Newport County have announced a high-profile pre-season friendly against AS Roma at Rodney Parade on Friday, 24 July 2026. The Serie A side will face Newport in a match designed to test the League Two club’s readiness for the 2026-27 season, with the fixture drawing strong local and national attention.
What’s the fixture about?
The friendly arrives as Newport County sit 20th in League Two with 43 points from 46 games, 44 points behind leaders Bromley. Their recent form shows a mixed picture: four wins and one loss in their last five outings, though they shipped seven goals in their 2-1 defeat at Barrow on 2 May 2026. Facing Roma gives Newport a chance to measure their progress against a team brimming with top-flight experience.
Why does this matter for Newport County?
For Newport, the Roma friendly is a chance to tighten a leaky defence that has conceded 77 goals this season, the worst defensive record in League Two. Manager Graham Cifelli will use the game to sharpen his side’s shape before the league restarts. The match also offers a stage to highlight young players in front of the 20,000-capacity Rodney Parade crowd.
What’s next for Newport County?
Newport’s pre-season schedule is still taking shape, but this fixture is a standout. With the new campaign looming, every session counts. The club must address set-piece frailties and defensive organisation after a season where they scored 48 goals but conceded 77. A strong showing against Roma could lift spirits and set the tone for a fresh push in League Two.
Newport County currently sit 20th in League Two with 43 points from 46 games, 44 points behind Bromley, and on a four-game winning streak before their loss to Barrow on 2 May 2026.
