Roma celebrate Champions League return after seven years

Manu Koné is taking a detour through Spain before rejoining Roma, visiting his former club Toulouse in San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, where the French club are conducting their summer training camp. The Roma midfielder, who will return to Gasperini's squad on Monday 10 August, has spent time there reconnecting with the club where he developed as a player before his move to Borussia Mönchlegladbach. Koné posted on social media to mark the visit, saying: "When I was at the centre, I was told that once you've worn the violet shirt, you become part of the Toulouse family forever. It was important to come back here, meet familiar faces and exchange with the new generation of pitchounes. Thanks to everyone for the welcome, I wish you the best for this season." Koné, who wore number 17 for Roma, has recently recovered from the demands of representing France at the World Cup and was linked with Manchester United in recent weeks, though that move did not materialise. His return to first-team training will add depth to Roma's midfield as Gasperini prepares the squad for the coming campaign.

AS Roma's board of directors has formally established the operational scope and delegated powers of new chief executive John Galantic, the former Nike executive whose appointment was registered in recent days. Galantic holds central authority over daily club governance, subject to spending limits set by the board. He may autonomously sign or close contracts up to €500,000, with the threshold rising to €3 million for professional and sporting agreements, provided he immediately informs the board. On the financial side, he will manage bank accounts and banking operations with a ceiling of €1 million per new debt commitment, alongside responsibility for factoring and credit transfers. Galantic's remit extends to personnel management, including hiring staff, setting employment contracts within defined salary thresholds, and formally acting as employer under workplace safety legislation. His delegated powers also cover legal representation of the club and institutional relations with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Serie A, CONI, and other national and international sporting bodies. He holds responsibility for dispute resolution and acts as data protection officer. This governance structure ensures Roma has agile and effective operational leadership in daily activities while maintaining board control over strategic decisions and major investments.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract renewal with Roma, extending his agreement with the club until 2027. The midfielder's previous contract had expired on 30 June, after which Roma and Pellegrini negotiated terms while he recovered from injury. The club announced the renewal on 8 August, committing Pellegrini to a further year at the Giallorossi. Pellegrini came through Roma's academy system and will continue his career at the club. The renewal reflects the midfielder's alignment with Roma's sporting vision and project values, as confirmed by his decision to accept the club's proposal.

Roma suffered a heavy defeat to Brighton in their final pre-season friendly in England, conceding three goals in the first 50 minutes. The capitulation prompted Gian Piero Gasperini to make immediate changes, with Ziolkowski, Ghilardi and Koulierakis warming up on the sidelines. Hermoso was at fault for the opening goal, leaving too much space for Rutter, while N'Dicka's positioning proved costly for the third. Gasperini turned to his bench and demanded action, declaring: "Cambiamo" (We're changing). The last two substitutes entered within seconds of each other. This was Roma's third consecutive defeat on their UK tour, following a 4-1 loss to Cardiff. Gasperini also identified midfield frailties during the first half, noting the lack of protection in front of the back four. El Aynaoui was withdrawn at half-time without returning for the second period, replaced by Mannini. The full-back had been directly culpable for the second goal when his poor pass to Hermoso allowed Ayari to beat Svilar. Rensch, operating on the opposite flank, also drew Gasperini's ire for a series of misplaced decisions during the opening 45 minutes.

Roma faced Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the final warm-up match of their British tour. Gasperini named Donyell Malen in the starting eleven, while leaving new arrivals Castro and Koulierakis on the bench to manage their workload ahead of the 2026–27 season opener. The Roma boss fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and a four-strong midfield of Devyne Rensch, Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, and Wesley. Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala occupied the advanced midfield roles, with Malen leading the attack. The fixture served as a final examination of the squad's preparation during the pre-season tour, with Gasperini using the match to assess combinations and match sharpness before competitive action resumes.

Roma concluded their British pre-season camp with a friendly at Brighton, one of the Premier League's stronger opponents last season. Gasperini fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation at the American Express Stadium, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé operating as attacking support behind Donyell Malen. Bryan Cristante captained the side, while Miles Svilar started in goal. Brighton, managed by Fabian Hurzeler, lined up in a 4-3-3 shape. The fixture offered Roma's squad a demanding test during their final pre-season outing before returning to Trigoria as they await additional transfer activity. Gasperini used the match to evaluate his players against one of last season's established Premier League sides. The friendly served as a key preparation tool ahead of the 2026–27 season, allowing the coach to assess fitness and tactical cohesion across the group. Roma's attacking setup highlighted the roles Dybala and Soulé will occupy in Gasperini's system, with both deployed in advanced positions to support Malen's central role.