Pruzzo backs Soulé to lift Roma; Torri puzzled by lack of offers for Koné

Radio commentators weighed in on Roma's transfer window and squad stability on 2 August. Rossomando stated that Lorenzo Pellegrini's desire to remain at the club is evident, arguing that if he wanted to leave, he would already have pursued other options with his agent. Rossomando attributed Roma's wider difficulties to ownership and management rather than individual player decisions, noting that other Italian clubs are also experiencing transfer delays. Conflitti offered a defence of the club's sporting directors, suggesting that this summer's events have clarified that transfer delays at Roma cannot be blamed solely on Ghisolfi, Massara, and D'Amico. He acknowledged that some errors may have occurred but argued the responsibility extends beyond the sporting department to the broader structure of the organisation. Both commentators spoke on Radio Manà Manà Sport as part of Romanews.eu's daily radio commentary column. Rossomando said: "The will of Pellegrini to stay at Roma is clear, otherwise he would have already found other solutions with his agent. As always the problems arise from whoever runs this company, namely the ownership. Many other clubs in Italy are also behind schedule." Conflitti added: "I would say that this summer has dispelled some doubts about what Roma's problems are regarding market delays. The blame clearly was not solely on the sporting directors, so we need to reconsider some of the thinking on Ghisolfi, Massara and also D'Amico, aside from some mistakes that may have been made."

Radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's defensive recruitment and tactical priorities this summer. Marcacci told Radio Radio that Koulierakis appears to be the type of tough, no-nonsense defender capable of adapting well to Serie A, adding: "Probably he will start as a backup, but he is a player of greater reliability compared to many others we have seen pass through. With the ball at his feet he is not stronger than Hermoso but he can be more disciplined." Matera, also speaking to Radio Radio, identified a gap in Roma's squad in the left wing role, both for the starting position and the bench. He suggested the club is unwilling to compromise on quality: "The feeling is that Roma do not want to settle for taking players just for the sake of it. Gasperini wants to have level-appropriate alternatives in every role." The assessment reflects head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's approach to squad depth across all positions.

Aldo Maldera, who died some years ago, is remembered as much for his character as for his achievements. A defender of rare humility and tactical intelligence, Maldera joined Roma in summer 1982 under manager Nils Liedholm, who recognized qualities that others believed had already peaked. Playing left-back, Maldera brought experience, tactical awareness, and a cultured left foot to a squad that would become Serie A champions. His equilibrium on the flank allowed the Roma defence to take shape as a historic unit, with his positioning and versatility enabling tactical flexibility elsewhere in the backline. Maldera's legacy at Roma extends beyond his technical gifts. He was reserved, dignified, and loyal—a player who let his work speak rather than seeking the spotlight. He contributed to Roma's 1983 Scudetto with authority, both in defence and in attack, combining defensive solidity with fluid attacking support. Yet his career at Roma carries an enduring regret: his absence from the 1984 European Cup final against Liverpool at the Olimpico due to suspension. Roma supporters have long believed his experience, his left foot from the penalty spot, and his personality might have altered the course of that evening.

Roma face Newport County on Tuesday, 4 August at 20:00 (UK time) at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales in their fifth pre-season friendly. The match will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad come into the fixture following victories over Roma Primavera and Trastevere, a draw with Cannes, and a defeat to Cardiff City on Saturday. Roma will be without Wesley, who sustained an ankle sprain and did not train today, Niccolò Pisilli (expected to return next week), and Bah (cruciate ligament injury). The debut of new arrival Koulierakis is anticipated. This will be Roma's second test in Wales under Gasperini. To watch the match, viewers will need a DAZN subscription and can stream via the DAZN app on smart TV, gaming consoles (Xbox or PlayStation), Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, or TIM VISION Box. Live coverage and updates will also be available via Forzaroma.info and Roma's social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Roma's pre-season retreat in Cardiff continued on 3 August with a double training session scheduled by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at 10:30 and 15:00. Wesley, Bah and Pisilli were absent from field work due to injury. Pisilli requires a further magnetic resonance scan to determine the precise recovery timeline from a soleus injury to his left leg. The Giallorossi are maintaining their preparation schedule in Wales ahead of the 2026–27 season, balancing athletic conditioning with friendly matches. Gasperini has overseen the customary dual sessions typical of pre-season camps. The absence of three squad members reflects the ongoing management of injuries sustained during the off-season period. Pisilli's scan will establish clearer indicators for his return to full availability. The club continues to document the Welsh leg of its summer retreat day by day.

Roma trained twice in Cardiff on 3 August under Gasperini's direction following a friendly defeat to the hosts two days earlier. A morning session took place at 10:30 local time, with a second training session scheduled for 16:00. Wesley was absent from the morning workout after suffering a right ankle sprain in Saturday's friendly and is expected to miss the second session as well. Pisilli, included in the pre-season camp but not yet recovered, remains sidelined. The midfielder is undergoing treatment and improving, but must undergo another MRI scan before a return to partial group training later in the week can be confirmed. Bah was also awaiting results from an MRI on his right knee following a severe sprain sustained against Cardiff on Saturday, with results expected in the afternoon. Roma's schedule continued with lunch at 13:45 Italian time, followed by the second training session at 16:00. The squad will face Newport County in a second friendly on 4 August at 20:00 Italian time.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been a free agent for 33 days and missed the second part of Gian Piero Gasperini's pre-season retreat, with no contract signature yet in place. An agreement has been reached in principle for a two-year deal with an option for a third year at 2.5 million euros annually, but final ratification requires approval from the Friedkin Group, which has not yet arrived. The ownership wanted to grant Pellegrini another season on similar terms to Paulo Dybala, but the Roma captain's demands differed from the initial offer. The Friedkin Group's hold-up centres on the contract structure rather than willingness to keep him. Pellegrini is currently training alone after a recurrence of a right rectus femoris tendon injury, which prompted a check-up visit in Finland. He is ready to rejoin the main squad and hopes to do so upon Roma's return from Wales. Head coach Gasperini is also waiting for the deal to be finalised. Juventus and Besiktas had previously courted Pellegrini, but Roma remain his likely destination once the Friedkin Group gives the green light.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff City on 1 August, a match in which the Giallorossi struggled to perform at their best and tensions flared on the pitch. A flashpoint involved captain Bryan Cristante and Paulo Dybala, who had a heated face-to-face exchange following an unblown foul on Castro that led to Cardiff's fourth goal. The pair did not come to blows, but the moment reflected frustration over the refereeing decision. At Roma's training session on 2 August, the atmosphere had eased considerably. Cristante was observed speaking calmly with all three Argentine squad members, indicating a return to normal team dynamics and no lingering ill-feeling between the players involved in the Cardiff incident. The match marked another disappointing pre-season outing for Gasperini's side as preparations for the 2026–27 season continue.

Konstantinos Koulierakis joined Roma's pre-season training camp in Wales on 2 August, a day after his signing was officially announced. The defender arrived at the Vale Resort to meet Gian Piero Gasperini and his teammates, including Bryan Cristante, Gianluca Mancini, Paulo Dybala, and Donyell Malen. The moment was captured on camera as Koulierakis embraced the head coach and squad members. Some Roma supporters at the resort approached the new arrival to request photographs and autographs. Gasperini now has an additional defender available as Roma continues its pre-season preparations. The timing of Koulierakis's arrival reflects the club's push to strengthen the backline during the current transfer window. His integration into the group comes as Roma prepares for the 2026-27 season.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff City on 1 August, a match in which the Giallorossi struggled to perform at their best and tensions flared on the pitch. A flashpoint involved captain Bryan Cristante and Paulo Dybala, who had a heated face-to-face exchange following an unblown foul on Castro that led to Cardiff's fourth goal. The pair did not come to blows, but the moment reflected frustration over the refereeing decision. At Roma's training session on 2 August, the atmosphere had eased considerably. Cristante was observed speaking calmly with all three Argentine squad members, indicating a return to normal team dynamics and no lingering ill-feeling between the players involved in the Cardiff incident. The match marked another disappointing pre-season outing for Gasperini's side as preparations for the 2026–27 season continue.

Konstantinos Koulierakis joined Roma's pre-season training camp in Wales on 2 August, a day after his signing was officially announced. The defender arrived at the Vale Resort to meet Gian Piero Gasperini and his teammates, including Bryan Cristante, Gianluca Mancini, Paulo Dybala, and Donyell Malen. The moment was captured on camera as Koulierakis embraced the head coach and squad members. Some Roma supporters at the resort approached the new arrival to request photographs and autographs. Gasperini now has an additional defender available as Roma continues its pre-season preparations. The timing of Koulierakis's arrival reflects the club's push to strengthen the backline during the current transfer window. His integration into the group comes as Roma prepares for the 2026-27 season.

Roma suffered a heavy defeat to Cardiff City in their opening pre-season fixture, losing 4–1 at the Welsh Championship club on 2 August. The Giallorossi conceded three goals in the opening half-hour and went in at 0–3 at the break, with errors from established players including Svilar, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Wesley, Cristante and Dybala contributing to a chaotic first period. Paulo Dybala missed a penalty in spectacular fashion before atoning in the second half with a goal created by Matías Soulé, though Cardiff added a fourth after an apparent foul on debutant Castro went unpunished. The match served as the competitive debut for Castro, who operated as the striker in an all-Argentine attacking triad alongside Dybala and Soulé under coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical system. Roma fielded a reduced squad following two weeks of pre-season work, while Cardiff were significantly further along in their preparation ahead of their League Cup campaign starting within days. Officiating decisions favoured the hosts, with romanisti receiving a series of yellow cards distributed seemingly arbitrarily. Wesley and Rensch appeared vulnerable on the flanks, while the centre-backs and midfield operated out of sync. A notable injury concern emerged when Bah suffered a right knee distortion and had to be stretchered off. The second half saw gradual improvements, though Cardiff's quality ensured few clear chances materialised for the visitors. Young midfielder Lulli (born 2007) impressed in a brief appearance.