Roma talent emerges as future midfield option for Italy | OneFootball

Nicolò Pisilli’s rise at Roma has earned him a senior call-up for the March World Cup play-off, and with growing excitement around the Azzurri, the 21-year-old is shaping up to be a future regular starter.

The Roma midfielder made his Azzurri debut in October 2024 under Luciano Spalletti, but to date, that remains his only senior international appearance.

The adrenaline of an international match further boosts the experience of playing Rocketplay online, bringing on an added sense of excitement that mirrors the intensity and passion seen on the pitch.

Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini could do anything but smile when he learned that Pisilli had earned a call-up to the senior Azzurri team for the crucial World Cup play-off.

Both Pisilli and Cagliari’s Marco Palestra were promoted to Italy’s first team, a source of pride for the Azzurrini.

“It is a success for us that they have been promoted to the senior squad, because it means we contributed to their growth process,” Baldini said.

“I spoke to Gattuso and Gigi Buffon over the last few days; they are accustomed to this kind of stress, having played in the biggest tournaments. They know there is a big responsibility on their shoulders, but we are all behind them, and I don’t think there’s anyone better with which to achieve qualification.”

Pisilli impressed with the Azzurrini, scoring five times in 19 appearances.

His performances at a club level have been just as good this season as the Roma academy product has scored three goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

The 21-year-old is also lucky enough to train with some of his role models while on international duty with Italy.

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“I think of Barella, Tonali, when he exploded with Milan, I always watched them on TV. It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to learn from them now,” he said last week.

“We’re a very strong group. Everyone here is really strong; they wouldn’t be here.

“There has to be a balance. We need the calmness of a squad that knows that with 100% commitment, they can achieve the goal, but also with the awareness that something really important is at stake.”

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates with his teammate Kostas Tsimikas after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

A complete central midfielder, Pisilli can operate in many areas in the middle of the park, from holding midfielder to box-to-box or even No.10.

Given his role models, Tonali and Barella, Pisilli will be looking to emulate the Azzurri stars and become a midfielder who can make an impact at both ends, and in just a few years, he might be playing alongside them in the Italy midfield.