Wesley injury not serious, Roma told

Roma resumed training in their Welsh retreat following a 4–1 friendly defeat to Cardiff, with head coach Gasperini overseeing double sessions as the squad prepares for the start of the season. Defender Wesley suffered a minor right ankle discomfort during the afternoon session and stopped after around ten minutes, though the medical staff expressed no serious concern. The squad also managed absences—Bah was unavailable—while Niccolò Pisilli continued separate recovery work from a calf injury. Central defender Koulierakis, freshly signed from Wolfsburg, lifted spirits by training with his new teammates immediately upon arrival. The new recruit displayed considerable enthusiasm for joining Roma, describing his move as immediate and showing genuine emotion about the prospect of working under Gasperini and experiencing the atmosphere and warmth of the Roma fans.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been a free agent for 33 days and missed the second part of Gian Piero Gasperini's pre-season retreat, with no contract signature yet in place. An agreement has been reached in principle for a two-year deal with an option for a third year at 2.5 million euros annually, but final ratification requires approval from the Friedkin Group, which has not yet arrived. The ownership wanted to grant Pellegrini another season on similar terms to Paulo Dybala, but the Roma captain's demands differed from the initial offer. The Friedkin Group's hold-up centres on the contract structure rather than willingness to keep him. Pellegrini is currently training alone after a recurrence of a right rectus femoris tendon injury, which prompted a check-up visit in Finland. He is ready to rejoin the main squad and hopes to do so upon Roma's return from Wales. Head coach Gasperini is also waiting for the deal to be finalised. Juventus and Besiktas had previously courted Pellegrini, but Roma remain his likely destination once the Friedkin Group gives the green light.

Roma completed their third preseason fixture in their Welsh training camp with a friendly against Cardiff that yielded little of competitive value but offered Gasperini insights into younger players, notably Lulli. The match left two concerning legacies: the injury to midfielder Bah, a 2007-born player who has featured regularly in preseason friendlies due to absences elsewhere in the squad, and a troublesome impact on Roma's midfield depth. Bah sustained a right knee distortion injury during the first half and underwent an MRI scan today to determine the severity of the damage. The midfielder previously suffered an 11-month cruciate ligament injury in 2024. Roma's midfield picture remains the most acute concern for Gasperini heading into tomorrow's fixture against Newport, with Koné and El Aynaoui still recovering from World Cup commitments and Pisilli managing an injury. By contrast, defence has strengthened: new arrival Koulierakis trained with the squad immediately and may see minutes as Gasperini assesses his characteristics. Following training yesterday, Gasperini held a meeting with newly appointed CEO Galantic at the training base. Roma's Welsh preseason work continues through a combination of tactical drills and small-sided matches.

Rome's radio stations hosted a discussion among prominent pundits on Roma's transfer strategy and squad composition. Piero Torri of Manà Sport stated that while negotiations with Nusa remain active, he continues to favour Lyon's Fofana, despite the financial burden of such a deal. Torri also raised concerns about Roma's ability to execute sales: "The problem with profit margins is there. Roma tries to sell Salah-Eddine for 8 million and the player refuses, then no offers come in for Koné. D'Amico at Atalanta has made tremendous sales, here he can't manage it. If Read costs 30, Wesley is worth triple." Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio praised Read as a versatile player suited to Gasperini's system, comparing him to Dumfries and noting that he could flourish alongside Castro given the latter's advanced playmaking traits. Roberto Pruzzo acknowledged Read's potential but questioned the lack of push from the fullbacks in Roma's recent display, pointing out that both Rensch and Wesley appeared undercooked. Pruzzo added: "You have good attackers, but you need to complete the squad. If you're able to spend this amount on an winger, I think it's the right thing to do." He also suggested that Castro and Malen could complement each other effectively in attack.

Roma are preparing to make another approach to Feyenoord in the coming hours over left winger Givairo Read, with the player already having agreed personal terms on a contract to 2031. The Dutch club are demanding €30 million; Roma have offered €28 million, narrowing the gap considerably. The two clubs are working to reach an agreement soon, according to transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà. With a decision on Antonio Nusa expected within days—Leipzig continue to hold firm at around €60 million—Roma are simultaneously exploring alternatives. Nico Gonzalez, available from Juventus should Atlético Madrid not exercise a buyout option, has been added to the shortlist. Jamie Leweling of Stuttgart and Malick Fofana of Lyon are also under consideration, though Fofana's recent ankle injury has given Roma pause. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has emphasised the urgency of completing the squad reinforcements in time. At centre-back, Roma continue to monitor Alberto Cacciamani from Torino as a potential alternative to Wesley. Torino are asking around €15 million; Roma have tabled an opening offer close to €7.5 million. Torino are already gathering information on Fortini as a possible replacement for Cacciamani.

Roma resumed training in their Welsh retreat following a 4–1 friendly defeat to Cardiff, with head coach Gasperini overseeing double sessions as the squad prepares for the start of the season. Defender Wesley suffered a minor right ankle discomfort during the afternoon session and stopped after around ten minutes, though the medical staff expressed no serious concern. The squad also managed absences—Bah was unavailable—while Niccolò Pisilli continued separate recovery work from a calf injury. Central defender Koulierakis, freshly signed from Wolfsburg, lifted spirits by training with his new teammates immediately upon arrival. The new recruit displayed considerable enthusiasm for joining Roma, describing his move as immediate and showing genuine emotion about the prospect of working under Gasperini and experiencing the atmosphere and warmth of the Roma fans.