Gasperini's backroom team takes shape: Pilati appointed as new fitness coach

Gian Piero Gasperini has called urgently for new signings to strengthen Roma's squad ahead of the 2026-27 season, which will include Champions League football. The demand came after Roma lost 4-1 to Cardiff in a friendly during a training camp in Wales. Although Gasperini acknowledged the limited value of a pre-season friendly in assessing squad depth, the defeat exposed gaps across multiple positions that require immediate attention. Gasperini told reporters after the Cardiff match: "Bisogna completare questa squadra in fretta" (We must complete this squad quickly) and stressed: "Dobbiamo comprare giocatori che rendano la squadra competitiva" (We must buy players who make the squad competitive). The coach's body language during the match—including crossed arms throughout the fixture—reinforced his concern. His frustration was compounded by tension among the players, including an incident where Dybala pushed Cristante during protests to the referee. Dybala was Roma's bright spot, scoring the team's only goal and earning a penalty, though he missed from the spot. The Argentine remains central to Roma's attacking threat. Gasperini had expected more from the squad by this stage of summer preparations and was keen to avoid the same recruitment pressures that dominated last summer. The addition of Champions League football to Roma's schedule this season underscores the urgency of bolstering the squad before competitive matches begin.

Roma suffered a 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their opening friendly during a pre-season training camp in Wales. Approximately 600 Roma supporters attended the match, along with newly announced CEO John Galantic, who was revealed on 29 July. Galantic accompanied the squad for the fixture and will remain throughout the entire Welsh retreat, choosing to follow the group closely during this crucial phase of preparation and share the club's daily work on the training ground. Galantic's arrival completes the new management structure established by the Friedkin ownership. The American chief executive was selected to combine operational efficiency with Roma brand development, with clear operational priorities: strengthening commercial partnerships, optimising revenue streams, and providing strategic coordination during the critical phases of the new Stadio di Pietralata project. His appointment represents a significant step in the club's structural growth and aligns with the broader vision of the Texas-based ownership.

John Galantic attended Roma's match against Cardiff as the club's newly appointed CEO, marking his first outing in the role. The Friedkin Group confirmed his arrival in a statement praising his appointment: "Cittadino americano e svizzero di origini italiane, John è romanista da sempre. Ama questa città, ne comprende l'anima, conosce i suoi tifosi e sa cosa rappresenta questo Club per loro. Siamo fermamente convinti che sia la persona giusta per guidare questo Club nel suo secondo secolo di storia." Galantic, born in Boston, returns to Roma after previously serving on the board during the Pallotta era. The American-Swiss executive of Italian descent brings substantial experience in luxury and consumer goods sectors. His career includes senior roles at Procter & Gamble, where he worked in marketing and sales across Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States; GlaxoSmithKline; Coty Beauty; Chanel, where he spent 16 years; Ferrari; Bacardi Limited; and most recently the Tod's group. His appointment represents a significant structural development for the club as it enters its second century of history. The Cardiff match itself highlighted some tactical issues and fitness concerns for Roma, though the appointment of Galantic signalled an important milestone for the club off the pitch.