Koulierakis arrives in Wales to join Gasperini and the squad

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma's pre-season retreat in Wales following his medical examination and official confirmation. The Greek defender was greeted by supporters outside the resort and posed for photographs, including a notable image with Juha Ahtinen, the well-known Finnish Roma supporter who travels to follow the club worldwide. Koulierakis featured in one of his first pictures wearing the scarf of the Roma Club Finland. Koulierakis will complete Roma's defensive lineup alongside Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Jan Ziółkowski, and Daniele Ghilardi. The 24-year-old will now begin working under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the club prepares for the 2026–27 season.

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.

Rafael Leao has turned down Fenerbahce's substantial offer, according to reports, with the Portuguese winger unconvinced by the Turkish club's proposal despite taking time to consider it. Leao requested a delay on his decision, signalling reluctance over the move as his future remains unresolved. AS Roma are monitoring the situation closely but have not yet made contact with either Milan or the player himself. A potential move to the Giallorossi could materialise in late August, though circumstances at Milan have shifted in Leao's favour. A positive rapport with coach Amorim during the club's early days in Australia for their pre-season retreat has raised the prospect of the 23-year-old remaining at the San Siro, a scenario that was previously less certain. With no formal approach from Rome and Leao's disposition towards staying in Milan now improved, the window of opportunity for other suitors appears to be narrowing. Any Roma move would likely depend on Milan's willingness to sell and a change in Leao's thinking in the weeks ahead.

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 1–4 defeat at Cardiff, but the scoreline was overshadowed by an on-pitch confrontation involving two of the club's senior players. In the 63rd minute, an uncalled foul on Castro allowed Cardiff to launch a counterattack that resulted in their fourth and final goal. The decision sparked fierce protests from Roma's players, prompting referee Jones to issue yellow cards to several, including Castro and Soulé. Bryan Cristante was among the most vocal in his objection to the referee's decision. The situation escalated when Paulo Dybala joined the protest, triggering a brief altercation between the two Roma players. Wesley intervened to defuse the tension and restore order. Earlier in the match, Roma had also suffered a setback with an injury to Bah and saw Dybala miss a penalty kick. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will be concerned by both the heavy loss and the disciplinary issues that emerged during the fixture.

Muhammad Bah was stretchered off after just 26 minutes of Roma's pre-season friendly at Cardiff following a right knee injury that has raised fears of ligament damage. The 2007-born Gambian midfielder, deployed in the centre of midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, suffered a distorsive knee trauma and left the field in evident pain. Roma's medical team and coaching staff watched with concern as he was carried away. The injury carries particular weight given Bah's recent history. Two years ago, during a training retreat under former manager Daniele De Rossi, he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament rupture to his left knee and underwent surgery at a clinic in Saint Moritz favoured by the Friedkin Group ownership. That injury sidelined him for 11 months. The fresh trauma to his right knee has sparked fears of a similar setback at a critical moment in pre-season preparation. Roma's new Chief Executive Officer John Galantic arrived at the training camp yesterday and will remain through the end of the pre-season programme. The injury overshadowed what should have been a routine friendly fixture as Roma's medical team assessed the extent of the damage in the hours following the match.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma's pre-season retreat in Wales following his medical examination and official confirmation. The Greek defender was greeted by supporters outside the resort and posed for photographs, including a notable image with Juha Ahtinen, the well-known Finnish Roma supporter who travels to follow the club worldwide. Koulierakis featured in one of his first pictures wearing the scarf of the Roma Club Finland. Koulierakis will complete Roma's defensive lineup alongside Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, Mario Hermoso, Jan Ziółkowski, and Daniele Ghilardi. The 24-year-old will now begin working under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the club prepares for the 2026–27 season.

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.

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.

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.

Borussia Dortmund centre-back Luca Reggiani has spoken ahead of a friendly against Roma scheduled for 15 August at 17:30, describing the fixture as special. During an interview with local media while on tour in Japan, Reggiani said: "Facing Roma is a unique emotion, I hope to play. I will give my best." The match will serve as Roma's final pre-season test before their Serie A campaign begins against Fiorentina on 24 August. Roma are currently on a training camp in Wales, where they suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Cardiff on 1 August. The club has further friendlies against Newport on Tuesday and Brighton on Saturday before returning to Rome. Richard also praised Niccolò Pisilli, the Roma midfielder, calling him "a really talented and strong lad". Paulo Dybala and his Roma teammates will use the Dortmund match to build fitness and sharpness ahead of the competitive season.

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.