Brighton record comfortable win as Roma struggle in opening UK friendly
Brighton & Hove Albion produced a confident display at the Amex Stadium as they defeated AS Roma 3-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon. The English side’s goals came from Georginio Rutter and a brace from Yasin Ayari, while the Italian visitors — fielding a strong-looking team that included Matias Soule, Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen — were left to ponder a flat performance and some difficult questions heading into the new season.
The result provided a useful run-out for Brighton as they continue preparations for the forthcoming campaign on the south coast. For Roma, who travelled with an XI that suggested head coach Gian Piero Gasperini wanted to assess his forward options, the afternoon was distinctly underwhelming.
"Horrible Roma performance, not sure we’re stronger now,"
Those words, attributed to Gasperini in the aftermath, underlined the Italian coach’s frustration. Reports from the match described the manager as furious at a performance that fell well below expectations for a side that had named several recognised attacking players.
The fixture also brought an injury concern for Brighton when reports indicated that striker Yankuba Minteh was forced off the pitch after limping. The knock will be monitored by the club’s medical staff as pre-season progresses and will be a matter of interest for supporters mindful of squad depth as competitive fixtures approach.
- Final score: Brighton 3–0 AS Roma
- Brighton scorers: Georginio Rutter, Yasin Ayari (2)
- Notable Roma starters named: Matias Soule, Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen
- Post-match reaction: Gian Piero Gasperini described his team’s display as "horrible" and questioned whether they were stronger than last season
- Injury watch: Yankuba Minteh limped off and will be assessed
The friendly carried the dual purpose common to summer fixtures: to sharpen match fitness and provide managers an opportunity to evaluate personnel combinations ahead of competitive commitments. For Brighton, the comfortable scoreline and a pair of strikes from Ayari offered encouraging signs of attacking cohesion. For Roma, the display yielded few positives and prompted public questioning from Gasperini about the squad’s readiness.
| Scorer | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Georginio Rutter | Brighton | 1 |
| Yasin Ayari | Brighton | 2 |
Gasperini's post-match remarks, as carried in contemporary reports, conveyed clear displeasure. He was quoted reflecting on a performance he characterised as "horrible" and saying he could not affirm whether Roma were stronger than in the previous season — comments that will intensify scrutiny of the club’s pre-season programme and transfer activity.
From a Brighton perspective, the result will be welcomed by supporters seeking reassurance that the side can maintain momentum from a productive previous campaign. Pre-season results must be interpreted with caution, but a clean sheet and three goals at home against a high-profile continental opponent provide some tangible positives for the coaching staff to build on.
Attention will now turn to injury updates and how both clubs integrate returning internationals and new signings into their plans. Brighton’s medical team will be expected to report on Minteh’s condition in due course, while Roma must address the tactical and personnel concerns highlighted by a heavy defeat on English soil.
As the domestic seasons approach, fixtures like this one serve as both performance checks and barometers of squad depth. Brighton’s supporters leave the Amex with reasons for optimism; Roma’s hierarchy and fans will demand rapid answers after a chastening afternoon.
