Koulierakis set for Roma: defender to arrive tomorrow for medical tests

Artem Dovbyk has departed AS Roma to join Bologna on a new challenge after a difficult season marked by injury and surgery. The Ukrainian striker said yes immediately when Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco asked if he wanted to play for the club. "They explained the project and the ambition of this club, which wants to achieve much more this season. I am here to give my best," Dovbyk said. Dovbyk, who arrived at Roma from Girona, has now moved on as the Giallorossi pursue other targets, including Castro. The 28-year-old striker told Bologna's official channels that he was convinced by sporting director and manager Tedesco. He praised the squad's unity and individual quality. "It is a very friendly group, it seems like a family. Everyone fights for each other and there are many players of great individual quality," he said. "I know this club has helped many strikers grow in the past and I want to try to give everything for this team, score and help it." On his personal goals, Dovbyk expressed his hunger to play and regain peak condition. "I have hunger and I want to play. I want to rediscover my ideal condition and help the collective. I know the history of Ukrainian players in Italy and I know I am the first to wear Bologna's shirt. I am honoured and I want to achieve great goals here," he said.

Konstantinos Koulierakis will undergo medical tests in Rome tomorrow after all regulatory approvals were secured, becoming Roma's second summer signing. The Greek defender joins from Wolfsburg on a deal worth 16.5 million euros plus 1.5 million in add-ons, with the German club retaining 20 per cent of any future resale. He has already signed his contract. Meanwhile, Roma have begun the second phase of their summer preparation in Cardiff, Wales, under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The squad will remain at their Hensol base—approximately 20 kilometres from Cardiff—until 8 August, training at the WRU National Centre of Excellence and facing three friendly matches against Cardiff City, Newport County, and Brighton. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from a calf problem and was included in the touring party, along with Robinio Vaz, who recently returned to group training. Roma are also pursuing Givairo Read, the Dutch right-back from Feyenoord. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has submitted a 25 million euro offer to open negotiations, though Read remains a target for several Premier League clubs. Read said: "If the opportunity presents itself to join a club I like, I'll be ready. I feel good physically and mentally right now. My goal is to stay in shape and prove my value on the pitch."

Matías Soulé's future at Roma remains uncertain despite holding a contract until 2029 and delivering a largely positive season. The Argentine winger is among the players Roma would consider selling to generate funds for incoming transfers, with the club keen to achieve a significant capital gain. Soulé previously rejected a move to Saudi Arabia worth close to €40 million, preferring to continue his career in Europe where he can secure regular playing time. Roma's agent Martin Guastadisegno has pitched Soulé to AC Milan, whose tactical setup suits the left-footed attacking midfielder's profile and one-on-one abilities. Milan has not yet committed to a move, but is aware of Roma's valuation: €30 million fixed plus €2 million in add-ons, totalling €32 million for the operation. The coming days are expected to determine whether Milan's interest develops into concrete negotiations.

Roma have announced the squad selected by Gian Piero Gasperini for the second phase of pre-season, with the team departing for Wales in the afternoon. The travelling group includes defenders Rensch, Ndicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Mannini, Nardin, Reale, Lulli and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui, Pisilli, Panico and Bah; and forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala, Cherubini and Vaz. The Wales camp marks a significant checkpoint in Roma's preparation for the new season under Gasperini's management. The head coach has selected a mixed squad that blends established first-team players with younger prospects, reflecting the club's approach to squad development during the off-season training schedule. The three-week pre-season programme continues to build fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of Serie A's return.

Roma's second pre-season training camp begins with the squad traveling to Wales this evening under the management of Gian Piero Gasperini. The most notable inclusion in the squad list is the return of midfielder Niccolò Pisilli, who has recovered from a calf injury sustained in recent days and is now fully available to Gasperini. Robinio Vaz has also rejoined the full group after returning to training in the preceding days. The club released the complete squad list via official channels, confirming the presence of new signings and young players aggregated for the overseas tour. The midfield contingent includes Cristante, El Aynaoui, Pisilli, Panico, and Bah, while the defence features Rensch, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziółkowski, Wesley, Mannini, Nardin, Reale, Lulli, and Ghilardi. The attacking options comprise Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala, Cherubini, and Vaz. The tour provides Gasperini with an opportunity to continue the squad's preparation for the upcoming campaign in a controlled environment away from Italy.

Roma travel to Wales this evening for the second phase of their pre-season training camp, with Niccolò Pisilli returning to the squad after a calf injury sidelined him in recent days. Robinio Vaz, who had recovered a few days earlier, is also included in the group named by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The full squad for the Welsh camp comprises three goalkeepers (De Marzi, Gollini, Svilar), thirteen defenders (Rensch, Ndicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Mannini, Nardin, Reale, Lulli, Ghilardi), five midfielders (Cristante, El Aynaoui, Pisilli, Panico, Bah), and six forwards (Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala, Cherubini, Vaz). Pisilli's availability marks a significant boost to Gasperini's options as Roma continue their preparations for the new season.