Gasperini praised Roma’s rotated squad after a 2-0 Europa League win over Stuttgart
Gasperini expressed satisfaction with Roma’s 2-0 Europa League victory over VfB Stuttgart, stressing that the result was especially pleasing given the heavy squad rotation. The Giallorossi still delivered a composed performance, with academy graduate Niccolò Pisilli scoring both goals on the night.
Speaking after the match, Gasperini highlighted Pisilli’s development and growing influence in midfield. The Roma coach noted that the 21-year-old has matured significantly, not just in terms of goals, but also through his overall composure and understanding of the game, making him an increasingly reliable option within the squad.
Pisilli’s intelligent movement has drawn comparisons to Italian midfield greats Marco Tardelli and Claudio Marchisio. Gasperini acknowledged the similarities, pointing out Pisilli’s ability to time late runs into the box and his natural eye for goal, even if he lacks some of Tardelli’s explosive pace.
Roma made seven changes from their Serie A win over Torino, with January signings Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz unavailable. Gasperini explained that the match provided a valuable opportunity to assess squad players and monitor the progress of youngsters such as Ghilardi and Ziolkowski, as well as to test the fitness of returning players like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matías Soulé.
The coach described the outcome as ideal, given the quality of the opposition and the importance of the fixture in the Europa League standings. He emphasized that the rotated players were challenged both physically and mentally, making the victory a meaningful benchmark for Roma’s depth and readiness.
Roma’s win guarantees at least a place in the Europa League play-offs and lifts them to sixth in the table ahead of a final league-phase trip to Panathinaikos.
