Ryan Friedkin in attendance as Roma play Cannes in pre-season friendly

Roma began their 2026–27 pre-season with a goalless draw against Cannes at Stadio Pierre de Coubertin, with kickoff at 17:30. The match marked Gian Piero Gasperini's first outing in charge and the debut of Roma's new home kit for the season. Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group, provided the opposition as Roma continue their build-up without all their summer signings and with some players still returning from holiday. Donyell Malen came closest to breaking the deadlock when a cross from Paulo Dybala found him in the box, but his attempted heel flick sailed wide. Later in the first half, Malen was played through on goal and attempted a lob after evading defenders with a dribble, but the effort was deflected wide. Gianluca Mancini made a crucial defensive intervention in the 25th minute, earning applause from the travelling support after an initial knock but continuing the match. Gasperini fielded a 3–4–2–1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal and a defence of Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Bryan Cristante anchored the midfield alongside new recruit Bah, with Devyne Rensch and Wesley operating as wing-backs. The attacking trio of Dybala, Matías Soulé, and Malen provided the creative spark throughout the first 45 minutes.

Roma faced Cannes in their third pre-season friendly, a domestic clash between the two clubs both owned by the Friedkin Group. Ryan Friedkin attended the match in the stands alongside Tony D'Amico and Maurizio Lombardo. The fixture served as another step in Roma's summer preparation ahead of the new season. The presence of the ownership at the friendly underscored the Friedkin Group's involvement in both clubs' operations and their shared portfolio in European football. At the conclusion of the match, final approval from ownership was expected for the completion of the Castro transfer operation.

Roma played out a goalless draw against Cannes at the Pierre De Coubertin stadium in France in their third pre-season friendly. Gian Piero Gasperini's side continued their warm-up campaign ahead of departing for a training camp in Wales. The match saw Roma face Les Dragones Rouge in what was billed as a family fixture between the two clubs. The friendly forms part of Roma's preparation schedule as they build match fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of the new season. The Giallorossi have been conducting an extended pre-season tour and are scheduled to move on from France to Wales for their next phase of preparations. During the match, Gianluca Mancini was involved in a collision and went to ground, though the article provides no further detail on the incident or any subsequent injury concern.