Gasperini praises Castro as major signing, calls for more recruits to complete squad

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has demanded four new signings to strengthen the squad after a 4–1 loss to Cardiff in their season opener. Gasperini said the club must complete its roster as soon as possible, emphasizing that teams need two players for each position, otherwise "you pay for it in the Champions League". He also highlighted defensive lapses, saying Roma were "too distracted" in that department during the match. The defeat marked a difficult start to the 2026–27 campaign. Gasperini's plea underscores the urgency of the club's transfer activity, with the coach making it clear that the current squad depth is insufficient for a competitive European campaign. Paulo Dybala scored in the loss, but the margin of defeat illustrated Roma's vulnerability. With reinforcements identified as a top priority, the focus now shifts to the club's ability to move quickly in the market to address those gaps before further fixtures arrive.

Roma lost 4–1 to Cardiff City in a summer friendly at the club's Welsh training camp, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledging defensive lapses in the first half as the primary cause. Speaking after the match, Gasperini said the team was "still in difficulty on someone, especially in the first half" and that defensive inattention made it harder to build momentum, despite some positive attacking play. Gasperini defended Roma's transfer strategy, stating his summer targets were straightforward: "A defender, a winger and two forwards—that doesn't seem like a difficult or insurmountable objective to me." He confirmed Castro, a 2004-born striker, as an excellent acquisition who will improve the squad, and outlined the possibility of Castro and Donyell Malen playing together in matches where the fixture schedule demands squad rotation. He also noted that a defensive reinforcement is imminent to expand Roma's centre-back options beyond the current five available players. On Matías Soulé, Gasperini reported the winger is improving in fitness, having featured at trequartista and on the left flank during the Cardiff fixture. The coach stressed that competing at Champions League level requires having two players available for every position, particularly given the intensity of a full European schedule.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly in Wales, a result head coach Gian Piero Gasperini attributed to lapses in concentration and defensive vulnerability. Gasperini said: "We were still struggling, especially at the back in the first half, we conceded goals from rebounds. We did good things going forward, but it's clear that if you're so distracted and out of condition, so inattentive in defence as we were in the first half, it becomes difficult. Then maybe you miss penalties and goals." The manager stressed the need for reinforcements to complete the squad, noting that several players have departed and the side remains thin. He explained: "The market has been particular because of the World Cup—it basically just started. Clearly from here on I expect something, quite a few players have left and the squad absolutely needs completing, anyone can see that. Some players need to arrive to make the squad competitive. We have three midfielders out, someone has just arrived, a bit haphazardly. It can happen in August, but we hope to complete ourselves as quickly as possible because it's already the third week finished." Gasperini outlined his priorities: a defender, a winger, and two attackers compared to last season's squad. He praised Castro as "an excellent signing, a great operation" and noted the 2004-born forward "wanted to come to Roma at all costs." He also confirmed Koulierakis will arrive to strengthen the defence. On deployment, Gasperini said Malen and Castro can play together in certain situations, and praised Matías Soulé's form, noting he "did well, is already better, and played as a trequartista." Gasperini stressed: "Whoever plays in the cups must have at least two players per position—it's essential. Whoever doesn't have them pays heavily for it."

Roma lost 4–1 to Cardiff City in a summer friendly at the club's Welsh training camp, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledging defensive lapses in the first half as the primary cause. Speaking after the match, Gasperini said the team was "still in difficulty on someone, especially in the first half" and that defensive inattention made it harder to build momentum, despite some positive attacking play. Gasperini defended Roma's transfer strategy, stating his summer targets were straightforward: "A defender, a winger and two forwards—that doesn't seem like a difficult or insurmountable objective to me." He confirmed Castro, a 2004-born striker, as an excellent acquisition who will improve the squad, and outlined the possibility of Castro and Donyell Malen playing together in matches where the fixture schedule demands squad rotation. He also noted that a defensive reinforcement is imminent to expand Roma's centre-back options beyond the current five available players. On Matías Soulé, Gasperini reported the winger is improving in fitness, having featured at trequartista and on the left flank during the Cardiff fixture. The coach stressed that competing at Champions League level requires having two players available for every position, particularly given the intensity of a full European schedule.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly in Wales, a result head coach Gian Piero Gasperini attributed to lapses in concentration and defensive vulnerability. Gasperini said: "We were still struggling, especially at the back in the first half, we conceded goals from rebounds. We did good things going forward, but it's clear that if you're so distracted and out of condition, so inattentive in defence as we were in the first half, it becomes difficult. Then maybe you miss penalties and goals." The manager stressed the need for reinforcements to complete the squad, noting that several players have departed and the side remains thin. He explained: "The market has been particular because of the World Cup—it basically just started. Clearly from here on I expect something, quite a few players have left and the squad absolutely needs completing, anyone can see that. Some players need to arrive to make the squad competitive. We have three midfielders out, someone has just arrived, a bit haphazardly. It can happen in August, but we hope to complete ourselves as quickly as possible because it's already the third week finished." Gasperini outlined his priorities: a defender, a winger, and two attackers compared to last season's squad. He praised Castro as "an excellent signing, a great operation" and noted the 2004-born forward "wanted to come to Roma at all costs." He also confirmed Koulierakis will arrive to strengthen the defence. On deployment, Gasperini said Malen and Castro can play together in certain situations, and praised Matías Soulé's form, noting he "did well, is already better, and played as a trequartista." Gasperini stressed: "Whoever plays in the cups must have at least two players per position—it's essential. Whoever doesn't have them pays heavily for it."

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.