Molina's Roma destiny: the dinner at the Giallorossi's favourite restaurant

Nahuel Molina's credentials as a left-back continue to impress despite scepticism surrounding his move to Roma. According to Opta Paolo, the Atlético Madrid defender ranks second among La Liga defenders for combined goals and assists since 2022, with a total of 25 (9 goals, 16 assists). Only Koundé surpasses him in the Spanish league, with 10 goals and 22 assists. Molina is now on the verge of joining Roma, a move that addresses lingering doubts about his attacking output and defensive reliability at the highest level. The 26-year-old Argentine's track record in La Liga demonstrates consistent offensive contribution from the full-back position, a quality that could strengthen Roma's wing play under Gasperini. The statistics underline Molina's value as a progressive defender capable of generating both goals and chances. His campaign in Spain since 2022 positions him among Europe's most productive defenders, reinforcing Roma's investment in his profile as the transfer nears completion.

Roma's pursuit of Givairo Read has collapsed after Feyenoord unexpectedly raised their demands during final-stage talks. Roma had offered approximately €28–29 million in total, including bonuses, moving closer to Feyenoord's initial €30 million valuation and exceeding rival offers from Nottingham Forest. After requesting a night to consider the proposal, Feyenoord shifted position dramatically, demanding €30 million plus bonuses to reach nearly €35 million—a move that reportedly frustrated Roma's hierarchy. The sudden escalation prompted Roma to immediately abandon the Read option and pivot to pursuing Molina instead. The breakdown underscores the volatility of late-stage transfer negotiations and the tactical positioning often deployed by selling clubs to maximize fees. Roma's swift decision to walk away suggests the club's preference for alternative targets over capitulating to what they viewed as unreasonable late demands.

Roma have completed two official signings — Castro and Koulierakis — with Molina approaching a deal, but Gian Piero Gasperini is growing increasingly puzzled by the lack of further arrivals as the club aims to compete on three fronts including the Champions League. The Friedkin Group's ownership presence in the stands during recent activity has offered little reassurance; behind cautious public statements, Gasperini's frustration is mounting as days pass without new players arriving. The stall in the market is already affecting Gasperini's preparation. Roma's second consecutive friendly displayed the problem plainly: for lack of reinforcements, the coach deployed a trequartista behind two strikers, a formation born more of necessity than choice. The side struggled against Newport County, the twentieth-placed side in last season's League Two (English fourth tier), before winning 4–1 with goals from Hermoso, Castro (penalty), Koulierakis and Soulé; Newport scored through Kyle. Only the defence is genuinely complete in squad depth. Every other area remains in flux, leaving Gasperini unable to finalize his tactical setup or implement meaningful summer rotations without disrupting the team's balance.

Roma secured a 4-1 victory over Newport County in their second pre-season friendly in Wales, bouncing back from a heavy defeat to Cardiff. New arrivals Castro and Koulierakis both found the net, along with Hermoso and Soulé, in a convincing performance at a League Two side. Hermoso opened the scoring with a run from deep while operating as a centre midfielder alongside El Aynaoui, and also earned the penalty that Castro converted from the spot for the 2-0 lead. Castro added a second goal later in the match, with Koulierakis also getting on the scoresheet. Gasperini deployed his favoured formation featuring a playmaker—Cristante in this instance—and two strikers, pairing Dybala with Castro. Although Roma asserted early control, they managed the game more efficiently once ahead, allowing both new signings and Soulé to capitalize on chances created.

Roma secured a 4–1 friendly victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade under Gian Piero Gasperini, with goals from Hermoso, Castro (penalty), Koulierakis and Soulé. The Welsh club, preparing for their EFL Cup first round against Wimbledon in a week, provided determined opposition, but Roma's control improved on their previous outing against Cardiff City. Hermoso opened the scoring in the 37th minute after a slick passing move, latching on to Castro's lay-off and firing past Wright. Castro then converted from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after Hermoso was brought down by Cameron, marking the Argentine's first goal in a Roma shirt. Koulierakis headed the third three minutes later from Dybala's assist—also his first for the club—before Soulé curled in the fourth from the edge of the box at the 80th minute. Donyell Malen remained at the club's base in Hensol with a fever, while Wesley returned from an ankle problem. A late goal from Cameron provided consolation. Roma's next fixture is a final pre-season test in Britain on Saturday at Brighton.

Roma defeated Newport 4–1 in a pre-season fixture against the League Two side, with standout performances from players operating in new roles. Mario Hermoso played as a central midfielder alongside Neil El Aynaoui, opening the scoring with a run from deep and earning the penalty that led to Roma's second goal. Castro converted that spot-kick and added a second later in the match, while Koulierakis also found the net as Roma sealed a comfortable victory. Gasperini deployed a familiar attacking shape with a number 10 and two forwards, pairing Paulo Dybala with Castro in the final third and Cristante behind them. The midfield experiment with Hermoso proved effective, offering Roma creative options from a deeper position. Once Roma established control, the side managed the encounter well to secure the win. The positive takeaway extends beyond the scoreline: the goals from Castro and Koulierakis provided encouraging early evidence of attacking depth as Roma continue their pre-season preparations.