Pisilli names two Italy national team role models: ‘I watched them on TV’ | OneFootball

Niccolo Pisilli says that Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella are among the Italy national team players that he used to study growing up, and says that it will be a ‘great opportunity’ to learn from the Newcastle and Inter stars during the international break.

Pisilli on Italy hopes and Roma opportunities: ‘We’re a very strong group’

Pisilli made his debut for the Italy national team under Luciano Spalletti in October 2014, but has had to wait 18 months, and is still waiting for his next opportunity in an Azzurri shirt.

Niccolo Pisilli Luciano Spalletti Italy (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

After an increased series of opportunities with Roma in 2025-26, the 21-year-old is back in the Italy squad for the crucial World Cup play-off campaign this international break, beginning with the play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday night.

It has been 12 years since Italy last featured at a World Cup. The Azzurri have failed to qualify for the last two tournament cycles and have not won a knock-out match on the world stage since beating France in the final to claim the trophy in 2006.

Pisilli was just 10 years old the last time that Italy appeared at a World Cup.

“I remember the World Cups I watched in 2010 and 2014. It’s a great feeling of pride to return to the national team,” the Roma youngster told Rai Sport in a recent interview.

Pisilli insists that Italy have what it takes to win their next two matches and qualify for the 2026 World Cup: “We’re a very strong group. Everyone here is really strong, otherwise they wouldn’t be here,” he said.

“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.”

Pisilli feels that he still has plenty to learn from some of Italy’s more established senior players, though.

“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.”

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – SEPTEMBER 08: Sandro Tonali of Italy looks on during a Italy training session at Bozsik Stadion on September 08, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Pisilli was asked what has changed in order for him to start earning more opportunities at club level with Roma.

“Nothing really,” he insisted. “I think that it takes a little while to understand the new ideas that a new coach brings when there’s been a change. It’s important to be ready for when you’re called upon during the season. I’m happy to be getting more minutes and I hope it carries on.”