Roma suffer heavy defeat to Cardiff in Wales friendly, Castro's debut disappointing

Roma slumped to a 4–1 defeat against Cardiff City in their first pre-season test in Wales, with errors and an injury setback marking a frustrating afternoon. Ashford opened the scoring with a brace and Salech added a third in the first half before Paulo Dybala pulled one back after the interval. Tanner sealed the Cardiff victory at 4–1, with Daniele Ghilardi striking the post late on. The result came during Roma's summer training camp and was compounded by a worrying injury to class of 2007 player Bah, who was forced to leave the field on a stretcher in the opening 45 minutes with a right knee distortion trauma. The defeat underlined areas Roma need to address as they continue their pre-season preparation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

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 head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has demanded four new signings to strengthen the squad after a 4–1 loss to Cardiff in their season opener. Gasperini said the club must complete its roster as soon as possible, emphasizing that teams need two players for each position, otherwise "you pay for it in the Champions League". He also highlighted defensive lapses, saying Roma were "too distracted" in that department during the match. The defeat marked a difficult start to the 2026–27 campaign. Gasperini's plea underscores the urgency of the club's transfer activity, with the coach making it clear that the current squad depth is insufficient for a competitive European campaign. Paulo Dybala scored in the loss, but the margin of defeat illustrated Roma's vulnerability. With reinforcements identified as a top priority, the focus now shifts to the club's ability to move quickly in the market to address those gaps before further fixtures arrive.

Roma slumped to a 4–1 defeat against Cardiff City in their first pre-season test in Wales, with errors and an injury setback marking a frustrating afternoon. Ashford opened the scoring with a brace and Salech added a third in the first half before Paulo Dybala pulled one back after the interval. Tanner sealed the Cardiff victory at 4–1, with Daniele Ghilardi striking the post late on. The result came during Roma's summer training camp and was compounded by a worrying injury to class of 2007 player Bah, who was forced to leave the field on a stretcher in the opening 45 minutes with a right knee distortion trauma. The defeat underlined areas Roma need to address as they continue their pre-season preparation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

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 head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has demanded four new signings to strengthen the squad after a 4–1 loss to Cardiff in their season opener. Gasperini said the club must complete its roster as soon as possible, emphasizing that teams need two players for each position, otherwise "you pay for it in the Champions League". He also highlighted defensive lapses, saying Roma were "too distracted" in that department during the match. The defeat marked a difficult start to the 2026–27 campaign. Gasperini's plea underscores the urgency of the club's transfer activity, with the coach making it clear that the current squad depth is insufficient for a competitive European campaign. Paulo Dybala scored in the loss, but the margin of defeat illustrated Roma's vulnerability. With reinforcements identified as a top priority, the focus now shifts to the club's ability to move quickly in the market to address those gaps before further fixtures arrive.

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.

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.

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.