Friendly: Roma held 2-2 by Neom in chaotic encounter | OneFootball

Roma were held to a 2-2 draw by Saudi Pro League side Neom in their final pre-season friendly with the return of Paulo Dybala from the start.

It was played at the Stadio Benito Stirpe in Frosinone, near the Eternal City.

The team news was notable for Dybala’s first start since sustaining an injury in the final weeks of the season, while Evan Ferguson was preferred to Artem Dovbyk.

Mile Svilar needed a big early save on Alexandre Lacazette, while Said Benrahma drilled just wide, but it was Roma who opened the scoring when Bryan Cristante turned in from close range after a flapped cross.

WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Neom had equalised within seconds, as Bouabre was allowed to surge forward and find the unmarked Benrahma.

Soulé again restored the Giallorossi advantage, as he was ready to turn in the Devyn Rensch cross from the right on the half-volley.

It was a chaotic match and once again Neom scored within moments, this time through Abdi’s angled drive.

Rensch smacked a shot onto the upright and substitute Artem Dovbyk drilled just wide, while Lacazette saw what he thought was a late winner ruled offside.

Gian Piero Gasperini seemed rather frustrated and repeatedly shouted at new defender Daniele Ghilardi for not being in the right positions.

Roma 2-2 Neom

Cristante 25 (R), Benrahma 26 (N), Soulé 32 (R), Abdi 38 (N)

Roma: Svilar; Ghilardi (Hermoso 46), Mancini, Ndicka (Wesley 70); Rensch (56′ Celik), Cristante (El Aynaoui 56), Pisilli (Koné 46), Angelino; Dybala (El Shaarawy 56), Soulé (Baldanzi 56); Ferguson (Dovbyk 46)