Pisilli: ‘Italy debut in Rome a dream come true’ | OneFootball

Roma talent Niccolò Pisilli admits it was ‘a dream come true’ to make his Italy debut in his hometown stadium at the age of 20, but reassures teammate Lorenzo Pellegrini.

It has been a remarkable few weeks for the midfielder, who celebrated his 20th birthday, scored his first Serie A goal for the Giallorossi and this evening got his first senior Italy cap in a 2-2 draw with Belgium.

To make it even more special, the Nations League match was played at the Stadio Olimpico, the arena and city where he grew up.

Pisilli with an almost perfect Italy debut

“Being able to make my debut for Italy is a childhood dream come true and to do it in Rome is even more incredible, as I had family and friends in the stands,” Pisilli told RAI Sport.

He came on in the final minutes, with Italy down to 10 men and hanging on after Pellegrini received a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Arthur Theate.

“It was a delicate moment of the match, I am glad to have helped us take home the point. It is a very high level here and I am trying to learn as much as I can from everyone,” said Pisilli.

Pellegrini was sent off just before half-time, so what did he say in the locker room during the break?

“Lorenzo was disappointed by everything that happened, but he is a great player and this one incident doesn’t change what he can give or the man he is.”