A spreading roll having a simplified and inexpensive configuration is provided. The spreading roll includes a curved shaft and several successive roll segments mounted on the curved shaft. Rolling bearings are supported by a sleeve around the shaft and rotatably support the roll segments. The ends of the roll segments are connected together by coupling elements formed by a rubber ring, an inner sleeve situated inside the ring and metal bracing sleeves situated at the corners on the outer circumference of the rubber ring. As the spreading roll rotates, the rubber rings of the coupling elements yield and the bracing sleeves form a tight joint with the roll segments.