Koulierakis signs autographs for Roma fans at Wales training camp

Roma will take on Newport County in a friendly during their pre-season training camp in Wales. The match comes after two disappointing warm-up results: the Giallorossi conceded three goals in a comeback loss to Cannes and suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is using the Newport County fixture as the second stage of Roma's Welsh training camp. The back-to-back defeats have highlighted defensive issues ahead of the 2026–27 season. Both friendly results underscore areas Gasperini will need to address in the coming weeks. The pre-season programme in Wales is designed to build fitness and tactical sharpness before Roma's competitive fixtures resume. The article provides details on where to watch the match, kickoff times, and expected starting lineups, though specific timing and team sheets will be confirmed closer to kickoff.

Angeliño is departing AS Roma after two and a half years. The Spanish left-back will undergo a medical with Deportivo La Coruña on 4 August, initially scheduled in La Coruña but now to take place in Florence where Roma are playing a friendly against Fiorentina. Angeliño will join the newly promoted Liga side this evening ahead of the Florence fixture. The transfer is structured as a loan with an obligation to buy set at €2.5 million. Gasperini has opted to move Angeliño on after the player failed to impress during the early stages of pre-season. Last season was hampered by injuries for the 1997-born defender, who began his professional career at Deportivo and will now return to the club where he first made his mark in the game. The operation concludes Roma's pursuit of alternatives in the left-back area as Gasperini shapes his squad for the 2026–27 campaign. Angeliño, who joined Roma in May 2024, departs as the club's number 3.

Roma players Mile Svilar, Gianluca Mancini, Devyne Rensch and new signing Koulierakis spent time with supporters in Wales following the squad's first training session of the day on 3 August. The interaction with fans came during Roma's pre-season preparations, with the group engaging in the customary meet-and-greet activities that characterise the build-up to a new campaign. The presence of Koulierakis, who joined as a new acquisition ahead of the 2026–27 season, marked another step in Roma's summer transfer activity as the squad continues its conditioning work away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Konstantinos Koulierakis arrived in the capital on 1 August 2026 and trained with Gian Piero Gasperini's squad this morning, becoming the second summer reinforcement after Castro. The defender gave his first interview as a Roma player, explaining his immediate decision to join: "When my agent told me Roma was interested in me, I answered straight away: 'Let's go'. I want to do my best to become part of this great Italian club. I had no doubt whatsoever." Koulierakis cited Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle, both former Wolfsburg teammates, as sources of information about Gasperini. "They told me he is one of the greatest coaches in Italy and I'm very excited to work with him," he said. The 25-year-old Greek defender named Sergio Ramos as his childhood idol "for his mentality, his strength and his character" and Aymeric Laporte as a stylistic influence, noting they share the left-foot trait. On his own attributes, he said: "I believe my main strength is my left foot, but also my mental strength: I never give up and I always want to win." Koulierakis expressed eagerness to play at the Olimpico, saying the atmosphere is "incredible," and revealed he had spoken with Kostas Manolas by telephone this summer, discussing Roma's importance as a step in his career. He also recalled Manolas' Champions League header against Barcelona, describing it as "an incredible match." He closed with gratitude to the club's owners: "I am really happy to be here right now. Forza Roma!"

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his transfer to Roma, with the official announcement arriving on 1 August 2026. The defender spoke for the first time as a Roma player, expressing immediate enthusiasm for the move. When his agent informed him of Roma's interest, Koulierakis said he had no hesitation: "I told him 'ok, let's go!' I asked him to do the maximum to make me a player of this club, so important in Italy. I had no doubt whatsoever; I only thought about being ready to sign for Roma." Koulierakis cited conversations with Kostas Tsimikas and Joakim Maehle of Wolfsburg about head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, calling him one of Italy's finest managers. He also revealed he knows Kostas Manolas, having spoken to him this summer about joining Roma—a conversation Koulierakis described as meaningful. The 23-year-old identified Sergio Ramos and Aymeric Laporte as his defensive inspirations, praising their mentality, strength, and playing style. He noted that like Laporte, he is left-footed. Koulierakis highlighted his left foot and mental toughness as his main strengths, emphasizing his drive to improve and win. He expressed eagerness to experience the Stadio Olimpico atmosphere in person, having watched it on television and in videos. Koulierakis also referenced Manolas's role in Roma's famous 3–0 victory over Barcelona, describing it as a great performance he had watched. He thanked the ownership for their faith in him and concluded with "Forza Roma!"

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."