Niccolo Pisilli’s brace earned Roma a 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart and clinched at least a Europa League play-off spot. Betting angle: Roma’s attacking poise and Pisilli’s form make Roma to win or Roma -0.5 (Asian handicap) attractive in similar high-stakes matches; Pisilli is a viable anytime scorer bet in upcoming fixtures.
Match Report: Roma 2-0 VfB Stuttgart — Pisilli Propels Roma into Play-off Positions
Roma moved into the top eight and locked down at least a Europa League play-off place after Niccolo Pisilli’s brace secured a 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart at the Stadio Olimpico. The result was effectively a head-to-head for position, and Roma rose to the occasion with a compact, clinical performance.
First Half: Soulé Threaded, Pisilli Opens the Scoring
After a lively opening that saw Maximilian Mittelstadt and Matias Soulé fire over promising chances, Stuttgart threatened early through Jamie Leweling, whose low drive was beaten away by goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
Roma grew into the game and struck just before half-time when Soulé’s inspired through ball down the right found Niccolo Pisilli, who cut inside and struck into the far top corner from a tight angle to give the hosts the lead.
Second Half: Svilar’s Saves and a Late Sealer
The second period saw Roma sit deeper at times while Stuttgart pressed for an equaliser. Mile Svilar made a key one-on-one stop from Deniz Undav, and Evan Ndicka reacted sharply to deny Ermedin Demirovic a simple rebound finish.
Stuttgart spurned several promising moments, including an overhit finish by Undav from a ricochet and a snapshot from Lorenz Assignon that failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Deep into stoppage time Paulo Dybala collected the ball with his back to goal and played a disguised pass that allowed Pisilli to smash home from 10 yards, sealing the 2-0 victory.
Team News and Absences
Both sides entered the match with notable absentees. Roma and Stuttgart were affected by injuries and suspensions that shaped selection and tactics for the night. Stuttgart were missing Bilal El Khannouss through suspension and had several injury concerns, while each side managed a shortened squad for this crucial fixture.
Key Moments
40’ — Pisilli opens from a Soulé assist
A decisive, low cross-turned-through ball from Soulé allowed Pisilli to finish from a tight angle and give Roma the lead just before half-time.
93’ — Pisilli doubles with Dybala assist
In stoppage time Dybala’s clever pass unlocked the defence and Pisilli finished emphatically to kill the contest.
Implications and Analysis
The win boosts Roma’s momentum in the group, guaranteeing at least a place in the Europa League play-offs and improving their head-to-head standing in a tight section. Stuttgart’s failure to convert promising moments will raise questions about finishing and game management in knockout-style encounters.
Betting Implications
Roma’s composure in tight matches and Pisilli’s sudden impact suggest markets may favour Roma in similar fixtures. Punters might consider backing Roma to win or taking a Roma -0.5 (Asian handicap) option in upcoming head-to-heads; Pisilli could also be of interest for anytime scorer markets given his confidence and finishing display.
Attendance and Atmosphere
A notable presence in the stands added emotional weight to the evening as club legend Francesco Totti attended the Stadio Olimpico, creating an electric atmosphere for the home side.
Bottom Line
Niccolo Pisilli emerged as the match-winner with two composed finishes that underlined Roma’s ability to deliver in decisive moments. The result secures European progress and gives Roma a clear platform to build on in the competition.
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A marvellous brace from Niccolò Pisilli gave Roma victory over VfB Stuttgart to lock down at least a Europa League play-off, as they climb into the top eight.This was a pure head-to-head for position...
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