Roma thrash Newport County 4-1 in pre-season friendly

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 recovered from Saturday's defeat to Cardiff with a commanding 4–1 victory over Newport. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin watched from the stands and was visibly satisfied with the performance, captured on DAZN cameras alongside CEO Galantic smiling after Roma's fourth goal. Paulo Dybala and his teammates delivered an impressive display. The win marks a swift response to the weekend setback, though head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is not fully content. He wants four additional signings to strengthen the squad ahead of the competitive season. Transfer activity is now a priority, with recruitment pushing forward on multiple fronts. One target is reportedly being pursued from Spain, with scouts working to accelerate a deal.

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 praised Roma's performance in a friendly against Newport County, highlighting a strong second-half display. The defender played in an unfamiliar role but felt comfortable alongside his teammates. "Yes, we had a great match, especially in the second half. At the start they pressed hard, it was more difficult. For me it was a role quite different from usual, but I felt good with my teammates. The important thing is to win: it brings confidence ahead of the next matches," Hermoso said. Hermoso acknowledged that Roma are still awaiting arrival of new players to complete the squad. He backed the club's recruitment strategy, noting that the sporting director and board handle transfer decisions while the players focus on their preparation. "We are a strong team, we are united, we want to do great things," he explained, adding: "All the teammates who arrive to fight with us are welcome." When asked about Castro and Koulierakis specifically, Hermoso described them as ambitious young players joining a squad that had a strong season last year. "They are important pieces to perform well in the league, Champions League and Coppa Italia," he said. Hermoso stressed Roma's commitment to working toward a major season and competing across all competitions.

Mario Hermoso spoke to the media on 4 August, emphasising Roma's unity and commitment to the head coach's tactical demands. The defender stated: "When we are united and have the right mentality we can do great things and we have proved that." Hermoso indicated that responsibility for bringing in reinforcements rests with the sporting director, while the squad concentrates on executing Gian Piero Gasperini's instructions on the pitch. The comments come as Roma prepare for the new season under Gasperini. Hermoso, who joined Roma last summer on a free transfer from Atlético Madrid, has settled into his role in the defensive line and is focused on team cohesion. His remarks suggest the squad are ready to embrace Gasperini's tactical philosophy, though the club continues to work on strengthening the squad in the coming days.

Roma recovered from Saturday's defeat to Cardiff with a commanding 4–1 victory over Newport. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin watched from the stands and was visibly satisfied with the performance, captured on DAZN cameras alongside CEO Galantic smiling after Roma's fourth goal. Paulo Dybala and his teammates delivered an impressive display. The win marks a swift response to the weekend setback, though head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is not fully content. He wants four additional signings to strengthen the squad ahead of the competitive season. Transfer activity is now a priority, with recruitment pushing forward on multiple fronts. One target is reportedly being pursued from Spain, with scouts working to accelerate a deal.

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.

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.

Donyell Malen has been ruled out of Roma's second pre-season friendly at Newport County due to a fever. The Dutch forward was unavailable for selection as the Giallorossi continued their training camp in Wales. Malen's absence marks a setback during Roma's summer preparation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The forward is part of the squad assembled for the 2026-27 season and his fitness will be monitored as the campaign approaches.

Donyell Malen will miss Roma's second pre-season friendly against Newport County in Wales after being sidelined with fever. The forward is among the players unavailable for selection in the test match. Roma's medical team will monitor Malen's condition over the coming days to determine whether he can return to training immediately or will require additional rest. His absence marks one of several personnel decisions ahead of the new season.