Newport County 0–1 Roma: Hermoso breaks deadlock in first-half friendly

Roma bounced back from a defeat at Cardiff with a dominant 4-1 victory over fourth-tier Newport County in a pre-season friendly today. Goals from Hermoso, Castro, Koulierakis and Soulé secured the win under the watch of Ryan Friedkin, with Cameron grabbing Newport's consolation late on. Castro impressed in an unfamiliar midfield role, scoring once and winning a penalty, while Dybala orchestrated play from attacking positions and assisted Koulierakis's header before becoming involved in a brief skirmish triggered by a heavy challenge from Evans. Gasperini has reasons to smile ahead of fresh arrivals, with negotiations advancing for Molina but the Read transfer path becoming more complicated. The friendly served as a positive tune-up for Roma's squad depth, with young players given minutes in the closing stages. Donyell Malen missed the match due to fever. Roma continue their pre-season schedule with another training session at Hensol tomorrow, followed by a final friendly against Brighton on Saturday before returning to the capital.

Roma claimed a commanding 4–1 victory over Newport County in a friendly at Rodney Parade. Gian Piero Gasperini's side weathered an uncertain start—Newport's Biggins struck the crossbar and Mile Svilar made an error that could have changed the match—before quality prevailed. Mario Hermoso opened the scoring late in the first half, then Castro converted from the penalty spot and Koulierakis added a third, both scoring for the first time in Roma colours. Matías Soulé completed the rout with the fourth goal. Cameron netted a late consolation for the hosts. The emphatic result underlines Roma's growing threat in attack as the 2026–27 season approaches. Hermoso, Castro and Koulierakis all featured prominently, with the newcomers Castro and Koulierakis marking their debuts with goals—a significant boost to Gasperini's preparations ahead of competitive action. The comfortable nature of the victory suggests Roma are building momentum in their pre-season schedule.

Mario Hermoso delivered a man-of-the-match display in an unfamiliar midfield position during Roma's 4–0 victory over Newport, scoring once, winning a penalty, and providing an assist for Soulé's goal. Gasperini deployed the Spanish defender centrally in a tactical surprise that yielded immediate results. Hermoso said of the switch: "I trained to improve myself and to do what the manager wants. It was different for me in terms of movements and mentality, but in the end I felt good in midfield." He acknowledged the learning curve but emphasized his willingness to fulfil whatever role is asked of him. Hermoso also responded to Gasperini's public comment that Roma remains incomplete. "The manager always says what he sees when he speaks," Hermoso said. "We know we are strong and have great mentality. We showed that last season. The sporting director handles these things. We want to prepare a good dressing room for whoever arrives. We want to compete in all competitions. We are awaiting new arrivals." He offered praise for recent additions Castro and Koulierakis, calling them "important pieces" for European and domestic ambitions.

Roma bounced back from a defeat at Cardiff with a dominant 4-1 victory over fourth-tier Newport County in a pre-season friendly today. Goals from Hermoso, Castro, Koulierakis and Soulé secured the win under the watch of Ryan Friedkin, with Cameron grabbing Newport's consolation late on. Castro impressed in an unfamiliar midfield role, scoring once and winning a penalty, while Dybala orchestrated play from attacking positions and assisted Koulierakis's header before becoming involved in a brief skirmish triggered by a heavy challenge from Evans. Gasperini has reasons to smile ahead of fresh arrivals, with negotiations advancing for Molina but the Read transfer path becoming more complicated. The friendly served as a positive tune-up for Roma's squad depth, with young players given minutes in the closing stages. Donyell Malen missed the match due to fever. Roma continue their pre-season schedule with another training session at Hensol tomorrow, followed by a final friendly against Brighton on Saturday before returning to the capital.

Roma claimed a commanding 4–1 victory over Newport County in a friendly at Rodney Parade. Gian Piero Gasperini's side weathered an uncertain start—Newport's Biggins struck the crossbar and Mile Svilar made an error that could have changed the match—before quality prevailed. Mario Hermoso opened the scoring late in the first half, then Castro converted from the penalty spot and Koulierakis added a third, both scoring for the first time in Roma colours. Matías Soulé completed the rout with the fourth goal. Cameron netted a late consolation for the hosts. The emphatic result underlines Roma's growing threat in attack as the 2026–27 season approaches. Hermoso, Castro and Koulierakis all featured prominently, with the newcomers Castro and Koulierakis marking their debuts with goals—a significant boost to Gasperini's preparations ahead of competitive action. The comfortable nature of the victory suggests Roma are building momentum in their pre-season schedule.

Mario Hermoso praised Roma's performance in a friendly against Newport County, highlighting a strong second-half display. The defender played in an unfamiliar role but felt comfortable alongside his teammates. "Yes, we had a great match, especially in the second half. At the start they pressed hard, it was more difficult. For me it was a role quite different from usual, but I felt good with my teammates. The important thing is to win: it brings confidence ahead of the next matches," Hermoso said. Hermoso acknowledged that Roma are still awaiting arrival of new players to complete the squad. He backed the club's recruitment strategy, noting that the sporting director and board handle transfer decisions while the players focus on their preparation. "We are a strong team, we are united, we want to do great things," he explained, adding: "All the teammates who arrive to fight with us are welcome." When asked about Castro and Koulierakis specifically, Hermoso described them as ambitious young players joining a squad that had a strong season last year. "They are important pieces to perform well in the league, Champions League and Coppa Italia," he said. Hermoso stressed Roma's commitment to working toward a major season and competing across all competitions.

Donyell Malen has expressed his commitment to Roma and his ambition to win Serie A with the club, comparing it to their 2001 scudetto celebrations at Rome's Circo Massimo. Speaking to Il Messaggero during Roma's preseason training camp in Wales, the forward said: "With my family we're doing well, I'm scoring, my relationship with the squad is excellent, the fans are splendid. Right now there would be no reason to think about changing air. A few weeks ago I was watching footage of the 2001 title celebrations at Circo Massimo. Repeating an experience like that would be wonderful, a dream." Malen praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's clarity and tactical direction, noting his ability to put players in position to finish. He expressed openness to whatever partnership Gasperini decides, whether alongside Paulo Dybala or any other forward. "Dybala? A magician," he said of his teammate. On the reported departure of Cristante, Malen declined to elaborate: "I had spoken with Crys too. Unfortunately it went badly but I don't want to comment on my friend's choices. I only wish him the best." Malen also commented on potential squad additions, highlighting young Feyenoord talent as a player who "could be useful to us" and reiterating that Roma need quality forwards to compete at the highest level.

Roma's midfield contingency plans have unravelled during the early stages of pre-season. Niccolò Pisilli suffered a calf injury after only ten days of training at Trigoria and is unlikely to feature in the remaining friendly matches in Wales, while Bryan Cristante also picked up an injury in the opening test against Cardiff. With Manu Koné on extended leave following France's World Cup campaign until 18 July, and Neil El Aynaoui only recently returning after Morocco's quarter-final exit at the same tournament, Roma's midfielder options are severely depleted ahead of the new season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had entered the summer transfer window with a complete and balanced midfield — two senior players per role, plus academy prospects for rotation during pre-season — but injuries have forced a rethink. El Aynaoui's tournament performances have impressed; his Morocco squad reached the quarter-finals and he featured prominently, continuing the form that earned him inclusion in Africa Cup of Nations glory. During his first season in a Roma shirt, the continental competition had limited his early impact, but once his ambition period ended, the number 8 demonstrated strong technical ability, positioning, and defensive work that convinced Gasperini. With only Cristante and El Aynaoui available in midfield before Roma return to Italy, the Moroccan now has a golden opportunity to establish himself in the hierarchy as the 2026–27 campaign approaches.

Roma face Newport County in their second pre-season friendly in Wales on 4 August at 20:00 at the Rodney Parade. The match follows an earlier fixture against Cardiff City during the summer preparation period under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal; Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back; Devyne Rensch and Wesley as wing-backs; Neil El Aynaoui and Bryan Cristante in midfield; Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield line; and Donyell Malen leading the attack. Tickets are available through Newport County's official website. The friendly will be broadcast live on DAZN, with live text coverage available on ilromanista.eu.

Roma claimed a commanding 4–1 victory over Newport County in a friendly at Rodney Parade. Gian Piero Gasperini's side weathered an uncertain start—Newport's Biggins struck the crossbar and Mile Svilar made an error that could have changed the match—before quality prevailed. Mario Hermoso opened the scoring late in the first half, then Castro converted from the penalty spot and Koulierakis added a third, both scoring for the first time in Roma colours. Matías Soulé completed the rout with the fourth goal. Cameron netted a late consolation for the hosts. The emphatic result underlines Roma's growing threat in attack as the 2026–27 season approaches. Hermoso, Castro and Koulierakis all featured prominently, with the newcomers Castro and Koulierakis marking their debuts with goals—a significant boost to Gasperini's preparations ahead of competitive action. The comfortable nature of the victory suggests Roma are building momentum in their pre-season schedule.

Nemanja Matic, now at Sassuolo, has reflected on his time at Roma in an exclusive interview with La Repubblica, emphasising the quality of the club's supporters and the standard they deserve. Speaking about his spell in Rome, Matic said: "It was enough for me to understand that the Roma public would deserve a squad that fights for the title every year." Matic also shared a warm anecdote involving Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, whom he hosted at his home in London when Svilar was ten years old. When asked if it was true that he did not feed Svilar during the visit, Matic laughed it off, saying: "He's a liar! He was ten, he stayed with me for a few days. He'd wake me up at seven because milk and cereal weren't enough for him. It's true I didn't have anything else in the fridge, but I certainly didn't let him starve." The story highlights the personal bonds Matic formed during his time at the Stadio Olimpico and underscores the human connections that define life at the club.

Nemanja Matic, midfielder at Sassuolo, has reflected on his time at Roma in an interview with La Repubblica, paying tribute to the club's supporters. "The Roma fans deserve a team that fights for the title every year," Matic said of his brief spell in the Giallorossi shirt. "That's what I understood in just one year there." Matic also addressed a long-standing anecdote involving Mile Svilar, Roma's goalkeeper, who reportedly stayed at his home in London as a child. Matic dismissed claims that he failed to feed his young guest, saying Svilar "was ten years old" at the time and "stayed with me for a few days." He added: "He would wake me up at seven o'clock because milk and cereal weren't enough for him. It's true I didn't have much else in the fridge, but I certainly didn't let him starve." The exchange revealed the affection between the two former Roma connections, with Matic joking that Svilar was "a liar" in good humour.