Gasperini locks down Svilar as Roma target Koné and N'Dicka sales

Roma's new Chief Football Officer attended the squad's open training session in Wales on 2 August, a day after watching the previous day's friendly match from the stands. The session was open to the press as the Giallorossi continued their pre-season preparations. The appointment of the Chief Football Officer marks a new addition to the club's administrative structure during the off-season. The presence at the training ground in Wales underscores the club's focus on maintaining close oversight of squad development ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. No further details of the session's content or squad activities were provided.

Royal Antwerp have submitted an official offer for Anass Salah-Eddine on a loan deal with a purchase option, according to reports. The 24-year-old left-back is not part of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's plans at Roma and has been excluded from the club's pre-season training camp in Wales. Roma's hierarchy has made clear that Salah-Eddine is set to leave, and discussions between the two clubs are ongoing while the Moroccan player considers his next destination. Roma have already begun reshaping their squad this summer, with the departure of Artem Dovbyk already concluded. Salah-Eddine does not fit Gasperini's tactical approach and is a priority for the club to move on. The player had previously rejected an approach from Olympiakos. Beyond Antwerp's interest, PSV Eindhoven and several other Eredivisie clubs are monitoring the situation and ready to step in should negotiations with the Belgian side stall.

Anass Salah-Eddine remains one of Roma's most active outgoing transfer targets this summer. The Moroccan winger is currently outside Gian Piero Gasperini's project at the club, despite interest from multiple suitors. Royal Antwerp have submitted an official offer for Salah-Eddine on a loan deal with a right of redemption, with the two clubs in dialogue. The player is considering his next destination. Salah-Eddine has already rejected approaches from the PSV and Olympiacos, though the Greek club may return to the table. His decision could partly hinge on Olympiacos's progress in UEFA Champions League qualification; they face NEC in a third-round preliminary tie. Betis are also reported to be monitoring his availability. Salah-Eddine returns from the World Cup but finds himself without a clear role under Gasperini's tactical plans, making a temporary move abroad an attractive option to regain playing time.

Roma suffered a heavy defeat to Cardiff City in their opening pre-season fixture, losing 4–1 at the Welsh Championship club on 2 August. The Giallorossi conceded three goals in the opening half-hour and went in at 0–3 at the break, with errors from established players including Svilar, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Wesley, Cristante and Dybala contributing to a chaotic first period. Paulo Dybala missed a penalty in spectacular fashion before atoning in the second half with a goal created by Matías Soulé, though Cardiff added a fourth after an apparent foul on debutant Castro went unpunished. The match served as the competitive debut for Castro, who operated as the striker in an all-Argentine attacking triad alongside Dybala and Soulé under coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical system. Roma fielded a reduced squad following two weeks of pre-season work, while Cardiff were significantly further along in their preparation ahead of their League Cup campaign starting within days. Officiating decisions favoured the hosts, with romanisti receiving a series of yellow cards distributed seemingly arbitrarily. Wesley and Rensch appeared vulnerable on the flanks, while the centre-backs and midfield operated out of sync. A notable injury concern emerged when Bah suffered a right knee distortion and had to be stretchered off. The second half saw gradual improvements, though Cardiff's quality ensured few clear chances materialised for the visitors. Young midfielder Lulli (born 2007) impressed in a brief appearance.

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 faced Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side testing themselves further after earlier sessions at Trigoria and against Cannes. The match took place at Cardiff City Stadium as part of the club's Welsh training camp. The Giallorossi lined up in a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and Wesley and Devyne Rensch operating as full-backs. Bryan Cristante anchored midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala deployed in attacking support of the centre-forward. The standout feature of Roma's team sheet was the first appearance of Castro, who took the centre-forward berth in the starting XI. Gasperini continues to build match fitness across the squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Konstantinos Koulierakis joined Roma's pre-season training camp in Wales on 2 August, a day after his signing was officially announced. The defender arrived at the Vale Resort to meet Gian Piero Gasperini and his teammates, including Bryan Cristante, Gianluca Mancini, Paulo Dybala, and Donyell Malen. The moment was captured on camera as Koulierakis embraced the head coach and squad members. Some Roma supporters at the resort approached the new arrival to request photographs and autographs. Gasperini now has an additional defender available as Roma continues its pre-season preparations. The timing of Koulierakis's arrival reflects the club's push to strengthen the backline during the current transfer window. His integration into the group comes as Roma prepares for the 2026-27 season.

Roma suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their first pre-season friendly of the summer, with Paulo Dybala opening the scoring from a Matías Soulé assist before missing a penalty. Gianluca Castro made his debut, starting up front and battling throughout before receiving a yellow card late on; defender Bah was also forced off with injury. Gasperini analysed the performance in his post-match comments: "Distratti dietro nel primo tempo, abbiamo preso gol su rimpalli. Qualcosa di buono l'abbiamo fatto, ma se sei poco attento diventa tutto più difficile." The coach reiterated that the squad requires completion, stating: "Il mercato è partito tardi, sono andati via diversi giocatori e servono innesti per rendere la squadra davvero competitiva." Gasperini confirmed his targets—a defender, a winger, and two forwards—insisting they are achievable objectives. Castro is viewed as an excellent acquisition who can rotate with Donyell Malen and elevate the squad's level. On the transfer front, Greek defender Konstantinos Koulierakis landed at Ciampino airport and completed his move from Wolfsburg on a permanent basis for approximately €16.5 million plus bonuses and a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Born in 2004, Koulierakis becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. The club is also pursuing Franco Mastantuono, a 2007-born Madrid youth prospect, though Real's preference for a loan or loan with option has not convinced Roma; Fiorentina are advancing in those talks. Negotiations for Feyenoord winger Read continue, with Roma offering €23 million plus €2 million in add-ons.

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."

Koulierakis joined Roma's squad in Wales on 2 August, arriving at Vale Resort in Hensol after completing his medical and signing yesterday. The Greek centre-back posed for photographs with Roma supporters at the training ground before linking up with Gasperini and the squad for his first team session. He arrived on a permanent deal worth €16 million plus €1.5 million in bonuses, with Wolfsburg retaining a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Koulierakis joins an established defensive unit comprising Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Ziółkowski and Ghilardi, though the last-named could depart the capital. This morning Dybala and the wider group completed a gym session, with a video review and field training scheduled for the afternoon. Gasperini welcomes Koulierakis as Roma's second new acquisition of the summer, following Castro, who made his debut in yesterday's 0–0 draw with Cardiff. The defender will bolster Roma's backline as pre-season preparations continue in Wales.

Roma suffered a heavy defeat to Cardiff City in their opening pre-season fixture, losing 4–1 at the Welsh Championship club on 2 August. The Giallorossi conceded three goals in the opening half-hour and went in at 0–3 at the break, with errors from established players including Svilar, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Wesley, Cristante and Dybala contributing to a chaotic first period. Paulo Dybala missed a penalty in spectacular fashion before atoning in the second half with a goal created by Matías Soulé, though Cardiff added a fourth after an apparent foul on debutant Castro went unpunished. The match served as the competitive debut for Castro, who operated as the striker in an all-Argentine attacking triad alongside Dybala and Soulé under coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical system. Roma fielded a reduced squad following two weeks of pre-season work, while Cardiff were significantly further along in their preparation ahead of their League Cup campaign starting within days. Officiating decisions favoured the hosts, with romanisti receiving a series of yellow cards distributed seemingly arbitrarily. Wesley and Rensch appeared vulnerable on the flanks, while the centre-backs and midfield operated out of sync. A notable injury concern emerged when Bah suffered a right knee distortion and had to be stretchered off. The second half saw gradual improvements, though Cardiff's quality ensured few clear chances materialised for the visitors. Young midfielder Lulli (born 2007) impressed in a brief appearance.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his move to AS Roma from Wolfsburg on a deal worth €16 million plus €1.5 million in add-ons, signing a contract until 2031. The Greek centre-back will link up with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad and is expected to be in Wales immediately as the club continues pre-season preparations. Koulierakis joins an already established defensive unit at the Stadio Olimpico comprising Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso, Evan N'Dicka, Jan Ziółkowski and Daniele Ghilardi. His arrival strengthens Gasperini's options at the heart of defence as Roma look to build on their existing squad depth. Wolfsburg issued a farewell message on social media, stating: "Treat him well. He will give you everything. Konstantinos Koulierakis moves to Roma. Thank you for your commitment in white and green and the best of luck for your new challenge, Koulie." Gasperini continues to pursue additional reinforcements, particularly in attack, as the club prepares for the 2026–27 season.