Newport County's marquee friendly with Roma fuels League Two ambitions

Newport County will host Serie A side Roma in a pre‑season friendly at Rodney Parade on Tuesday 4 August, a marquee fixture as the Exiles prepare for the 2026‑27 League Two season. The match offers a rare opportunity for the Welsh club to test themselves against a European heavyweight before the campaign begins.

Roma are concluding an eight‑day training camp in Wales at the end of July. They will meet Cardiff City in a friendly on Saturday 1 August. The Italian side will then travel to Newport for the 4 August encounter.

Earlier in the pre‑season, Roma will face French club Cannes on 26 July. After the Welsh stop, the Serie A team is scheduled to travel to Borussia Dortmund on 15 August. These fixtures form part of Roma’s preparation for the upcoming season.

Newport County’s schedule also includes an EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon on 8 August, their first competitive match of the season. A week later, on Saturday 15 August, they host Rochdale in the opening League Two fixture. The friendly against Roma sits between these domestic commitments.

Chris Todd has been appointed caretaker manager of Newport County following the departure of Christian Fuchs last month. Todd will oversee the side’s preparations for the high‑profile friendly and the start of the league campaign.