Roma faces June reckoning on player sales to balance books

Roma suffered a 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their opening friendly during a pre-season training camp in Wales. Approximately 600 Roma supporters attended the match, along with newly announced CEO John Galantic, who was revealed on 29 July. Galantic accompanied the squad for the fixture and will remain throughout the entire Welsh retreat, choosing to follow the group closely during this crucial phase of preparation and share the club's daily work on the training ground. Galantic's arrival completes the new management structure established by the Friedkin ownership. The American chief executive was selected to combine operational efficiency with Roma brand development, with clear operational priorities: strengthening commercial partnerships, optimising revenue streams, and providing strategic coordination during the critical phases of the new Stadio di Pietralata project. His appointment represents a significant step in the club's structural growth and aligns with the broader vision of the Texas-based ownership.

John Galantic attended Roma's match against Cardiff as the club's newly appointed CEO, marking his first outing in the role. The Friedkin Group confirmed his arrival in a statement praising his appointment: "Cittadino americano e svizzero di origini italiane, John è romanista da sempre. Ama questa città, ne comprende l'anima, conosce i suoi tifosi e sa cosa rappresenta questo Club per loro. Siamo fermamente convinti che sia la persona giusta per guidare questo Club nel suo secondo secolo di storia." Galantic, born in Boston, returns to Roma after previously serving on the board during the Pallotta era. The American-Swiss executive of Italian descent brings substantial experience in luxury and consumer goods sectors. His career includes senior roles at Procter & Gamble, where he worked in marketing and sales across Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States; GlaxoSmithKline; Coty Beauty; Chanel, where he spent 16 years; Ferrari; Bacardi Limited; and most recently the Tod's group. His appointment represents a significant structural development for the club as it enters its second century of history. The Cardiff match itself highlighted some tactical issues and fitness concerns for Roma, though the appointment of Galantic signalled an important milestone for the club off the pitch.

Italy faces a severe heat wave as August opens with record-breaking temperatures. Out of 27 cities monitored by the Health Ministry, 25 are now on maximum alert level (level 3) for Monday 3 August, indicating possible health risks for the general population, not just vulnerable groups. Only Messina and Reggio Calabria remain on yellow alert. Today the highest alert affects 19 cities including Rome, Bologna, Milan, Naples and Venice. By tomorrow that number will rise to 23 with the addition of Catania, Genoa, Palermo and Trieste. Across the peninsula, temperatures will reach exceptional levels, with Terni expected to hit 41°C as the national peak, while Ferrara, Mantova, Modena and Parma will reach 40°C. In Lazio, Rome will approach 40°C alongside Rieti, Viterbo, Frosinone and Latina. Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri called for a national plan against extreme heat, stating: "Italy, unlike other European countries, is leaving municipalities alone and has no strategy to face heat waves." The city operates 660 climate refuges and has launched a "Grand Cooling at the Cinema" initiative that has drawn thousands to air-conditioned venues. Sanification operations have begun at the EUR lake with new aerators to be installed to improve water circulation. Sardinia faces the most critical situation, with interior areas potentially reaching 44°C between Sunday and Monday, triggering major wildfire operations in the Sassarese region requiring Canadair aircraft and ground crews.

Roma suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Cardiff City in a friendly on 1 August, with Paulo Dybala scoring but also missing a penalty in an otherwise bright performance. The Argentine playmaker created a memorable chance early in the second half, setting up Wesley before converting a tap-in to reduce the deficit. His striking effort from the spot, however, was described as poor. Dybala's physical condition drew praise despite the heavy loss. Roma's defence struggled throughout, particularly in the opening period. Mile Svilar conceded four goals and was caught out by careless errors from his backline, notably a slow pass from Wesley that led to Cardiff's second goal. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso had difficult nights, while Evan N'Dicka made an early mistake that invited pressure. Bryan Cristante showed glimpses of quality in midfield, while Matías Soulé and Castro offered encouraging signs despite the scoreline. The friendly served as Roma's first pre-season fixture in Wales. Donyell Malen and Lolli were introduced in the second half and showed improved energy compared to the first-team starters. Roma's next fixture is scheduled for 4 August against Newport.

Roma faced Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side testing themselves further after earlier sessions at Trigoria and against Cannes. The match took place at Cardiff City Stadium as part of the club's Welsh training camp. The Giallorossi lined up in a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and Wesley and Devyne Rensch operating as full-backs. Bryan Cristante anchored midfield alongside Wesley, with Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala deployed in attacking support of the centre-forward. The standout feature of Roma's team sheet was the first appearance of Castro, who took the centre-forward berth in the starting XI. Gasperini continues to build match fitness across the squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

AS Roma completed the signing of defender Konstantinos Koulierakis on 1 August 2026, with the Greek international arriving at Ciampino airport to begin his medical and contract formalities. Koulierakis joins on a permanent deal from Wolfsburg for a fixed fee of €16.5 million, with €1.5 million in add-ons and a 20 per cent sell-on clause included in the agreement. He becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. The 23-year-old represents a significant defensive reinforcement for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the club prepares for the 2026–27 season. Koulierakis, who has featured regularly in the Bundesliga, brings experience at a high level and adds depth to Roma's backline alongside existing defenders including Mario Hermoso, Evan N'Dicka, and Gianluca Mancini. The transfer was confirmed across social media on 1 August, with images and video of Koulierakis and his agent Paschalis Tountouris captured during their journey to the Italian capital. The defender will now complete standard club procedures before being integrated into pre-season training.