Gallery – Atmosphere builds at Rodney Parade ahead of Newport County v Roma

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.

Mario Hermoso put Roma ahead in the 38th minute during their second pre-season friendly in Wales against Newport County at Rodney Parade. Bryan Cristante recovered possession to launch the move, then found Hermoso with the help of a deflection off Castro, with the Spanish defender finishing from close range to settle the opening period at 1–0. Gasperini's side began slowly but grew into the match. Mile Svilar made a vital save in the 14th minute to deny Doidge after the Newport forward was left unmarked, while Paulo Dybala and Castro posed occasional threats in attack. Newport threatened early through Biggins, whose long-range effort struck the crossbar in the 4th minute, but Roma's defence gradually tightened. The friendly served as a fitness-building exercise during the Wales training camp. Donyell Malen was absent through fever. Gasperini made a tactical adjustment in the 36th minute, switching Wesley to the right flank and Devyne Rensch to the left. Jenkins received a booking for Newport in the 40th minute. The match was officiated by Martin, with Tweson-Morris and Hooper as assistants.

Paulo Dybala impressed during Roma's visit to Newport, where the Welsh town laid on a special welcome for the Argentine forward. Giallorossi fans decorated the city with yellow and red scarves and shirts ahead of the fixture. Roma held a 1–0 lead at half-time as the second half got under way. The club's hierarchy travelled to Wales for the match, with representatives including Gandler, Ryan Friedkin, and Galantic present to support the team. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was working with a depleted attacking unit, missing five forwards for the outing. The squad was pursuing further transfer activity in attack, with a fresh bid being prepared for Nusa, while Fofana remained under consideration as an option.

Donyell Malen will miss Roma's friendly against Newport this evening (kickoff 19:00) due to fever, though the Dutch winger is expected to return within days and will be available for Saturday's fixture against Brighton at 15:00. Castro takes his place in attack alongside Paulo Dybala, a pairing that worked in a previous friendly at Cardiff. Wesley has recovered from a right ankle problem and was included in the squad. Koulierakis, another recent addition, starts from the first minute. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin joined the squad at Vale Resort ahead of the match. Malen's absence is not deemed serious and he is expected to be fully fit for the Brighton game on Saturday.