Roma took an early command of their friendly fixture at Signal Iduna Park, surging into a 2-0 lead against Borussia Dortmund before eventually settling for a 2-2 draw. Seeking a improved performance following a difficult summer that included heavy losses to Brighton and Cardiff City, manager Gian Piero Gasperini looked for a more positive attitude from his squad in this final test.
The visitors struck first within minutes of kickoff when Paulo Dybala drilled home a rebound from a tight angle after an initial cross from the right was blocked. Moments later, Roma doubled their advantage as Bryan Cristante found space to connect with a Dybala corner, glancing a header into the top corner from six yards out. Dortmund responded through Julian Ryerson, who volleyed in a cross pulled back from the by-line by Konstantinos Karetsas. The hosts leveled the score before halftime after defenders lost track of Serhou Guirassy during a free-kick delivery into the box.
The second half saw missed opportunities for both sides. Donyell Malen nearly put Roma back in front, but Devyne Rensch narrowly missed a tap-in attempt. Dortmund’s Karetsas later struck the crossbar with a powerful effort, and Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar was forced into action to deny both Karetsas and Fabio Silva. The match marked the debut of new signing Nahuel Molina, who entered as a substitute. Despite late pressure from Roma, including chances for Santiago Castro and a difficult free kick from Dybala, neither side could find a winner. The match concluded with the scoreline set by early goals from Dybala in the 4th minute, Cristante in the 9th, Ryerson in the 12th, and Guirassy in the 28th.
It should’ve been 2-3 moments later when Donyell Malen got down the right and pulled across the face of goal, but Devyne Rensch stumbled for what was meant to be a tap-in and prodded it wide.
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Gadou, Mane, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Karetsas (Sabitzer 60), Inacio (Albert 60); Guirassy (Fabio Silva 60)
