Gasperini's fury at Brighton as Roma concede three in 50 minutes; wholesale defensive changes follow

Roma ended their pre-season training camp in Wales with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton. Rutter and Ayari, who scored twice, were decisive for the home side. The loss concluded what proved a disappointing retreat before the Giallorossi return to Rome and prepare for their final warm-up fixture against Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2026–27 season launch. In the second half against Brighton, Castro and Koulierakis were brought on to gain match time. Back at Trigoria, Roma await the return of Pellegrini and Koné, the latter having rejoined the squad after his summer break. Individual performances saw Bryan Cristante earn a rating of 6 for his display, while Mario Hermoso (4) and Wesley (4.5) both endured difficult afternoons in defence.

Roma's pre-season tour of Britain ended in defeat as Gasperini's side lost 3–0 to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Rutter and Ayari scored in the first half, with Ayari adding a second early in the second period to seal the result. The loss marked the conclusion of Roma's summer preparations ahead of the league season, which begins in just over two weeks. Despite the disappointing scoreline, travelling supporters turned out in numbers to watch their side, demonstrating their backing for the club as it enters the new campaign.

Roma closed their British pre-season tour with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton at the American Express Stadium on 8 August, following earlier losses to Cardiff City and a win over Newport County. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged a poor performance but stressed the squad's wider progress during the week's training in ideal conditions. Gasperini attributed some sluggishness to players returning from World Cup duty—N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, and Malen among them—and noted the squad felt disjointed as a collective. He highlighted Paulo Dybala's recovery and welcomed the imminent availability of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who becomes eligible to play in September after at least a month. On the transfer market, Gasperini said: "Numerically it seems to me that there is still a need for something, but you know." He pointed to changes already made—Molina arriving to replace Çelik (to be assessed on Tuesday), Castro coming in for Dovbyk, and Koulierakis joining to complete the defence—but emphasised that future signings depended on the club's chief executive. When asked about outgoing transfers, Gasperini deferred: "We have a chief executive, you should ask him these questions about what Roma can or cannot do. On numbers and market possibilities Roma passes to him." He noted D'Amico was pursuing "very young but also very important" players.

Roma suffered a second defeat in three pre-season outings, losing 3–0 to Brighton in what Gasperini described as a concerning display two weeks before the season begins. Wesley emerged as the standout performer, while Neil El Aynaoui stepped back from his midweek form, and the defence was repeatedly breached. Gianluca Mancini (5) lost his man on Brighton's third goal and appeared less commanding than usual, while Mario Hermoso (5) was partly culpable for the opening goal and departed with a foot problem. Evan N'Dicka (5.5) offered insufficient security at the back, and Devyne Rensch (4.5) endured a forgettable afternoon at right-back following several indecisions; Koulierakis (6) and Daniele Ghilardi (6) came on at half-time and improved the display, though the match was already decided. Wesley (6) impressed with his physicality and athleticism, particularly a close effort at the 28-minute mark, while Paulo Dybala (5.5) created Roma's most dangerous opportunity despite a subdued showing. Neil El Aynaoui (4.5) was erratic in midfield, losing the ball in an exchange with Rensch that led to Brighton's second goal. Bryan Cristante (5.5), the captain, struggled to control the midfield as his experience might demand. Matías Soulé (5.5) lacked incisiveness despite constant movement. Donyell Malen (5) remained short of match fitness and rarely troubled the goalkeeper. Gasperini rated the performance 5, noting that Roma has conceded eleven goals across the last 360 minutes of pre-season play. Though he acknowledged no points are at stake in August, he expressed disappointment for the 750 Roma supporters in attendance. The transfer market remains underdeveloped, he added, but the squad must perform better ahead of competitive fixtures.

Daniele Ghilardi has reflected on his first season at Roma and his hopes for the 2026–27 campaign in an interview with Vocegiallorossa. The defender, who marked an anniversary of his arrival at the club, acknowledged that breaking into the first team proved difficult initially. "When I arrived, I knew that finding playing time would not be easy, and it was the case," he said. "In the first months I played very little, then, little by little, I earned the manager's trust. I fitted in very well and managed to carve out some minutes, and I hope that this year I can do even better." Ghilardi credited his early spell on the bench as valuable preparation. He cited the intensity of pre-season training and Roma's recent Champions League qualification at Hellas Verona—a stadium where he previously played—as significant milestones. The 23-year-old expressed his ambition to compete in Europe's elite competition, having dreamed of such an opportunity since his early days at Lucca. Regarding the recent arrival of Koulierakis in defence, Ghilardi welcomed the increased competition within the squad. "Competition is something that does good," he said, "because it helps everyone improve. Everyone always gives their maximum, because obviously we train to play." Ghilardi also addressed the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini from the squad this season. "If he came back, it would be a pleasure for me," he said, acknowledging Pellegrini's support during his settling-in period. He expressed his determination to earn an Italy international call-up and reiterated that transfer rumours have not affected his focus.

Daniele Ghilardi has dismissed transfer speculation surrounding him, saying market chatter does not influence his focus. Speaking in an interview from Roma's training camp at Hensol, the defender acknowledged he has seen rumours circulating but stressed they hold no sway over his commitment. "Yes, something I've read, because more than going looking for it, others send it to me. I read something, but I know nothing about what came out. Does it influence me? No, not at all," he said. Ghilardi also reflected on the perceived difference in how young players are backed in Italy versus abroad, suggesting foreign leagues tend to offer greater opportunities for youth development. On the Roma squad front, he expressed genuine affection for Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is absent from this season's camp. Ghilardi credits the veteran with providing early support when he struggled for playing time, and indicated he would relish having him back in the dressing room. "I'd be happy if he returned, for me it would be a nice emotion to find him in the squad," he explained. However, he acknowledged that Roma has other experienced players capable of fulfilling the leadership role Pellegrini previously held.

Roma ended their pre-season training camp in Wales with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton. Rutter and Ayari, who scored twice, were decisive for the home side. The loss concluded what proved a disappointing retreat before the Giallorossi return to Rome and prepare for their final warm-up fixture against Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2026–27 season launch. In the second half against Brighton, Castro and Koulierakis were brought on to gain match time. Back at Trigoria, Roma await the return of Pellegrini and Koné, the latter having rejoined the squad after his summer break. Individual performances saw Bryan Cristante earn a rating of 6 for his display, while Mario Hermoso (4) and Wesley (4.5) both endured difficult afternoons in defence.

Roma suffered a second defeat in three pre-season outings, losing 3–0 to Brighton in what Gasperini described as a concerning display two weeks before the season begins. Wesley emerged as the standout performer, while Neil El Aynaoui stepped back from his midweek form, and the defence was repeatedly breached. Gianluca Mancini (5) lost his man on Brighton's third goal and appeared less commanding than usual, while Mario Hermoso (5) was partly culpable for the opening goal and departed with a foot problem. Evan N'Dicka (5.5) offered insufficient security at the back, and Devyne Rensch (4.5) endured a forgettable afternoon at right-back following several indecisions; Koulierakis (6) and Daniele Ghilardi (6) came on at half-time and improved the display, though the match was already decided. Wesley (6) impressed with his physicality and athleticism, particularly a close effort at the 28-minute mark, while Paulo Dybala (5.5) created Roma's most dangerous opportunity despite a subdued showing. Neil El Aynaoui (4.5) was erratic in midfield, losing the ball in an exchange with Rensch that led to Brighton's second goal. Bryan Cristante (5.5), the captain, struggled to control the midfield as his experience might demand. Matías Soulé (5.5) lacked incisiveness despite constant movement. Donyell Malen (5) remained short of match fitness and rarely troubled the goalkeeper. Gasperini rated the performance 5, noting that Roma has conceded eleven goals across the last 360 minutes of pre-season play. Though he acknowledged no points are at stake in August, he expressed disappointment for the 750 Roma supporters in attendance. The transfer market remains underdeveloped, he added, but the squad must perform better ahead of competitive fixtures.

Roma faced Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the final warm-up match of their British tour. Gasperini named Donyell Malen in the starting eleven, while leaving new arrivals Castro and Koulierakis on the bench to manage their workload ahead of the 2026–27 season opener. The Roma boss fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and a four-strong midfield of Devyne Rensch, Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, and Wesley. Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala occupied the advanced midfield roles, with Malen leading the attack. The fixture served as a final examination of the squad's preparation during the pre-season tour, with Gasperini using the match to assess combinations and match sharpness before competitive action resumes.

Roma closed their British pre-season tour with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton at the American Express Stadium on 8 August, following earlier losses to Cardiff City and a win over Newport County. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged a poor performance but stressed the squad's wider progress during the week's training in ideal conditions. Gasperini attributed some sluggishness to players returning from World Cup duty—N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, and Malen among them—and noted the squad felt disjointed as a collective. He highlighted Paulo Dybala's recovery and welcomed the imminent availability of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who becomes eligible to play in September after at least a month. On the transfer market, Gasperini said: "Numerically it seems to me that there is still a need for something, but you know." He pointed to changes already made—Molina arriving to replace Çelik (to be assessed on Tuesday), Castro coming in for Dovbyk, and Koulierakis joining to complete the defence—but emphasised that future signings depended on the club's chief executive. When asked about outgoing transfers, Gasperini deferred: "We have a chief executive, you should ask him these questions about what Roma can or cannot do. On numbers and market possibilities Roma passes to him." He noted D'Amico was pursuing "very young but also very important" players.

Roma suffered a second defeat in three pre-season outings, losing 3–0 to Brighton in what Gasperini described as a concerning display two weeks before the season begins. Wesley emerged as the standout performer, while Neil El Aynaoui stepped back from his midweek form, and the defence was repeatedly breached. Gianluca Mancini (5) lost his man on Brighton's third goal and appeared less commanding than usual, while Mario Hermoso (5) was partly culpable for the opening goal and departed with a foot problem. Evan N'Dicka (5.5) offered insufficient security at the back, and Devyne Rensch (4.5) endured a forgettable afternoon at right-back following several indecisions; Koulierakis (6) and Daniele Ghilardi (6) came on at half-time and improved the display, though the match was already decided. Wesley (6) impressed with his physicality and athleticism, particularly a close effort at the 28-minute mark, while Paulo Dybala (5.5) created Roma's most dangerous opportunity despite a subdued showing. Neil El Aynaoui (4.5) was erratic in midfield, losing the ball in an exchange with Rensch that led to Brighton's second goal. Bryan Cristante (5.5), the captain, struggled to control the midfield as his experience might demand. Matías Soulé (5.5) lacked incisiveness despite constant movement. Donyell Malen (5) remained short of match fitness and rarely troubled the goalkeeper. Gasperini rated the performance 5, noting that Roma has conceded eleven goals across the last 360 minutes of pre-season play. Though he acknowledged no points are at stake in August, he expressed disappointment for the 750 Roma supporters in attendance. The transfer market remains underdeveloped, he added, but the squad must perform better ahead of competitive fixtures.

Roma faced Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the final warm-up match of their British tour. Gasperini named Donyell Malen in the starting eleven, while leaving new arrivals Castro and Koulierakis on the bench to manage their workload ahead of the 2026–27 season opener. The Roma boss fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and a four-strong midfield of Devyne Rensch, Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, and Wesley. Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala occupied the advanced midfield roles, with Malen leading the attack. The fixture served as a final examination of the squad's preparation during the pre-season tour, with Gasperini using the match to assess combinations and match sharpness before competitive action resumes.