# AS Roma 2026 pre‑season: Cardiff defeat

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/as-roma-2026-preseason-preparations
> Updated: 2026-07-30T20:17:17.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 2.

AS Roma’s 4‑1 loss to Cardiff City on 1 August 2026 exposed defensive frailties and a thin squad, prompting coach Gian Piero Gasperini to label the team “absolutely incomplete”. The defeat saw midfielder Muhammed Bah sustain a serious knee injury and leave the pitch in tears. New signing Santiago Castro scored Roma’s sole goal from the penalty spot, while recent arrivals Konstantinos Koulierakis and Donyell Malen were highlighted as part of the rebuilding effort.

In the wake of the friendly, Gasperini outlined a clear transfer agenda. The club is monitoring right‑back Givairo Read from Feyenoord, with Tottenham’s Djed Spence as an alternative. Forward options include Santiago Nusa, while winger Kevin Schade and Real Madrid prospect Endrick are also on the radar. The coach stressed that securing a defender, a winger and two strikers is essential before the Serie A season and the upcoming Champions League campaign begin.

The match was broadcast live on DAZN with a delayed free‑to‑air replay on Nove later that evening.

## Claims

- AS Roma lost 4-1 to Cardiff City in a friendly played in Wales. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Givairo Read, a right‑back from Feyenoord, is Roma’s primary transfer target with a proposed fee around €30 million. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Coach Gian Piero Gasperini said the squad is incomplete and needs a defender, a right‑back and two forwards. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tottenham’s asking price for Djed Spence is about €40 million, which Roma considers excessive. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Roma signed Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for €18 million including bonuses. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- During the friendly, Paulo Dybala had a heated argument with teammate Bryan Cristante. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Roma is also linked to Antonio Nusa (Lipsia) and Kevin Schade (Brentford), each valued at roughly €60 million. (single source)
- Roma is monitoring Endrick of Real Madrid as a possible attacking signing, with talks of a loan‑with‑option arrangement. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: AS Roma seeks reinforcements after 4-1 friendly loss to Cardiff

Roma lost 4‑1 to Cardiff, injured Bah, and coach Gasperini demanded a defender, winger and two strikers, targeting Read, Spence, Nusa, Schade and Endrick.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/as-roma-heads-to-wales-for-cardiff-friendly-and-elite-training-camp

### 2026-07-24: AS Roma and Cannes finish 3‑3 in pre‑season friendly

AS Roma drew 3‑3 with Cannes in a pre‑season friendly on 26 July 2026; Dybala scored twice, Malen added a goal and Wesley was sent off.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/as-roma-to-face-french-side-cannes-in-preseason-friendly

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Cite as: AS Roma 2026 pre‑season: Cardiff defeat. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/as-roma-2026-preseason-preparations