Borussia Dortmund vs Roma 15 August 2026 Prediction

Roma will play its final major preseason test at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. The Giallorossi have not faced Borussia Dortmund in the 21st century, but last season's leading scorer Doniell Malen knows this opponent very well. The forward spent one of the best periods of his career with Dortmund, recording 59 goal contributions in 132 appearances.

Pressing Remains Dortmund's Main Weapon

Borussia Dortmund has been inconsistent during preseason, recording three wins and two losses. However, Niko Kovac's team won its only high-profile matchup and even collected a trophy. Dortmund beat Arsenal 3-2 in the Emirates Cup despite giving significant playing time to several rotation players.

As in competitive matches, Dortmund relies heavily on winning the ball quickly in the opponent's half. That approach was effective against Arsenal, with the German side scoring twice by the 29th minute after aggressive pressure high up the field. There is also a clear weakness in Dortmund's 3-4-2-1. The wing-backs push very high, leaving space behind them. Opponents that can play through the press or win possession in midfield have opportunities to attack those areas quickly.

Dortmund has followed its usual transfer strategy this summer by signing several young players, with center back Joane Gadou from Red Bull Salzburg and attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas from Genk among the most promising additions. Despite their age, both already look capable of competing for starting roles. They reinforced that impression against Arsenal by scoring a goal each. Gadou also completed the full 90 minutes and showed an impressive level of fitness for this stage of preseason.

Roma Has Struggled During Preseason

Roma has not looked convincing this summer, even against weaker opposition. The main exception was a 4-1 win over Newport from England's fourth tier, but the Giallorossi were then beaten 3-0 by Premier League side Brighton in their next friendly.

Gian Piero Gasperini appears to be placing significant emphasis on physical preparation ahead of a season with several competitions, and Roma has often looked a step slow in its friendlies. The team has also struggled against aggressive pressing, particularly in the loss to Brighton. Roma was frequently pinned inside its own half and made repeated mistakes when trying to build from the back.

Roma's biggest summer signing is Santiago Castro from Bologna, who is expected to play at center forward with Doniell Malen moving into a supporting role. The young Argentine has looked physically sharp and does a good job of holding up the ball. He is still developing chemistry with his new teammates, but has already recorded his first goal and assist for the club in the win over Newport. Another newcomer, Konstantinos Koulierakis, has also made an early impact. The Greek defender scored against Newport, while Roma did not concede during his time on the field in the 3-0 defeat to Brighton.

Borussia Dortmund vs Roma Predicted Lineup

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Gadou, Mane, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Jobe Bellingham, Svensson; Inacio, Karetsas; Silva

Unavailable: Schlotterbeck, Can, Prates (all injured)

Manager: Niko Kovac

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Koulierakis; Molina, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Wesley; Dybala, Malen; Castro

Unavailable: Ba, Pisilli, Cherubini (all injured)

Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini

Borussia Dortmund vs Roma Prediction: Borussia Dortmund to Win

• Main prediction: The teams are fairly close in overall quality, but Dortmund currently looks much better prepared physically. The matchup also favors the German side stylistically. Roma struggled badly to play out from the back against Brighton's press, and Dortmund should apply even more consistent pressure at Signal Iduna Park. That could force another series of mistakes from the Giallorossi defense. Dortmund has won its last two friendlies, and we expect that run to continue. Our pick is Borussia Dortmund to win at odds of 2.28.
• Totals prediction: Dortmund has not looked particularly reliable defensively this summer, keeping a clean sheet only in the 1-0 win over Tokyo. Roma's preseason matches have been even more open, averaging 4.75 total goals. Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, so another high-scoring friendly is realistic. Our pick is over 3.5 goals at odds of 2.35.