Roma finally secured a pre-season victory by defeating Newport County 4-1, providing a much-needed boost for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side following underwhelming results against Cannes and Cardiff City. The match was played under the watchful eye of club owner Ryan Friedkin, who observed from the stands.
The scoring opened in the 38th minute when Mario Hermoso, deployed in an unconventional midfield role, swept home from 12 yards after a clever dummy by Santiago Castro. Roma doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Castro converted a penalty after being tripped in the box. Shortly after, debutant Konstantinos Koulierakis headed in a well-worked short corner delivered by Paulo Dybala to make it 3-0.
The match saw a moment of tension in the 65th minute when a scuffle broke out after Cameron Evans hacked down Dybala, leading to a heated confrontation between the players. Despite the friction, Roma continued their offensive pressure, with substitute Matias Soulé adding a fourth goal in the 81st minute, curling a precise left-footed shot into the far bottom corner. Newport County managed to find a late consolation goal in the 85th minute through a Kyle Cameron header.
Roma’s starting lineup featured Mile Svilar in goal, supported by a defensive unit of Mancini, Ndicka, and debutant Koulierakis. The midfield and attack included Rensch, El Aynaoui, Hermoso, Wesley, Dybala, Cristante, and Castro. Substitutions were made throughout the second half, introducing Gollini, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Soulé, Vaz, and Lulli to the pitch.
Hermoso 38 (R), Castro pen 54 (R), Koulierakis 59 (R), Soulé 81 (R), Cameron 85 (N)
Roma: Svilar (Gollini 75); Mancini, Ndicka (Ziolkowski 75), Koulierakis (Ghilardi 69); Rensch (Soulé 69), El Aynaoui, Hermoso, Wesley (Wesley 75); Dybala (Vaz 69), Cristante; Castro (Lulli 69)
