Rutter and Ayari Leave Roma Facing More Questions After Brighton Defeat

Roma’s pre-season ended with a 3-0 defeat to Brighton at the American Express Stadium on Saturday. Georginio Rutter opened the scoring and Yasin Ayari added two goals as the Giallorossi concluded their UK tour with a loss.

Pre-season results are, by their nature, imperfect evidence. Friendlies feature rotation, fatigue and tactical experimentation, and they do not necessarily resemble the matches that follow once competitive football begins.

Still, this was Roma’s second defeat in three matches on the UK tour, after a 4-1 loss to Cardiff City and a 4-1 win over Newport County. The Brighton result brought an uneven tour to a close.

How Roma Lost to Brighton

Gian Piero Gasperini selected a strong XI, with Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala and Matias Soulé in the front three. Neil El-Aynaoui partnered Bryan Cristante in midfield, while Wesley and Devyne Rensch operated as wing-backs.

Summer signings Santiago Castro and Konstantinos Koulierakis were among the substitutes.

Mile Svilar was called upon early, saving Rutter’s first shot on target six minutes in before making another strong stop from the Brighton forward four minutes later.

Roma responded through Dybala, whose 19th-minute effort was deflected and did not trouble Bart Verbruggen, while Malen sent a shot from the edge of the area over the crossbar.

Rutter opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Given space on the edge of the penalty area, he shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled his finish into the top corner beyond Svilar.

Brighton doubled their lead before the interval after breaking on the counter. Wesley kept pace with Yankuba Minteh, but Roma could not prevent Ayari from poking the ball home.

Three minutes into the second half, Rutter set up Ayari in the area for Brighton’s third goal.

Rutter then had an opportunity to complete a hat-trick after a run down the right, but an awkward bounce saw the ball come off the Brighton striker’s shin rather than his laces.

A combined 20 substitutes were introduced by full-time, and Brighton saw out the match with a three-goal advantage.

A Difficult End to Roma’s UK Tour

The result itself is only one part of a pre-season schedule, but the performance in Brighton left Roma with work to do before their next fixture. Brighton created the clearer openings and took control of the scoreline through Rutter’s opener and Ayari’s double.

Roma did enjoy more of the ball after Brighton went three goals ahead, but the hosts were able to manage the remainder of the game.

Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler said in the club’s match report that his side played with energy and intensity, controlled the game with good structure, scored goals and defended well.

What the Brighton Defeat Means for Roma’s Preparations

Roma used a three-man defence in Brighton, with Mancini, Evan Ndicka and Mario Hermoso behind the wing-backs. The match also gave Gasperini another opportunity to assess a squad that included Castro and Koulierakis among the substitutes.

Brighton’s third goal came shortly after the restart, and Roma were unable to find a route back into the contest. The tour finished with two defeats and one win, leaving the Giallorossi to turn their attention to the final stage of their preparations.

Roma finished third in Serie A last season, according to Brighton’s match coverage, and are set to play Champions League football in 2026-27. The Brighton fixture does not determine how their campaign will unfold, but it was a disappointing final result from the UK trip.

What Happens Next for Roma

Brighton are due to host Bologna in their final pre-season fixture, while Roma are set to conclude their preparations against Borussia Dortmund, according to FotMob.

There was also a fitness concern for Brighton after Minteh was helped off in the second half. Hurzeler said the player had suffered a blow to the leg and that the club would wait for a scan before assessing the issue further.

For Roma, the immediate focus is on their next friendly after a UK tour that ended with a 3-0 defeat. Pre-season is not decisive, but the loss to Brighton followed the defeat to Cardiff and leaves Roma with one win from their three matches in Britain.