Roma lose 4-1 to Cardiff in pre-season; Koulierakis arrives at Trigoria

Roma suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City in their opening pre-season friendly in Wales. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring from a Matías Soulé assist and had a penalty saved, while new signing Castro made his debut as a starter, remaining composed despite receiving a yellow card late in the match. Defender Bah was injured during the game. After the match, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged defensive lapses: "Distracted at the back in the first half, we conceded goals from scrambles. We produced some good moments, but if you're not switched on it becomes harder." Gasperini reiterated that the squad requires completion, saying: "The market started late, several players have left and we need signings to make the team truly competitive." He confirmed his requests for a defender, a winger, and two strikers, describing them as achievable targets. Castro is viewed as an excellent acquisition who can rotate with Donyell Malen and elevate the squad. Gasperini stressed the need for genuine quality to close both gaps and ensure two options per position—essential for cup competition. Konstantinos Koulierakis, a Greek defender born 2004, landed at Ciampino today. The centre-back arrives from Wolfsburg in a permanent deal worth approximately €16.5 million plus bonuses and 20 per cent of any future sale. He becomes Roma's second summer signing after Castro. Roma also remain interested in Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, a 2007-born forward, though the clubs differ on terms—Madrid seek a straight loan or loan with buyback option, a structure Roma finds unattractive.

Roma suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat to Cardiff in a pre-season friendly, with Paulo Dybala scoring from a Matías Soulé assist in what Gasperini described as an August match without alarm. The team showed signs of rustiness after heavy training loads, conceding early in the first half and struggling defensively. Tensions flared late in the match: Castro was fouled without a whistle as Cardiff broke away to score; Soulé remonstrated with the referee, Bryan Cristante attempted to calm matters, but Dybala objected and became embroiled in heated words with the midfielder, leading to a physical exchange. Soulé was subsequently substituted. The squad also suffered a setback with Bah sustaining a right-knee distortion injury; he is due for medical scans on 2 August. Castro made a subdued debut, receiving tactical instruction from match analyst Mauro Fumagalli during the warm-up. Gasperini was pragmatic in his assessment, noting the side remains competitive but lacks full depth. The coach said: "We've conceded from rebounds. We did good things going forward, but it's clear that if you're that careless and unfit, as inattentive defensively as we were in the first half, it becomes difficult." With Koulierakis arriving on 2 August to strengthen the defence, Roma's transfer focus now shifts to midfield and attack. Gasperini explicitly stated the requirement: "Whoever plays in the cups must have at least two players per position—it's essential; those without it pay heavily." Roma has tabled a €25 million offer to Feyenoord and awaits a response regarding Read, expected on 2 August. Endrick is also under consideration for the wing position.

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.