Roma Announce Summer Friendly Against Newport County on 4 August

Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Saturday at 13:30 in the press room at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini as Roma continue preparations for the new season. The club has also announced ticket sales for the Distinti Nord-Ovest section for the Fiorentina match and for a September fixture against Atalanta. Gasperini, appointed in 2025, remains the focal point of Roma's setup as they prepare for their campaign. Paulo Dybala has signalled his readiness ahead of the Fiorentina encounter, underlining the squad's competitive mood as the season approaches.

Roma's Serie A match at Lecce on Monday 31 August faces uncertainty over the stadium's safety certification. The Via del Mare is currently undergoing major renovation work ahead of the Mediterranean Games, scheduled for 22 August. The Provincial Vigilance Commission of the Lecce Prefectural Office granted approval following a six-hour inspection on the evening of 19 August for the Mediterranean Games events, but authorities must conduct a separate safety and usability verification to clear the stadium for the league fixture. The inspection is critical for Roma fans, as it will determine whether the away section can open as planned. Gasperini's side will begin their 2026–27 campaign against Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday 24 August, seven days before the Lecce trip. Local institutions have expressed optimism, though a final decision is expected in the coming days.

Roma's brand value has grown 4% to €215 million, according to the latest Brand Finance Football 50 study, placing the club 24th in global rankings and 5th in Serie A. The growth underscores Roma's expanding international appeal and economic strength as a football institution. In the Italian rankings, Inter leads with €585 million after overtaking Juventus, followed by Milan, Juventus (down 17%), Napoli, and Roma. The capital's derby rivals Lazio have seen their brand value fall 8% to €75 million, creating what the study describes as a vast gap between the two Rome clubs in terms of brand strength and market influence. The Brand Finance Football 50 measures brand value by assessing each club's ability to influence supporters' choices and generate economic impact. Roma's 4% year-on-year increase reflects the club's capacity to strengthen its commercial presence and global recognition despite competitive pressures in Serie A.