Pisilli: ‘Difficult’ Roma game vs. Lecce, Italy ‘deserve’ World Cup qualification | OneFootball

Roma midfielder Nicolò Pisilli comments on a 1-0 win over Lecce and looks to Italy’s upcoming World Cup play-off: ‘We must not be afraid.’

Pisilli had a goal disallowed against Lecce, but his Roma side still managed to secure a 1-0 win thanks to Robinio Vaz’s first goal with the club.

“It was a very difficult game,” Pisilli told Sky.

“We had lost a lot of mental energy on Thursday, but we were still good at taking the result home.”

Spanish full-back Angelino returned to action after several months today. He had been diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis at the beginning of the season and had not made a competitive appearance since September 28.

“We are all happy he’s back. He’s such a nice guy, and he’s always tried to work at his best,” Pisilli said.

Niccolò Pisilli celebrates his goal for Italy against Montenegro in the European Under-21 Championship qualifier (@azzurri)

“We are so happy he has returned, and we hope he can put more minutes in his legs in the final part of the campaign.”

Pisilli is part of the Italy squad playing in the World Cup play-off next week.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Niccolò Pisilli of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Bologna and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 12, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We must be confident. We are Italy, and we must not be afraid,” said the 21-year-old midfielder.

“We deserve to play in the World Cup. I’m accustomed to seeing Italy at the World Cup, and I hope that happens this summer.”