Roma host Fiorentina in Serie A matchday 35 at Olimpico

Roma drew 3-3 with Cannes at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in a pre-season friendly under Gian Piero Gasperini. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring with a free-kick before Donyell Malen doubled the lead, but Roma were reduced to ten men when Wesley received a second yellow card. After the interval, Dybala added a second goal to make it 3-0, but Cannes mounted a comeback through Lopes, who scored twice including one from the penalty spot, and Oggad to level the match in the closing stages. This was Roma's third summer friendly and demonstrated both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability during the preparation period. The match showcased contributions from two key squad members in Dybala and Malen, though the late collapse and numerical disadvantage highlighted areas for improvement as Gasperini continues his pre-season work.

Paulo Dybala illuminated Roma's pre-season friendly against Cannes in France, but the 3–3 draw starkly exposed the club's dependency on the Argentine midfielder. Dybala opened the scoring with a masterful free-kick and produced a string of high-class moments before leaving the pitch; Roma then collapsed completely, conceding three unanswered goals to the newly promoted third-tier hosts and surrendering a late equaliser from a penalty carelessly conceded by Artem Dovbyk in stoppage time. With the transfer window still sluggish, the medical room full, contract renewals stalled, and painful departures including Zeki Çelik's move to Juventus, Dybala has become Roma's essential lifeline—both on the field and as a symbolic figure for the club. His significance was underscored during Roma's centenary celebrations on the night of 21–22 July, when he embraced ten thousand supporters gathered at via degli Uffici del Vicario. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prioritised keeping Dybala, a decision that protects the club from both technical and emotional impoverishment and confirms the star as the anchor holding the entire project together.

Paulo Dybala was the standout performer in Roma's 3-3 draw against Cannes in a pre-season fixture. The match, played against a side freshly promoted to the French third tier, saw Roma dominate possession—recording 20 total shots to Cannes' 4—but ultimately fail to convert their superiority into victory. Wesley's red card for a second yellow at the end of the first half proved decisive in shifting the momentum. The Friedkin Group ownership was represented in the stands by Ryan, watching as his team's bright start unravelled following the sending-off. Dybala provided the creative spark throughout, weaving together moments of quality in an otherwise inconsistent Roma display. In the second half, with Roma reduced to ten men, Cannes mounted a comeback, with Julien Lopez, recently signed from Paris FC, becoming increasingly influential as the match wore on. The result underlines Roma's ongoing struggles to maintain shape and cohesion across the full ninety minutes, though Dybala's individual brilliance offered a glimmer of hope for the season ahead.

Santiago Castro has arrived in Rome ahead of his move to AS Roma, with roughly 200 giallorossi supporters greeting the Argentine striker at Termini station. The 2004-born forward, who spent two and a half seasons at Bologna, is set to become Roma's first signing of the 2026–27 season barring any last-minute surprises. Roma will pay €30 million plus €3 million in add-ons to secure Castro's services. The transfer involves a player exchange: Artem Dovbyk is poised to move in the opposite direction and join Bologna. Castro will undergo medical examinations on the following day to complete the formalities of his switch to the Stadio Olimpico club.

Santiago Castro has completed his transfer to AS Roma from Bologna, arriving at Termini station on 27 July to a warm reception from more than 300 giallorossi fans. The Argentine forward joins on a permanent deal worth approximately €35 million including bonuses, with Artem Dovbyk moving in the opposite direction to Bologna on loan with a right of purchase. The transfer represents Roma's first significant addition of the summer window. Supporters gathered outside Termini station to greet Castro, chanting and displaying personalised shirts as the new arrival made his way through the crowd. The deal sees Dovbyk leave Rome temporarily as part of the arrangement, providing depth in attack for both clubs as they prepare for the new season.

Santiago Castro has arrived in Rome to complete his transfer to AS Roma from Bologna. The Argentine striker joins on a permanent deal worth approximately €35 million including bonuses, with Artem Dovbyk moving in the opposite direction to Bologna on loan with a right of redemption. Fans began gathering outside Termini station in the evening to welcome the new arrival. Castro becomes Roma's first summer signing under the Friedkin Group ownership. The 20-year-old forward is expected to bolster the attacking ranks as the club prepares for the 2025–26 campaign. His arrival signals the start of the summer transfer window activity for the Giallorossi, with Dovbyk's departure on loan creating space in the squad.

Santiago Castro has arrived as Roma's first summer signing, reportedly costing around 35 million euros. The Argentine striker was acquired to challenge Donyell Malen for the centre-forward role, but his impact is expected to extend far beyond that of a mere substitute. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has repeatedly shown his need for genuine attacking depth, with last season exposing the toll on Malen of playing nearly every match without adequate relief. Robinio Vaz failed to convince as an alternative, while Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk were hampered by injury. Castro's profile—goal-scoring instinct, ability to attack space, ball retention, and defensive work-rate—fits Gasperini's demands perfectly. Last season at Bologna, he committed more fouls than any teammate, a marker of his combative nature. He was also second in the squad for duels won. Rather than operate solely as a backup, Castro can start alongside Malen in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Matías Soulé or Paulo Dybala deployed behind the two strikers. This shape, a Gasperini favourite from his Atalanta years, allows Castro's defensive intensity to free Malen for ball-carrying and finishing. Gasperini seldom deploys attackers on the wing; he requires his forwards positioned as close to goal as possible. The signing signals Roma's intent to reinvigorate an attack that misfired last season.

Roma's acquisition of forward Castro for 35 million euros has drawn wide approval from the capital's radio commentators, though opinions differ on his role and the club's broader transfer strategy. Castro is widely seen as a versatile attacking option who can operate across the front line and create chances for teammates, not merely a backup to Donyell Malen. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio Mattino that Castro resembles Muriel: "a great player, strong. I don't think he can play 45 matches at high level, but he has quality. He can play as a centre-forward but also assist; he is an excellent signing." Nando Orsi echoed the view, calling Castro "an excellent player" who "makes others score and scores decisive goals himself." The 35-million fee raises questions about Roma's willingness to invest heavily in attacking depth while other squad positions remain exposed. Francesco Balzani noted that switching from Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson to Malen and Castro represents "a very big upgrade as centre-forwards," adding that head coach Gasperini rotates his strikers extensively. Balzani suggested Roma's budget for a left-winger—potentially around 50 million—remains intact, separate from the Castro outlay. Francesca Ferrazza described Castro as having "enormous potential" under Gasperini's guidance, positioned as Malen's deputy rather than an out-and-out winger. Dovbyk, who scored 18 goals in his first season, struggled physically last term and is expected to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Roma find themselves in unexpected stasis on the transfer market one month before their Serie A opener against Fiorentina, hampered by slow planning, a complex summer constrained by Settlement Agreement rules, and difficulty delivering the reinforcements Gian Piero Gasperini has requested. As of late July, Roma had completed zero signings and just one minor departure, leaving six players from last season's squad still to be replaced: El Shaarawy, Ferguson, Tsimikas, Celik, Venturino, and Zaragoza. The club also has several players ready to depart—Salah-Eddine, Kumbulla, and Dovbyk among them—while others including Soulé and Koné remain uncertain. Contract complications surround Dybala, and Pellegrini's position requires clarification. Delays stem from structural issues worsened by Tony D'Amico's late arrival as sporting director, who became operational only in the final ten days of June following a dispute with Atalanta, compounded by World Cup scheduling and Settlement Agreement restrictions. Gasperini intends to compete at the highest level while preserving the squad's core and adding only a few elite signings. Roma pursued Mason Greenwood and Luis Summerville at length, becoming committed to the Dutch player beyond their budgeted limits before the deal collapsed entirely.

Mile Svilar has dismissed speculation linking him with Juventus, stating his sole focus remains AS Roma. The goalkeeper addressed reports that Juve had tabled a 40 million euro offer for him at the end of June, saying: "I don't know anything about this story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I can't tell you anything because I wasn't consulted and for me, you should know by now, there is only Roma. I'm focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans." Svilar, who has established himself as one of Serie A's standout goalkeepers in recent seasons, discussed Roma's ambitions for the campaign ahead. When asked about expectations, he said: "We're working, our legs are heavy. We still have a month before the league starts, so everything seems premature. Playing in the Champions League is something beautiful. In the league it will be difficult to confirm third place, especially because during the week with that type of European commitments we'll need to always be at our best. Teams to fear? No, I don't fear anyone. I can't wait to play against whoever." Svilar highlighted the solidity of Roma's defence, crediting the presence of Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka. Regarding Lorenzo Pellegrini's injury status, he remained coy: "I can't say anything, then with Lorenzo it's clear we're in touch. We've spoken, let's see what happens in the coming days."

Santiago Castro has completed his move to Roma from Bologna for €35 million including bonuses on a five-year contract. The Argentine striker will arrive at Termini station around 23:45 this evening before undergoing medical examinations tomorrow and signing his deal. His arrival triggers Artem Dovbyk's departure to Bologna on a loan with a purchase option, with the Ukrainian's €3.5 million salary covered by the Emilian club. Dovbyk will travel to Bologna tomorrow for his medical. Castro's signing marks Roma's primary attacking reinforcement ahead of the new season, particularly with Champions League football on the horizon. Gasperini has prioritised two strong forward options, and club sources confirm Roma rejected a loan approach for Robinio Vaz before Bologna proposed Dovbyk as an alternative. Roma's hierarchy has also made Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal a priority. Following recent signings of Dybala, Mancini, and Cristante, the club aims to extend Pellegrini's deal before the squad departs for a pre-season training camp in Wales. Pellegrini's new contract is projected to run until 2028 with an optional further season, offering €2.5 million annually plus bonuses. Rome's mayor Gualtieri confirmed progress on the new Stadio della Roma at Pietralata. At an institutional meeting on Friday involving Regional President Rocca and ministers Abodi and Salvini, Gualtieri stated: "Today we make another leap forward in the procedures for stadium construction. An entire area regeneration with a stadium at its centre that will have the world's largest Curva and will be a joy for all sports fans. The services conference will be concluded by September." Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo praised Castro as "a great player, strong" with quality to play centre-forward or provide assists.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is close to signing a new contract with Roma after his deal expired on 30 June. The club has made the midfielder's renewal a priority following recent extensions for Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante. Pellegrini, who continues to put Roma first despite being out of contract, remains sidelined by injury and has missed the early stages of pre-season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Pellegrini as essential to the squad both technically and as a leader in the dressing room. The player is equally committed to staying in Rome, and negotiations are progressing with confidence. Roma aim to finalise the deal in the coming days—ideally before the team departs for their training camp in Wales. The proposed agreement runs until 2028 with an option for a further season, at a salary of 2.5 million euros per season plus bonuses. Once signed, Pellegrini could rejoin the squad during the second phase of summer preparation and begin working with Gasperini ahead of the new season.