Roma starting XI (3-4-2-1): Svilar, Celik, Ziolkowski (subbed for Ndicka), Ghilardi, Rensch, Koné (subbed for Cristante), Pisilli, Tsimikas (subbed for Wesley), Soulé (subbed for Mancini), Pellegrini (subbed for Dybala), Ferguson
Bench: De Marzi, Gollini, Lulli, Morucci
Goals: Pisilli 40’ 90+3’
VfB Stuttgart starting XI (4-2-3-1): Nubel, Assignon (subbed for Vagnoman), Jeltsch, Chabot, Hendriks, Karazor, Andres (subbed for Spalt), Leweling, Fuhrich (subbed for Demirovic), Mittelstadt (subbed for Bouanani), Undav
Bench: Bredlow, Hellstern, Olivier, Catovic, Herwerth, Penna
The Giallorossi produced a disciplined and effective performance, with Niccolò Pisilli starring and netting both goals to seal all three points.
The opening exchanges were cagey as both sides felt each other out in the chill of a January evening, with chances hard to come by and neither team able to establish rhythm through the opening half-hour. It was Roma who struck first just before the break when Pisilli beat the keeper from a tight angle.
Stuttgart came out with renewed urgency after the interval as Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar was called into action on a few occasions and made important saves to keep them at bay.
As the game ticked into added time and Stuttgart pushed men forward in search of an equaliser, Roma struck again. In the third minute of stoppage time, Pisilli found himself in the right place at the right time before smashing the ball into the back of the net from close range.
The victory lifts Roma into sixth place in the Europa League standings with 15 points, strengthening their chances of direct progression to the knockout-phase playoffs.
