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Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma on a permanent transfer from Wolfsburg. The 2003-born defender arrived at Ciampino on 1 August, completed medical examinations and signed his contract to become an official Roma player. He has chosen the number 33 shirt. Koulierakis arrives with senior experience across two prominent European clubs. He previously played for PAOK before his spell in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg. The Greece international made his senior debut aged 18 and has earned 22 caps for his national team to date. The deal concludes Roma's acquisition of the defender on permanent terms.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma from Wolfsburg on a permanent transfer. The Greek defender, born in 2003, arrived at Ciampino and the club confirmed the acquisition on 1 August 2026. He is available immediately for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the 2026–27 season and has selected shirt number 33. Koulierakis brings experience from PAOK and Wolfsburg to Roma's defence. He made his Greece senior debut at 18 and has earned 22 caps for the national team. The signing bolsters Gasperini's squad depth in defence as the club prepares for the new campaign. AS Roma's official statement read: "The AS Roma is pleased to announce the arrival of Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg. The operation is concluded with a permanent acquisition. The defender, class of 2003, has worn the shirts of PAOK and Wolfsburg; he made his debut at 18 in the Greek national team, with which he has recorded 22 appearances so far."

Konstantinos Koulierakis has completed his move to Roma from Wolfsburg. The Greek defender arrived at Ciampino airport around midday on 1 August, was greeted by supporters, and underwent medical tests before the club confirmed the signing in the evening. Roma have acquired him on a permanent basis for 18 million euros plus a percentage on resale. Koulierakis, born in 2003, previously played for PAOK and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. He made his Greece debut at 18 and has earned 22 senior international caps. He will wear number 33 at Roma. The club released a statement: "Welcome to Roma, Konstantinos!" The defender will not remain in the capital immediately. On the morning of 2 August, Koulierakis will travel to Wales to rejoin the squad for their training camp.

Roma collapsed in their first friendly match in Wales, losing 4–1 to Cardiff. Ashford scored twice for the hosts, with goals also coming from Salech and Tanner. Paulo Dybala was Roma's sole bright spot, missing a penalty but pulling one back to make it 3–1, though the goal proved only a consolation. The defence struggled throughout, with Gianluca Mancini, Wesley and Devyne Rensch among the poorest performers, while debutant Castro misfired in attack. The squad trained this morning and appeared fatigued, carrying heavy workloads on their legs—a normal state at this stage of pre-season preparation. Young player Bah suffered a knee injury during the match, sustaining a right knee distortion; instrumental examinations will determine the full extent of the problem. Roma's next friendly comes on Tuesday against Newport at 19:00 local time (20:00 Italian time). The squad will train in the afternoon on Tuesday, with gym work scheduled for the morning.

Roma suffered a 4–1 defeat to Championship side Cardiff City at Cardiff City Stadium on the opening day of their pre-season training camp in Wales. The match exposed significant defensive vulnerabilities in the first half, with Wesley and Rensch at fault for several errors. Cardiff scored three goals in the opening period through two strikes by Ashford and one from Salech, while Paulo Dybala missed a penalty. Roma's night was further complicated by an injury to Bah. Gasperini's side showed improvement after the interval. Dybala converted an assist from Matías Soulé to pull one back, but Cardiff's Tanner restored the two-goal cushion shortly after. Jan Ziółkowski struck the woodwork late on but could not find the back of the net. The result highlighted areas requiring immediate work as Roma prepare for the 2026–27 season.

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.