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A rare meeting between Italian and Welsh clubs takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, 1 August, as Cardiff City welcome Roma for a pre-season friendly ahead of the new campaign.
Cardiff have already played three friendlies this summer. Roma, by contrast, had to wait until after the World Cup to begin their preparations.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Cardiff City vs Roma key stats
- Cardiff City are undefeated in back-to-back games.
- There have been 12 goals scored in the Bluebirds’ last two home matches.
- Roma are unbeaten in eight straight games, including one friendly.
- The Giallorossi haven’t lost in four trips away from home.
Cardiff City vs Roma preview: Giallorossi visit Welsh capital
Cardiff City vs Roma — Tale of the Tape
| Cardiff City | vs | Roma |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd (EFL League One) | Position | 3rd (Serie A) |
| 91 | Points | 73 |
| 90 | Goals For | 59 |
| 50 | Goals Against | 31 |
| 16 | Clean Sheets | 18 |
| 2nd | Home / Away Rank | 7th |
*Figures accurate at the time of publishing.
Cardiff City bounced back from their disappointment the season prior, when they were relegated to League One for the first time since 2002/03. The Bluebirds secured second position and made no delay in their return to the Championship.
The Welsh club also agreed an improved contract with manager Brian Barry-Murphy ahead of their return to the second tier.
Cardiff finished the season on a high, with only one loss from their last eight league games – 5-4 against Mansfield Town on the closing day. They resumed playing with a heavy 6-0 loss to Danish giants Midtjylland in their opening summer friendly.
They rebounded with 6-1 and 5-1 wins over Cork City and Forest Green respectively. Roma are a different beast, however.
The Giallorossi were the best-performing Serie A outfit towards the end of the 2025/26 Serie A season, winning each of their last five outings and conceding just twice in the process.
That winning streak lifted them to third position, ultimately sealing UEFA Champions League group stage qualification.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side drew 3-3 with French Ligue 3 club AS Cannes in their opening friendly of the summer. They conceded three late goals to surrender a healthy lead.
Cardiff City vs Roma form guide & betting tips
| Cardiff City | vs | Roma |
|---|---|---|
D
W
W
W
L
|
Form |
W
W
W
W
W
|
| 10 | Points | 15 |
| 6th (EFL League One) | Form Table | 1st (Serie A) |
| 14 | Goals For | 13 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 2 |
W
L
L
W
W
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
W
W
W
D
|
Whispers predicts: Cardiff City 2-3 Roma
Both sides have had played pretty entertaining friendly fixtures already – none of their four friendlies combined saw a clean sheet. BTTS – Yes & Draw at 21/20 (2.05) on Boyle Sports carries value.
Their four games combined have seen a total of 25 goals so far. Over 4.5 total goals at 13/5 (3.60) offers excellent returns.
We expect both sides to start strongly, aiming to take the lead before the interval. Over 1.5 total goals in the first half at 23/20 (2.15) is worth a shot.
A Draw at half-time at 7/5 (2.40) could be a worthy bet as well.
> BTTS – Yes & Draw at 9/10 (1.90) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 1.5 total goals in the first half at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Likely
> Over 4.5 total goals at 13/5 (3.60) | Likelihood: Probable
> Draw at half-time at 7/5 (2.40) | Likelihood: Possible