Dybala Shines in Roma's Summer Training Match

Roma’s summer began with a training match that felt anything but gentle. Six goals, a clean sheet, and one very clear headline: Paulo Dybala is back on the front line of Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans.

Dybala picks up where he left off

Against the Primavera side, Dybala looked like the same player who hauled Roma through the closing weeks of last season. The Argentine didn’t just ease his way into pre-season; he stamped his authority on it.

Two goals. One assist. Several flashes of the rare quality that has so often separated him from the crowd.

Reports in Italy highlighted his sharpness, both technically and physically. Dybala arrived for pre-season in notably good condition, moving freely, changing pace, and dictating attacks with the kind of confidence that makes him such a decisive figure.

Gasperini has been clear from the outset: a fit Dybala changes the ceiling of this Roma side. The caveat, as always, is his fitness record. On this first outing, though, the signs matched the coach’s belief. This looked like a player ready to lead again, not one feeling his way back.

Dovbyk’s response

If Dybala offered reassurance, Artem Dovbyk brought a different kind of message: he is not ready to be pushed aside.

The Ukrainian striker, who missed much of the run-in after tendon surgery, returned with the sort of performance that forces a manager to think twice. He scored twice and had chances for more, constantly threatening, constantly available.

For a player whose name has been floated as a possible sale to help fund new arrivals, these weeks carry extra weight. Every run, every finish, every duel is a small argument in his favour.

This was a strong opening statement. Dovbyk looked past the injury, past the uncertainty, and straight at the competition for places.

Pre-season games against the Primavera rarely define a year. But they can reveal where the pulse of a squad really lies. On this evidence, Roma’s belongs, once again, to a fully engaged Dybala and a centre-forward determined not to be forgotten.