Once introduced to Serie A by Mourinho as his “child,” Niccolò Pisilli is now becoming a key figure for both Roma and Italy, while praising Silvio Baldini’s unique leadership style and calling for more opportunities for young Italian players.
Niccolò Pisilli may still be only 21 years old, but the Roma midfielder is quickly shedding the label of promising youngster and emerging as one of the faces of Italy’s next generation.
Speaking from Coverciano during Italy’s training camp, Pisilli reflected on his rapid rise from José Mourinho’s teenage protégé to a player increasingly trusted at both club and international level. The midfielder, born in 2004, made his Serie A debut under Mourinho in 2023 and has since established himself as an important part of Roma’s squad, earning the attention of three different Italy head coaches along the way.
“We are here and we have a great opportunity,” Pisilli told reporters. “We just need to stay calm and focus on playing. It is always an honor to wear this shirt.”
After receiving his senior international debut from Luciano Spalletti in 2024 and being included by Gennaro Gattuso during Italy’s World Cup playoff campaign, Pisilli has also become a central figure under interim head coach Silvio Baldini.
The Roma midfielder reserved special praise for Baldini, highlighting the coach’s ability to inspire players both on and off the field.
“The coach is a very genuine and sincere person who transmits deep values to us,” Pisilli said. “He often gives speeches that go beyond football. It is up to us to absorb those messages. During our two or two-and-a-half hours of daily training, he tells us we must be 100 percent focused on what we are doing because our growth as footballers and as men depends on those hours.”
A Generation Ready for Its Chance
At Coverciano, Pisilli has reunited with several teammates from Italy’s successful youth national teams, including Cher Ndour, Luca Lipani and Michael Koleosho. Together, they won the UEFA Under-19 European Championship in 2023 and later represented Italy at Under-21 level.
Their presence in the senior squad reflects the strength of Italy’s youth development system, something Pisilli believes should be rewarded with greater opportunities.
“I hope there will be more and more space for young Italian players,” he said. “Many of us have shown during the season, even with our clubs, that we are very good footballers.”
Pisilli also praised Italy’s Under-17 side, which recently reached the European Championship final after defeating Spain.
“We watched the penalty shootout together and cheered for them,” he explained. “It’s always nice when one of our national teams progresses. The youth teams have achieved some fantastic results in recent years.”
The Pain of Missing the World Cup
Despite his growing status, Pisilli experienced one of the most difficult moments of his young career earlier this year when Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing the playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Although he remained on the bench throughout the 120 minutes in Zenica, the disappointment remains fresh.
“It was a huge disappointment,” Pisilli admitted. “We all wanted to play in the World Cup this summer. On the pitch we gave everything we had. A series of episodes and circumstances influenced the match, but the team was completely focused on the objective.”
Chasing His First Italy Goal
Pisilli came close to opening his international scoring account during Italy’s recent friendly against Luxembourg, producing a lively display and providing the corner kick that led to Pio Esposito’s goal.
The midfielder praised his teammate while emphasizing the quality throughout Baldini’s squad.
“Pio is a great footballer, but there are many great players here,” he said. “Against Luxembourg the whole team performed well. At the beginning there was probably a bit of emotion and tension, but then we settled into the game.”
A Breakthrough Season Under Gasperini
Pisilli’s rise has mirrored Roma’s successful campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini. After struggling for playing time early in the season and even being linked with a January loan move, the midfielder fought his way into the coach’s plans and became an important contributor as Roma secured a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Looking back, Pisilli acknowledged that adapting to Gasperini’s demands was not easy.
“At first I found it difficult to get minutes, but I always tried to give my best in training and understand what the coach wanted from me,” he explained. “In December I got more opportunities and I think I did well to take them. Fortunately, both personally and collectively, the season ended in the best possible way.”
He also noted similarities between Gasperini and Baldini, particularly in their aggressive approach to pressing and proactive football.
Another Young Talent Arrives
Italy’s youth movement continues to gain momentum. Following the withdrawals of Marco Palestra and Luigi Cherubini, Baldini has called up 19-year-old forward Alessio Cacciamani for the first senior national team call-up of his career.
The 2007-born attacker joined the squad at Coverciano on Thursday and participated in training with the senior group, becoming the latest member of Italy’s highly regarded new generation to receive an opportunity at the highest level.
For Pisilli, it is another sign that the future of Italian football may already be arriving.
