AS Roma took a decisive step towards automatic qualification for the round of 16 with an authoritative home victory over VfB Stuttgart, strengthening their position among Europe’s elite contenders. On a night watched closely by club icon Francesco Totti, it was a homegrown talent who stole the spotlight.

Despite a challenging opening spell, 21-year-old forward Niccolo Pisilli showed composure beyond his years. The academy graduate broke the deadlock late in the first half before sealing the result with a second goal deep into stoppage time, completing a memorable brace in front of the Olimpico faithful.

2025-26, Europa League

AS Roma - VfB Stuttgart 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Pisilli, 40 (1:0); Pisilli, 90 (2:0)

AS Roma: Svilar; Rensch; Tsimikas (Wesley, 73); Çelik; Ziolkowski (Ndicka, 60); Ghilardi; Pellegrini Lo. (Dybala, 72); Koné M. (Cristante, 59); Pisilli; Ferguson E.; Soule M. (Mancini G., 83)
Substitution: Cristante (from 59); Ndicka (from 60); Dybala (from 72); Wesley (from 73); Mancini G. (from 83)
Bench: Gollini
Yellow Cards: Çelik 87

VfB Stuttgart: Nübel; Hendriks R.; Mittelstädt (Bouanani, 70); Assignon (Vagnoman, 82); Chabot; Jeltsch; Führich (Demirovic, 70); Karazor; Leweling; Andres (Spalt, 81); Undav
Substitution: Bouanani (from 70); Demirovic (from 70); Spalt (from 81); Vagnoman (from 82)
Bench: Bredlow; Hellstern; Olivier C.; Catovic
Yellow Cards: Mittelstädt 18; Chabot 84