Roma thrash Newport 4–1 to bounce back from Cardiff loss

Roma bounced back from a defeat at Cardiff with a dominant 4-1 victory over fourth-tier Newport County in a pre-season friendly today. Goals from Hermoso, Castro, Koulierakis and Soulé secured the win under the watch of Ryan Friedkin, with Cameron grabbing Newport's consolation late on. Castro impressed in an unfamiliar midfield role, scoring once and winning a penalty, while Dybala orchestrated play from attacking positions and assisted Koulierakis's header before becoming involved in a brief skirmish triggered by a heavy challenge from Evans. Gasperini has reasons to smile ahead of fresh arrivals, with negotiations advancing for Molina but the Read transfer path becoming more complicated. The friendly served as a positive tune-up for Roma's squad depth, with young players given minutes in the closing stages. Donyell Malen missed the match due to fever. Roma continue their pre-season schedule with another training session at Hensol tomorrow, followed by a final friendly against Brighton on Saturday before returning to the capital.

Roma claimed a commanding 4–1 victory over Newport County in a friendly at Rodney Parade. Gian Piero Gasperini's side weathered an uncertain start—Newport's Biggins struck the crossbar and Mile Svilar made an error that could have changed the match—before quality prevailed. Mario Hermoso opened the scoring late in the first half, then Castro converted from the penalty spot and Koulierakis added a third, both scoring for the first time in Roma colours. Matías Soulé completed the rout with the fourth goal. Cameron netted a late consolation for the hosts. The emphatic result underlines Roma's growing threat in attack as the 2026–27 season approaches. Hermoso, Castro and Koulierakis all featured prominently, with the newcomers Castro and Koulierakis marking their debuts with goals—a significant boost to Gasperini's preparations ahead of competitive action. The comfortable nature of the victory suggests Roma are building momentum in their pre-season schedule.

Mario Hermoso delivered a man-of-the-match display in an unfamiliar midfield position during Roma's 4–0 victory over Newport, scoring once, winning a penalty, and providing an assist for Soulé's goal. Gasperini deployed the Spanish defender centrally in a tactical surprise that yielded immediate results. Hermoso said of the switch: "I trained to improve myself and to do what the manager wants. It was different for me in terms of movements and mentality, but in the end I felt good in midfield." He acknowledged the learning curve but emphasized his willingness to fulfil whatever role is asked of him. Hermoso also responded to Gasperini's public comment that Roma remains incomplete. "The manager always says what he sees when he speaks," Hermoso said. "We know we are strong and have great mentality. We showed that last season. The sporting director handles these things. We want to prepare a good dressing room for whoever arrives. We want to compete in all competitions. We are awaiting new arrivals." He offered praise for recent additions Castro and Koulierakis, calling them "important pieces" for European and domestic ambitions.

Roma bounced back from a defeat at Cardiff with a dominant 4-1 victory over fourth-tier Newport County in a pre-season friendly today. Goals from Hermoso, Castro, Koulierakis and Soulé secured the win under the watch of Ryan Friedkin, with Cameron grabbing Newport's consolation late on. Castro impressed in an unfamiliar midfield role, scoring once and winning a penalty, while Dybala orchestrated play from attacking positions and assisted Koulierakis's header before becoming involved in a brief skirmish triggered by a heavy challenge from Evans. Gasperini has reasons to smile ahead of fresh arrivals, with negotiations advancing for Molina but the Read transfer path becoming more complicated. The friendly served as a positive tune-up for Roma's squad depth, with young players given minutes in the closing stages. Donyell Malen missed the match due to fever. Roma continue their pre-season schedule with another training session at Hensol tomorrow, followed by a final friendly against Brighton on Saturday before returning to the capital.

Mario Hermoso put Roma ahead in the 38th minute during their second pre-season friendly in Wales against Newport County at Rodney Parade. Bryan Cristante recovered possession to launch the move, then found Hermoso with the help of a deflection off Castro, with the Spanish defender finishing from close range to settle the opening period at 1–0. Gasperini's side began slowly but grew into the match. Mile Svilar made a vital save in the 14th minute to deny Doidge after the Newport forward was left unmarked, while Paulo Dybala and Castro posed occasional threats in attack. Newport threatened early through Biggins, whose long-range effort struck the crossbar in the 4th minute, but Roma's defence gradually tightened. The friendly served as a fitness-building exercise during the Wales training camp. Donyell Malen was absent through fever. Gasperini made a tactical adjustment in the 36th minute, switching Wesley to the right flank and Devyne Rensch to the left. Jenkins received a booking for Newport in the 40th minute. The match was officiated by Martin, with Tweson-Morris and Hooper as assistants.

Paulo Dybala impressed during Roma's visit to Newport, where the Welsh town laid on a special welcome for the Argentine forward. Giallorossi fans decorated the city with yellow and red scarves and shirts ahead of the fixture. Roma held a 1–0 lead at half-time as the second half got under way. The club's hierarchy travelled to Wales for the match, with representatives including Gandler, Ryan Friedkin, and Galantic present to support the team. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was working with a depleted attacking unit, missing five forwards for the outing. The squad was pursuing further transfer activity in attack, with a fresh bid being prepared for Nusa, while Fofana remained under consideration as an option.