Newport County 0–1 Roma: Hermoso gives Gasperini's side opening win in Welsh camp

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.