Wesley sidelined with ankle injury as Roma train in Cardiff; Pisilli awaits further scan

Roma will take on Newport County in a friendly during their pre-season training camp in Wales. The match comes after two disappointing warm-up results: the Giallorossi conceded three goals in a comeback loss to Cannes and suffered a 4–1 defeat to Cardiff. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is using the Newport County fixture as the second stage of Roma's Welsh training camp. The back-to-back defeats have highlighted defensive issues ahead of the 2026–27 season. Both friendly results underscore areas Gasperini will need to address in the coming weeks. The pre-season programme in Wales is designed to build fitness and tactical sharpness before Roma's competitive fixtures resume. The article provides details on where to watch the match, kickoff times, and expected starting lineups, though specific timing and team sheets will be confirmed closer to kickoff.

Koulierakis has begun his Roma career at the club's training camp in Wales, completing his first sessions in giallorosso colours. The Greek defender expressed his excitement about playing at the Olimpico, saying: "I cannot wait to play at the Olimpico, the atmosphere is extraordinary." He has been conducting early training work with the squad and made time to interact with supporters at the resort after a session, signing autographs and exchanging smiles with those present. Koulierakis, who spoke with both Manolas and Tsimikas before joining Roma, regards head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as one of the finest in the game. The transfer marks the addition of a fresh defensive option to Roma's squad for the 2026-27 season.

Angeliño is departing AS Roma after two and a half years. The Spanish left-back will undergo a medical with Deportivo La Coruña on 4 August, initially scheduled in La Coruña but now to take place in Florence where Roma are playing a friendly against Fiorentina. Angeliño will join the newly promoted Liga side this evening ahead of the Florence fixture. The transfer is structured as a loan with an obligation to buy set at €2.5 million. Gasperini has opted to move Angeliño on after the player failed to impress during the early stages of pre-season. Last season was hampered by injuries for the 1997-born defender, who began his professional career at Deportivo and will now return to the club where he first made his mark in the game. The operation concludes Roma's pursuit of alternatives in the left-back area as Gasperini shapes his squad for the 2026–27 campaign. Angeliño, who joined Roma in May 2024, departs as the club's number 3.

Roma returned to training in Wales following a defeat to Cardiff, with Wesley forced off the pitch after just ten minutes. The Brazilian left-back's early departure was pre-arranged with the medical staff and caused no particular alarm; he is carrying only a minor issue to manage in the coming days, not a serious injury. Wesley has endured a difficult injury history over the past year. In March 2026 he suffered a serious muscle injury—a right biceps femoris lesion sustained with Brazil—which sidelined him for four weeks. He had previously stopped training in September 2025 with left knee inflammation that ruled him out of a Bolivia fixture. In June 2026, a left adductor injury sustained in a friendly against Egypt forced him to miss the World Cup. The laterals' fitness remains central to Roma's pre-season preparations as the squad continues its training camp in Wales.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed sporting director Tony D'Amico to secure immediate signings in attack and on the flanks following Roma's defeat to Cardiff, though financial constraints threaten to complicate a broad overhaul. The telephone conversation between Gasperini and D'Amico underscored the need to complete the squad rapidly, with targets identified including Endrick, Read, and Antonio Nusa. However, the cost of these profiles conflicts with the club's financial reality, making large-scale investment difficult without significant sales such as Matías Soulé. Roma's wing options have deteriorated after Wesley suffered an ankle injury and Zeki Çelik departed unexpectedly, leaving the right flank to Devyne Rensch alone. D'Amico is accelerating contact for Givairo Read of Feyenoord to fill the gap and meet Gasperini's demands. An agreement with the player has already been reached, and Roma is prepared to offer up to 30 million euros to overcome the Dutch club's resistance.

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.

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.

Koulierakis trained with Roma for the first time on 2 August after arriving at Vale Resort, declaring himself eager to contribute to the club. "I am truly very happy to be here. The welcome has been fantastic," the Greek defender said. "When my agent told me Roma was interested, I responded immediately: 'Yes, let's go'. I want to do my best to become part of this great Italian club. I had no doubt whatsoever." Wesley suffered a right ankle sprain on Saturday during Perry Ng's penalty-kick incident and attempted to train but signalled to Gasperini he was unable to continue. No alarm is warranted, though he is expected to sit out Tuesday's match against Newport to avoid reinjury. Pisilli remains sidelined with a calf problem sustained ten days earlier. El Aynaoui has a minor left knee discomfort but nothing troubling. Bah will undergo an MRI scan on 3 August to assess the extent of his right knee injury. In the transfer market, Roma continues to push for Read. The Dutch winger played the full 90 minutes in a friendly against Atalanta on 2 August but remains committed to joining Roma. His club has rejected an opening bid of €23 million plus €2 million in bonuses, demanding €30 million instead. 3 August could prove decisive in reaching agreement. Roma is also pursuing Cacciamani at Torino and exploring attacking options—Nusa is preferred but his cost complicates matters, while Endrick is also under consideration. Koné has drawn interest from Manchester United, though Arsenal has dropped out of the race. Kumbulla is heading to Rayo Vallecano.