With all the excitement over Donyell Malen’s dream debut in Roma’s 2-0 win over Torino, which erased much of the consternation stemming from the club’s up-and-down performances over the preceding month, the club’s ongoing Europa League campaign was swept under the rug. After an opening-round win over Nice in late September, Roma stumbled in their next two matches, falling to Viktoria Plzen and Lille in October, casting a pall over the Giallorossi’s status as the presumptive favorites to win the title.
Luckily, Roma rebounded, reeling off three consecutive European victories, culminating in a 3-0 win over Celtic in mid-November. Still, despite their improved form, the Giallorossi faced the prospect of playing in the Knockout Phase playoffs, adding even more to Gasperini’s plate as the club vies for a place in the top four.
Considering all that, it’s not surprising that Gasperini decided to concentrate his efforts on Serie A; that’s where Roma’s bread is buttered, after all. However, despite putting the Europa League on the back burner, Gasperini’s group scored an important win over Stuttgart today. Thanks to a Niccolo Pisilli brace, Roma sits in 6th place with 15 points, putting them in a favorable position to secure one of the top eight spots and an automatic berth in the Knockout Phase.
Roma’s EL fate will be decided next week against Panathinaikos, so until then, please enjoy the Pisilil-infused highlights of today’s victory!
