Gasperini demands four signings after Roma suffer 4-1 Cardiff defeat

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini says he has asked the club to sign a defender, a winger and two strikers after their pre-season preparations suffered another setback with a 4-1 friendly defeat by Cardiff City.

The Italian side, who will compete in the Champions League next season, began their preparations with a 3-3 draw against French club Caen before being heavily beaten by Cardiff. Gasperini admitted he was frustrated by the manner of the latest result, particularly Roma’s defending during the opening half.

“I think we are struggling in some situations, especially defensively in the first half. We conceded strange goals,” Gasperini told Italian website TuttoMercatoWeb.

The former Atalanta manager also said the transfer market had started later than expected because of the World Cup, but acknowledged that he had anticipated more progress in strengthening the squad.

“The transfer market started late because of the World Cup, but I expected something different,” he added.

Gasperini believes Roma’s needs are clear after a number of players left the club. He said his request to the board was straightforward: recruit in four key positions and replace any further departures.

“A lot of players have left and everyone knows that the team needs reinforcements. I asked the management to sign a defender, a winger and two strikers, and of course to replace any player who leaves. These are my objectives and they do not seem difficult,” he said.

Roma have already made moves in the transfer market. The club confirmed the signing of Argentina forward Santiago Castro from Bologna, while Ukraine striker Artem Dovbyk moved in the opposite direction on loan.

Castro is Roma’s third signing of the summer. His arrival follows Donyell Malen, whose permanent transfer from Aston Villa was completed after Roma activated their purchase option, and Daniele Ghilardi, who joined from Hellas Verona.

The club have also reached an agreement to sign Greece defender Konstantinos Koulierakis from VfL Wolfsburg for a reported fee of €16.5m.

Despite those additions, Gasperini’s comments indicate that Roma remain active in the market as they prepare for a demanding campaign that will include Champions League football. The defeat by Cardiff, following the draw with Caen, has underlined the scale of the work still required before the competitive season begins.

The 4-1 loss was Roma’s second pre-season fixture and left Gasperini seeking a rapid improvement, particularly in defence, while also calling for further attacking options. His stated targets are a defender, a winger and two forwards, alongside replacements for any members of the squad who depart.