Gasperini backs Roma's summer rebuilding despite Cardiff City defeat

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media after Roma's friendly against Cardiff City, acknowledging defensive frailties in the opening period but praising the team's attacking moments. The head coach stressed that the transfer window has only just begun following the World Cup and indicated he expects additions before the season starts. Gasperini hailed Castro as an excellent acquisition, describing him as a natural centre-forward who can operate alongside Malen. "Castro is a 2004 who wanted to come to Roma at all costs—it will be a fine signing," he said. He outlined the squad's needs: "Compared to last season's squad we need a defender, a winger and two forwards. Then everything can change: if someone leaves, they must be replaced." Gasperini stressed that competing in cup competitions requires depth: "When you play Champions League at a certain level, you need a complete, competitive squad with enough players to rotate without losing quality." With three midfielders currently sidelined and only five defenders available, Gasperini flagged the urgency of recruitment. He confirmed that Koulierakis will arrive to bolster the defence, noting that teams competing in European football must have at least two players per position. The coach added the squad is now in its third week of pre-season training and that he hopes completeness arrives "as quickly as possible."

Santiago Castro spoke to Roma's official channels following the confirmation of his transfer to the club. The Argentine forward expressed his eagerness to join, saying: "It was a short negotiation, I wanted to come here from the beginning. I spoke with the sporting director, he told me what they would have wanted from me. I know what I can give to the manager and the squad." Castro praised Gasperini's track record in Italy, noting: "Of course I like him! For many years he's done very well in Italy, with Atalanta and Roma, which he's now brought to the Champions League. I see myself where he wants me: I'm here to help the squad, I'll do what he wants." The 21-year-old acknowledged Roma's rich history, particularly its tradition of Argentine players, as a source of motivation. He described hearing the Champions League anthem at the Olimpico as "incredible", adding that witnessing the stadium with European football "will be beautiful". Castro highlighted his previous performances at the Olimpico, where he has scored twice against Lazio. Looking ahead to the Derby della Capitale, he stated: "Yes, you could say so. Hopefully we continue like this! The last two times I played here I scored two goals and hit the crossbar... against Lazio I scored twice, now I want to make up for it in the derby." He also thanked Roma fans for their support since news of his transfer emerged.

Santiago Castro was officially unveiled as a Roma player after arriving in the capital on Monday at midnight. The Argentine striker spoke to the club's official channels in his first interview as a Giallorossi player, expressing his immediate commitment to the project. "From the first moment I wanted to come here," Castro said. "I felt the sporting director, they told me what they wanted from me and what they thought I could give the squad. I know what I can do, how I can help the manager and the team." Castro joins Roma under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has guided the club back into the Champions League. The striker praised the coach's proven track record and expressed confidence in their partnership. "Gasperini has been doing very well in Italy for many years, he did it at Atalanta and now at Roma, bringing them back to the Champions League," Castro said. "I see myself where he wants me. I'm here to help and give a hand to the squad." The 21-year-old has previous experience at the Stadio Olimpico, having scored twice against Lazio and once against Roma before joining. When asked about repeating that goalscoring form, Castro replied: "The last two times here I scored and hit the crossbar. Against Lazio I scored two goals, we're level. We want to continue like that, scoring in the derby." He also emphasised his readiness to compete in the Champions League: "Hearing the anthem is the dream of every child who starts playing football. It will be beautiful to experience those evenings at the stadium."

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media after Roma's friendly against Cardiff City, acknowledging defensive frailties in the opening period but praising the team's attacking moments. The head coach stressed that the transfer window has only just begun following the World Cup and indicated he expects additions before the season starts. Gasperini hailed Castro as an excellent acquisition, describing him as a natural centre-forward who can operate alongside Malen. "Castro is a 2004 who wanted to come to Roma at all costs—it will be a fine signing," he said. He outlined the squad's needs: "Compared to last season's squad we need a defender, a winger and two forwards. Then everything can change: if someone leaves, they must be replaced." Gasperini stressed that competing in cup competitions requires depth: "When you play Champions League at a certain level, you need a complete, competitive squad with enough players to rotate without losing quality." With three midfielders currently sidelined and only five defenders available, Gasperini flagged the urgency of recruitment. He confirmed that Koulierakis will arrive to bolster the defence, noting that teams competing in European football must have at least two players per position. The coach added the squad is now in its third week of pre-season training and that he hopes completeness arrives "as quickly as possible."

Roma suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Cardiff City in a friendly on 1 August, with Paulo Dybala scoring but also missing a penalty in an otherwise bright performance. The Argentine playmaker created a memorable chance early in the second half, setting up Wesley before converting a tap-in to reduce the deficit. His striking effort from the spot, however, was described as poor. Dybala's physical condition drew praise despite the heavy loss. Roma's defence struggled throughout, particularly in the opening period. Mile Svilar conceded four goals and was caught out by careless errors from his backline, notably a slow pass from Wesley that led to Cardiff's second goal. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso had difficult nights, while Evan N'Dicka made an early mistake that invited pressure. Bryan Cristante showed glimpses of quality in midfield, while Matías Soulé and Castro offered encouraging signs despite the scoreline. The friendly served as Roma's first pre-season fixture in Wales. Donyell Malen and Lolli were introduced in the second half and showed improved energy compared to the first-team starters. Roma's next fixture is scheduled for 4 August against Newport.

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.