Gasperini pushes for Totti to join Roma in executive role

Konstantino Koulierakis has spoken about his move to Roma, expressing enthusiasm about joining the club and working under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. "I am very happy to be here," Koulierakis said in an interview with the club. "When my agent informed me that Roma was interested in me, I told him straight away: 'Ok, let's go'. I asked him to do everything possible to make me a Roma player." On Gasperini, he added: "Tsimikas spoke to me a bit about the manager: he is one of the best in Italy, and this makes me very enthusiastic about working with him." Koulierakis, a left-sided defender, cited Aymeric Laporte as a professional inspiration, noting their similar characteristics and shared left-footed style. He also spoke warmly of Manolas, saying he had telephoned the former Roma defender over the summer. "It was a nice conversation," Koulierakis explained. "When we discussed Roma, I told him it would be a very important step for me. It felt like a conversation between friends." Manolas, he added, "is one of the most important defenders in Roma's history, especially for that night against Barcelona." Looking ahead to his debut at the Stadio Olimpico, Koulierakis expressed excitement about the atmosphere. "I have never been to the Olimpico, but from what I have seen the atmosphere is extraordinary," he said. "I have watched many videos from the past and I cannot wait to play in this stadium, because I know the environment will be very warm. I have high expectations."

Roma suffered a fresh injury blow during training in Cardiff on 2 August as Wesley was forced to withdraw from the session after aggravating a right ankle sprain sustained in the friendly against Cardiff. The Brazilian attempted to continue but lasted only a few minutes before leaving the pitch after a brief consultation with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The session continued as an internal match. Koulierakis arrived at the training base in Wales after completing his medical and signing formalities in Rome, joining the squad immediately and taking part in the open training session. Also present was new chief executive John Galantic. Roma are preparing for a friendly against Newport scheduled for Tuesday. Niccolò Pisilli remained unavailable despite being named in the group, while Bah sustained a knee distortion in the previous day's session and awaited magnetic resonance imaging scheduled for the following day. Jan Ziółkowski briefly required treatment after a heavy blow to his ankle but resumed without significant issue. Neil El Aynaoui undertook a gradual reintegration following the World Cup, completing an extended fitness session around the resort rather than full participation. Wesley departed the pitch with a prominent bandage on his right leg, visibly limping.

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.