Robinio Vaz returns to training ahead of Wales trip

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma on a permanent transfer from Wolfsburg. The 2003-born defender arrived at Ciampino on 1 August, completed medical examinations and signed his contract to become an official Roma player. He has chosen the number 33 shirt. Koulierakis arrives with senior experience across two prominent European clubs. He previously played for PAOK before his spell in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg. The Greece international made his senior debut aged 18 and has earned 22 caps for his national team to date. The deal concludes Roma's acquisition of the defender on permanent terms.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma from Wolfsburg on a permanent transfer. The Greek defender, born in 2003, arrived at Ciampino and the club confirmed the acquisition on 1 August 2026. He is available immediately for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the 2026–27 season and has selected shirt number 33. Koulierakis brings experience from PAOK and Wolfsburg to Roma's defence. He made his Greece senior debut at 18 and has earned 22 caps for the national team. The signing bolsters Gasperini's squad depth in defence as the club prepares for the new campaign. AS Roma's official statement read: "The AS Roma is pleased to announce the arrival of Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg. The operation is concluded with a permanent acquisition. The defender, class of 2003, has worn the shirts of PAOK and Wolfsburg; he made his debut at 18 in the Greek national team, with which he has recorded 22 appearances so far."

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his move to Roma from Wolfsburg. The Greek defender arrived at Ciampino airport around midday on 1 August, was greeted by supporters, and underwent medical tests before the club confirmed the signing in the evening. Roma have acquired him on a permanent basis for 18 million euros plus a percentage on resale. Koulierakis, born in 2003, previously played for PAOK and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. He made his Greece debut at 18 and has earned 22 senior international caps. He will wear number 33 at Roma. The club released a statement: "Welcome to Roma, Konstantinos!" The defender will not remain in the capital immediately. On the morning of 2 August, Koulierakis will travel to Wales to rejoin the squad for their training camp.

Roma travel to Wales on Saturday 1 August for a pre-season friendly against Cardiff, kicking off at 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT). Donyell Malen starts in attack, with Castro on the bench in his first appearance of pre-season. Neil El Aynaoui returns to action after missing the opening weeks of summer training due to World Cup involvement. Robinio Vaz is available after recovering from a knee injury. Niccolò Pisilli remains unavailable and has not yet reached full fitness. The match will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN, requiring a subscription to watch on smart TV, gaming consoles (Xbox or PlayStation), or streaming devices including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and TIM VISION Box. The fixture will also air on free-to-air channel Canale Nove, though only as a delayed broadcast at 21:30. Roma fans can follow live updates via Forzaroma.info's live blog and the club's social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Roma started their pre-season campaign in Wales on 1 August, with a morning training session at Hensol followed by a friendly against Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium, kicking off at 15:00 (16:00 Italian time). All eyes were on Castro, who was set for his debut, while Neil El Aynaoui returned from holiday and is fully available for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The majority of the squad was available, with Robinio Vaz having recovered from injury and Niccolò Pisilli progressing in his rehabilitation and expected to rejoin the group in the coming days. The club's pre-season schedule continued with another training session scheduled for 2 August at the sports complex, open to supporters and media. A second friendly fixture against Newport follows on 3 August at 19:00.

Roma arrived in Wales for their pre-season training camp on Tuesday, though roughly an hour behind schedule after switching flights due to an operational issue. The squad will be based at Vale Resort in Hensol and face Cardiff City in their opening friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday at 16:00 local time (15:00 UK time). No morning training session is scheduled before the match. Santiago Castro, who has completed initial work at Trigoria, is primed to feature after his recent arrival, with Donyell Malen set to start as the sole new signing present. Matteo Koulierakis has not yet arrived for his medical examination; he is expected in the capital on Wednesday before joining the squad in Wales. Niccolò Pisilli has been recalled to the group as he continues recovery from a left soleus muscle injury but will not play. Robinio Vaz has fully recovered from injury and is available, while Neil El Aynaoui has returned after extended leave following World Cup duties. Approximately 10,000 tickets have been sold for the fixture. Shuttle bus services will operate every 15 minutes on route 95 between Cardiff city centre and the stadium from Wood Street (stop JB), beginning two hours before kickoff and running until the crowd has dispersed. Gates open at 13:30—90 minutes before the 15:00 local start. Around 100 Roma supporters are expected to attend.