Cannes vs AS Roma

Roma dominated the opening half-hour without breaching the Cannes defence, but the deadlock was broken in the 34th minute when Paulo Dybala curled a perfect free-kick over the wall and into the net. The Argentine turned provider nine minutes later, releasing Donyell Malen who finished clinically to make it 2–0.

The match swung decisively just before half-time. Wesley, already booked for a tactical foul in the 18th minute, received a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time (45+1’) for a reckless challenge, reducing Roma to ten men for the entire second period.

Dybala scored his second of the afternoon in the 55th minute, finishing a counter-attack after being set up by Lulli, making it 3–0 and seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.

But Cannes, who registered 20 attempts across the match according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, finally found their range. Substitute Julien López pulled one back in the 69th minute, volleying home from a corner with Brice Oggad providing the assist. López struck again in the 88th minute, finishing from the centre of the box after Manassé Dié’s assist, setting up a grandstand finish.

Deep into stoppage time — with seven minutes added — Cannes won a penalty, and Oggad stepped up to fire home the equaliser in the 97th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround.

Wesley’s dismissal in first-half stoppage time was the decisive moment. Before the red card, Roma had been comfortable, leading 2–0 and controlling possession. The Brazilian winger’s second yellow forced Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini into a reshuffle at the break, with six substitutions including the introduction of Mile Svilar for Pierluigi Gollini, Devyne Rensch for Daniele Ghilardi, and Matías Soulé for J. Ziółkowski. The numerical disadvantage ultimately allowed Cannes to dominate the second half, with the French side’s relentless pressure finally breaching the Roma defence three times.

Paulo Dybala (AS Roma) — The Argentine was the standout player on the pitch, scoring a brilliant free-kick and a second on the counter-attack, while also assisting Malen’s goal. La Gazzetta dello Sport described him as “Roma’s sole truly brilliant performer.” Subbed off in the 62nd minute.

Julien López (Cannes) — The substitute changed the game entirely with two well-taken goals in the 69th and 88th minutes, both from central positions in the box. His first was a well-executed finish from close range.

Brice Oggad (Cannes) — Assisted López’s first goal and held his nerve to convert the 97th-minute penalty that sealed the comeback.

Wesley (AS Roma) — A match to forget for the Brazilian, who was booked twice and sent off before half-time, ultimately costing his side the numerical advantage that allowed Cannes back into the game.

Roma scored three goals from just four shots on target in the first 55 minutes — a ruthless conversion rate that reflected their quality rather than dominance. Cannes, by contrast, registered 20 attempts across the match according to Italian reports, underlining their second-half control after Roma went down to ten men. The 3–0 scoreline at the hour mark was a poor reflection of the balance of play; Cannes had already created several dangerous openings before finally finding the net. Roma’s 10 substitutions — including a full-scale change at half-time — disrupted any rhythm, while Cannes’ seven changes were more measured and allowed their structure to remain intact.

For Roma, this is a pre-season wake-up call. Leading 3–0 against a side competing in the French Championnat National (third tier) and then drawing 3–3 raises questions about squad depth and game management, even accounting for the heavy substitutions typical of friendlies. Gian Piero Gasperini will be encouraged by Dybala’s form — two goals and an assist — but concerned by the defensive collapse. Cannes, meanwhile, will take enormous confidence from the result ahead of their upcoming National campaign.

Roma continue their pre-season schedule with their next fixture to be confirmed. Cannes’ next competitive action will be in the Championnat National, with the new season starting in August.

A friendly that told two very different stories: Dybala looks ready for the season, Roma’s defence does not. Cannes’ resilience and fitness deserve credit, but the result was ultimately shaped by Wesley’s red card and Roma’s dismantling of their own structure through a dozen substitutions. The scoreline flattered Cannes less than it flattered Roma’s early finishing.

Sources: Provider match data (API Sports), BBC Sport, Sky Sports, La Gazzetta dello Sport