Niccolo Pisilli Names Role Models & Expresses Confidence for Italy's World Cup Bid

Niccolo Pisilli, the promising Roma midfielder, has identified Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella as his primary role models within the Italy national team. He expressed admiration for the Newcastle and Inter stars, whom he "used to study growing up" by watching them on television. Pisilli views the current international break as a "great opportunity" to learn directly from these experienced players.

The 21-year-old made his Azzurri debut under coach Luciano Spalletti in October 2024. After an eighteen-month interval, he is now back in the national squad, eager for his next appearance during the crucial World Cup play-off campaign. Italy is set to begin this campaign with a semi-final clash against Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday night.

Italy's recent World Cup history has been challenging; the team failed to qualify for the last two tournaments (2018 and 2022). They have not secured a knockout stage victory on the world stage since their triumph over France in the 2006 final. Pisilli himself was only 10 years old when Italy last participated in the World Cup in 2014. "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 shared in a recent interview with Rai Sport.

Despite the historical hurdles, Pisilli remains confident in the current squad's ability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. "We’re a very strong group. Everyone here is really strong, otherwise they wouldn’t be here," he affirmed. He stressed the importance of maintaining "a balance" between the calm assurance of a committed squad and the acute awareness of the high stakes involved.

Reflecting on his increased playing time at club level with Roma, Pisilli attributed it to consistency and readiness. "Nothing really," he insisted, regarding specific changes. "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."