Real Madrid teenager Mastantuono set for Serie A loan move

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media after Roma's friendly against Cardiff City, acknowledging defensive frailties in the opening period but praising the team's attacking moments. The head coach stressed that the transfer window has only just begun following the World Cup and indicated he expects additions before the season starts. Gasperini hailed Castro as an excellent acquisition, describing him as a natural centre-forward who can operate alongside Malen. "Castro is a 2004 who wanted to come to Roma at all costs—it will be a fine signing," he said. He outlined the squad's needs: "Compared to last season's squad we need a defender, a winger and two forwards. Then everything can change: if someone leaves, they must be replaced." Gasperini stressed that competing in cup competitions requires depth: "When you play Champions League at a certain level, you need a complete, competitive squad with enough players to rotate without losing quality." With three midfielders currently sidelined and only five defenders available, Gasperini flagged the urgency of recruitment. He confirmed that Koulierakis will arrive to bolster the defence, noting that teams competing in European football must have at least two players per position. The coach added the squad is now in its third week of pre-season training and that he hopes completeness arrives "as quickly as possible."

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has demanded four new signings to strengthen the squad after a 4–1 loss to Cardiff in their season opener. Gasperini said the club must complete its roster as soon as possible, emphasizing that teams need two players for each position, otherwise "you pay for it in the Champions League". He also highlighted defensive lapses, saying Roma were "too distracted" in that department during the match. The defeat marked a difficult start to the 2026–27 campaign. Gasperini's plea underscores the urgency of the club's transfer activity, with the coach making it clear that the current squad depth is insufficient for a competitive European campaign. Paulo Dybala scored in the loss, but the margin of defeat illustrated Roma's vulnerability. With reinforcements identified as a top priority, the focus now shifts to the club's ability to move quickly in the market to address those gaps before further fixtures arrive.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly in Wales, a result head coach Gian Piero Gasperini attributed to lapses in concentration and defensive vulnerability. Gasperini said: "We were still struggling, especially at the back in the first half, we conceded goals from rebounds. We did good things going forward, but it's clear that if you're so distracted and out of condition, so inattentive in defence as we were in the first half, it becomes difficult. Then maybe you miss penalties and goals." The manager stressed the need for reinforcements to complete the squad, noting that several players have departed and the side remains thin. He explained: "The market has been particular because of the World Cup—it basically just started. Clearly from here on I expect something, quite a few players have left and the squad absolutely needs completing, anyone can see that. Some players need to arrive to make the squad competitive. We have three midfielders out, someone has just arrived, a bit haphazardly. It can happen in August, but we hope to complete ourselves as quickly as possible because it's already the third week finished." Gasperini outlined his priorities: a defender, a winger, and two attackers compared to last season's squad. He praised Castro as "an excellent signing, a great operation" and noted the 2004-born forward "wanted to come to Roma at all costs." He also confirmed Koulierakis will arrive to strengthen the defence. On deployment, Gasperini said Malen and Castro can play together in certain situations, and praised Matías Soulé's form, noting he "did well, is already better, and played as a trequartista." Gasperini stressed: "Whoever plays in the cups must have at least two players per position—it's essential. Whoever doesn't have them pays heavily for it."