cannes and suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff. Gasperini's squad faces the second stage of the Welsh retreat with this victory marking a turnaround in form during the pre-season schedule. The match entered its second half with Roma already ahead through Hermoso's goal.

Roma travelled to Rodney Parade, home of Newport County, on 4 August for their second pre-season friendly during their training camp in Wales. The squad was greeted warmly by supporters, who took selfies with the players. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini led the travelling party, accompanied by Roma vice-president Ryan Friedkin, who watched the fixture closely as the team built match fitness ahead of the 2026–27 season. The friendly served as valuable preparation for Roma's campaign to come. The match allowed Gasperini to give his players crucial game time during the pre-season schedule in Wales.

Donyell Malen has been ruled out of Roma's second pre-season friendly at Newport County due to a fever. The Dutch forward was unavailable for selection as the Giallorossi continued their training camp in Wales. Malen's absence marks a setback during Roma's summer preparation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The forward is part of the squad assembled for the 2026-27 season and his fitness will be monitored as the campaign approaches.