Galantic makes first appearance as Roma CEO at Cardiff friendly

Roma suffered a 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their opening friendly during a pre-season training camp in Wales. Approximately 600 Roma supporters attended the match, along with newly announced CEO John Galantic, who was revealed on 29 July. Galantic accompanied the squad for the fixture and will remain throughout the entire Welsh retreat, choosing to follow the group closely during this crucial phase of preparation and share the club's daily work on the training ground. Galantic's arrival completes the new management structure established by the Friedkin ownership. The American chief executive was selected to combine operational efficiency with Roma brand development, with clear operational priorities: strengthening commercial partnerships, optimising revenue streams, and providing strategic coordination during the critical phases of the new Stadio di Pietralata project. His appointment represents a significant step in the club's structural growth and aligns with the broader vision of the Texas-based ownership.

Italy faces a severe heat wave as August opens with record-breaking temperatures. Out of 27 cities monitored by the Health Ministry, 25 are now on maximum alert level (level 3) for Monday 3 August, indicating possible health risks for the general population, not just vulnerable groups. Only Messina and Reggio Calabria remain on yellow alert. Today the highest alert affects 19 cities including Rome, Bologna, Milan, Naples and Venice. By tomorrow that number will rise to 23 with the addition of Catania, Genoa, Palermo and Trieste. Across the peninsula, temperatures will reach exceptional levels, with Terni expected to hit 41°C as the national peak, while Ferrara, Mantova, Modena and Parma will reach 40°C. In Lazio, Rome will approach 40°C alongside Rieti, Viterbo, Frosinone and Latina. Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri called for a national plan against extreme heat, stating: "Italy, unlike other European countries, is leaving municipalities alone and has no strategy to face heat waves." The city operates 660 climate refuges and has launched a "Grand Cooling at the Cinema" initiative that has drawn thousands to air-conditioned venues. Sanification operations have begun at the EUR lake with new aerators to be installed to improve water circulation. Sardinia faces the most critical situation, with interior areas potentially reaching 44°C between Sunday and Monday, triggering major wildfire operations in the Sassarese region requiring Canadair aircraft and ground crews.

Roma travel to Wales on Saturday 1 August for a pre-season friendly against Cardiff, kicking off at 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT). Donyell Malen starts in attack, with Castro on the bench in his first appearance of pre-season. Neil El Aynaoui returns to action after missing the opening weeks of summer training due to World Cup involvement. Robinio Vaz is available after recovering from a knee injury. Niccolò Pisilli remains unavailable and has not yet reached full fitness. The match will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN, requiring a subscription to watch on smart TV, gaming consoles (Xbox or PlayStation), or streaming devices including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and TIM VISION Box. The fixture will also air on free-to-air channel Canale Nove, though only as a delayed broadcast at 21:30. Roma fans can follow live updates via Forzaroma.info's live blog and the club's social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.