Galantic appointed Roma CEO as club accelerates transfer activity

Roma's squad returned to their Fulvio Bernardini training base yesterday afternoon after a friendly against Cannes that ended 3–3 in France, and have been granted a double session today ahead of the new season. Neil El Aynaoui is expected to rejoin the group at Trigoria after representing Morocco at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals. His return will give head coach Gian Piero Gasperini additional midfield depth, with Niccolò Pisilli currently sidelined by injury and Manu Koné absent following France's World Cup campaign that ended in a third-place playoff loss to England. With the Serie A opener against Fiorentina less than a month away, Roma are building their competitive shape in earnest. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar told reporters: "We're working physically a lot, so the results cannot be seen today or in a few days. We need another month of work to really be in good shape and fortunately we have it ahead of us before the real matches arrive." Bryan Cristante and youth academy players have carried the midfield load during the first phase of pre-season. The squad travels to Wales tomorrow to Vale Resort at Hensol, where they will face Cardiff on 1 August, Newport on 4 August, and Brighton on 8 August. Roma return to Rome before the final warm-up fixture against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August.

Roma have sold out their complete allocation of 40,000 season tickets for 2026–27 in just 21 days, with the subscription campaign closing on 29 July after launching officially on 8 July at 10:00. The club announced the sold-out status via social media with the message: "Thank you to all the fans, see you at the stadium." Roma's opening match of the season is scheduled for Monday 24 August at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico against Fiorentina, where Gasperini's squad will begin their campaign. The subscription drive unfolded across multiple phases: Phase 1.1 (8–20 July) offered renewal at dedicated pricing for the most loyal supporters who had renewed in 2025–26; Phase 1.2 (20–23 July) catered to first-time subscribers from 2025–26; Phase 1.3 allowed those seeking different seating. After the renewal phase generated approximately 38,000 subscriptions, the waiting list phase launched on Monday, with roughly 25,000 people queuing virtually but only around 2,000 securing tickets. The club stated: "Thank you to all the fans who chose to stand by us. Your support is what makes the Stadio Olimpico unique and accompanies us in every challenge." The 40,000 figure mirrors subscription levels from Roma's championship era around 2000–2001, when 42,000 tickets were sold in 1999–2000, 46,000 in the championship season, and 47,000 in 2001–02. The club had previously capped the maximum at 36,000 and then 40,000, reflecting historical barriers and pandemic impacts on attendance.

Roma's summer transfer window has gathered pace following the midnight arrival of Castro from Bologna at Termini station to a crowd of supporters on Monday, pending official confirmation. The club is now ready to complete a second signing: Greek defender Koulierakis has already agreed to join Roma. Negotiations with Wolfsburg are in an advanced stage on the basis of €15 million. Koulierakis has secured backing from Torosidis, who told ForzaRoma.info: "Excellent signing". The left winger Ezzalzouli's departure, however, looks increasingly unlikely. The Moroccan prefers to remain at Real Betis, who are demanding €45 million for his release. Separately, Galantic has been appointed Roma's new chief executive officer.