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Roma face Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly. The fixture carries historical weight: 19 years ago, in the summer of 2007, Roma travelled to Germany and lost 4–0 to Dortmund under Luciano Spalletti. That defeat prompted criticism of Spalletti's preparation methods, which were deemed too physically demanding. Yet that same Roma side went on to challenge for the Serie A title until the final day against Inter. Roma's pre-season campaign so far suggests the current side may be undergoing an equally rigorous build-up. The nature of the friendly schedule has drawn comparisons to Spalletti's era. There is hope among supporters that, like that 2007 team, the Giallorossi can translate a punishing pre-season into success when the competitive campaign begins.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly in Germany. The fixture echoes a historic encounter: 19 years ago, in the summer of 2007, Roma visited Dortmund and suffered a 4–0 defeat under manager Spalletti. That loss drew criticism of the coach's heavy pre-season preparation, yet the Roma side that year went on to challenge for the Serie A title until the final day against Inter. Roma's recent warm-up matches suggest the current pre-season training load is similarly demanding. The comparison raises the possibility that, as in Spalletti's era, the giallorossi could deliver strong form once the competitive season begins. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad will look to use this fixture as an opportunity to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

Mario Hermoso left the field early in the second half during Roma's 3–0 friendly defeat to Brighton on 8 August after a collision caused sharp pain in his left ankle, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini withdrew him purely as a precaution rather than due to any inability to continue play. The Spanish defender is expected to be fit and available for Roma's next test against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August. Roma's heavy loss to Brighton came without the additional concern of a serious injury to their defence. Gasperini's decision to substitute Hermoso reflected a cautious approach to the player's status ahead of the Dortmund fixture, which will serve as further preparation before the competitive season begins.

Roma will face Borussia Dortmund in their final pre-season friendly on 15 August at 17:30 at Signal Iduna Park. Gian Piero Gasperini's side complete their build-up after a British tour with this test match in Germany. Gasperini is expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Neil El Aynaoui and Bryan Cristante anchor the midfield, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé supporting Donyell Malen in attack. Borussia Dortmund will deploy an identical shape, managed by Kovac. Tickets are available through the Borussia Dortmund club website. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, with live text updates available on ilromanista.eu.

Roma has opted for midfield continuity ahead of the new season, with no fresh signings planned unless a major departure occurs. The club will build around Cristante, Koné, Pisilli and El Aynaoui, backed up by Pellegrini. Manu Koné's future had been uncertain in recent weeks, but with the season-opener against Fiorentina approaching, his departure now appears unlikely. The midfielder has returned to training with the group and will partner Cristante in the engine room. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the club view him as a key figure and recognise the difficulty of finding an adequate replacement. Niccolò Pisilli faces no prospect of leaving. Porto made an approach with a €25 million offer, but Roma and Gasperini rejected it outright. The academy graduate is regarded as an indispensable technical asset and crucial to UEFA squad registration plans. El Aynaoui completes the midfield picture and is poised to establish himself as a regular in giallorossi colours following recent encouraging performances.

Roma's midfield has remained unchanged during the summer transfer window, standing as the only department the club has not altered. Between July and August, Roma brought in a defender, a winger, and a forward, and head coach Gasperini hopes the recruitment drive continues. However, the midfield unit of Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Neil El Aynaoui appears set for the season ahead, with no negotiations launched to add another midfielder to their ranks. A new midfield signing would only arrive if Koné departed, a requirement laid down by Gasperini. The Frenchman's future remains uncertain, but with eleven days remaining before Roma's fixture against Fiorentina, finding a replacement of his quality appears unlikely. Koné has been at the centre of market speculation, though Roma held discussions with Porto regarding Pisilli in June before shifting focus to other targets. El Aynaoui, who impressed at the World Cup with Morocco, continues his search for full consistency in a Roma shirt.