Newport vs Roma Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | Pre-Season Friendly

AS Roma conclude their pre-season preparations with a trip to Wales to face Newport County.

AS Roma continue their preparations for the 2026-27 season when they take on Newport County in a pre-season friendly at Rodney Parade on Tuesday. The Serie A side are looking to fine-tune their squad ahead of the new campaign, while Newport County will welcome one of Europe’s biggest clubs for a high-profile summer fixture.

The Welsh side have experienced mixed results during pre-season but will be aiming to produce a strong performance in front of their home supporters. Roma, meanwhile, have used their friendlies to assess players and build match fitness before returning to competitive action.

Even though the result is secondary in pre-season, both managers will see the match as an important occasion to assess their teams. Roma will likely have the majority of possession, while Newport County will try to stay organised and hit on the counter.

Kick-off

• Competition: Pre-season Friendly
• Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM BST/ 11:30 PM IST
• Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: Not in use

Form

Newport County: L-W-L-W-W

AS Roma: W-W-W-D-L

Players to watch out for

Shaquille Gwengwe (Newport County)

Shaquille Gwengwe has been one of Newport County’s standout performers during pre-season. The summer signing announced himself with a hat-trick against Newport City before following it up with another goal in the 2-1 victory over Yeovil Town. His pace, direct running and finishing ability have made him Newport’s biggest attacking threat heading into their friendly against Roma.

Paulo Dybala (AS Roma)

Paulo Dybala remains Roma’s creative leader under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Argentine forward recently committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension, reinforcing his importance to the Giallorossi’s project. Operating between the lines, Dybala’s vision, close control and ability to unlock compact defences make him Roma’s primary playmaker and one of the key players to watch in the pre-season clash.

Match Facts

• The match will be played at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales.
• Roma have won three of their last five matches across all competitions.
• Newport County have won three of their last five pre-season matches.
• The fixture provides both clubs with another opportunity to build fitness ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: AS Roma to win – 1.18
• Tip 2: AS Roma to score over 2.5 goals
• Tip 3: Both teams to score – No

Injury & team news

Newport County will be without James Crole, who is sidelined with an ankle injury and is set to miss the match against Roma. The club will also be playing under new manager Hayden Mullins, who was appointed ahead of the new campaign.

Roma have several injury concerns ahead of the friendly. Muhammed Bah is recovering from a severe right knee sprain, Wesley is managing a minor ankle injury, while Niccolò Pisilli is sidelined with a calf strain. Robinio Vaz has returned to action after a recent knee issue and is available for selection.

Head-to-head stats

• Matches played: 0
• Newport County (wins): 0
• AS Roma (wins): 0

Predicted line-ups

Newport County (4-2-3-1):

J Wright, J Thomas, L Jenkins, K Cameron, C Norman, C Brennan, C Evans, S Gwengwe, H Biggins, Y Bamba, H Pugh

AS Roma (3-4-1-2):

Svilar, Hermoso, Ndicka, Mancini, Wesley, Mattia Mannini, Cristante, Manu Koné, Soulè, Donyell Malen, Dybala

Match prediction

Roma are expected to field a strong lineup despite a few injury concerns, with Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé leading the attack. Newport County will look to remain compact and make the most of home advantage, but the Serie A side’s superior quality and experience should prove decisive over 90 minutes.

Prediction: Newport County 0-4 AS Roma.

Telecast Details

Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the Newport County vs AS Roma pre-season friendly live on BBC iPlayer and S4C Online.

For viewers in Italy and other international territories, the match will be available to stream live on DAZN, which is broadcasting Roma’s pre-season fixtures in selected regions.

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