Cardiff Bluebirds completed their pre-season preparations with a convincing 4-1 friendly win against Italian giants AS Roma at Cardiff City Stadium. Goals from Yousef Salech, Ollie Tanner, and a brace from Cian Ashford proved enough to give the Bluebirds victory against the three-time Serie A winners.
What happened?
Cardiff Bluebirds dominated the game, racing into a 3-0 lead in the first half. Goalkeeper Nathan Trott, their only summer signing so far after his loan was made permanent in May, also saved a penalty from Paulo Dybala.
Why it matters for Cardiff
The win gives the Bluebirds confidence ahead of their return to the Championship. Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, who signed a contract extension last month, named as strong a side as possible just one week before their first competitive game of the season next weekend.
What comes next?
The Bluebirds 2026-27 campaign starts with a home Carabao Cup tie against Swindon Town on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST) and they host Wrexham in the Championship on Monday, 17 August (20:00 BST). League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in League One, 91 pts, 27W-10D-9L from 46 games, recent form LWWWD. Goals this season: 90 scored, 50 conceded (+40 goal difference). Title race: 12 points behind leaders Lincoln. Last result: Mansfield Town 5-4 Cardiff (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first); lost the last 2.
