Italy U17 Reaches European Championship Final After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Spain

Stephan El Shaarawy scored the decisive second goal in Roma's final match against Verona, securing the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years. The Egyptian winger's strike came in his last appearance in giallorossi colors, concluding a decade-long association with the club that began in January 2016. El Shaarawy's goal sparked an emotional celebration as he ran toward the away supporters at the Bentegodi stadium. Remarkably, El Shaarawy had predicted this outcome before the match. According to Sky Sport journalist Angelo Mangiante, the number 92 revealed at the end of Friday's training session that he hoped to close his Roma story with a decisive goal. He told Mangiante: "Mi piacerebbe tanto chiudere questa storia con un gol decisivo" (I would really like to close this story with a decisive goal). His premonition proved accurate, as his finish sealed Roma's return to European football's premier club competition after a seven-year absence. El Shaarawy's departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Roma. The winger's final contribution epitomized his importance to the club during his 10-year tenure, delivering a crucial moment when it mattered most for the Giallorossi's continental aspirations.

AS Roma secured a return to the UEFA Champions League after a seven-year absence following a 2–0 victory against Verona at the Bentegodi stadium. The result triggered celebrations at the airport and at Trigoria, the club's training ground, as supporters and staff marked the significant milestone. The triumph ends a lengthy period outside European football's elite competition for the Giallorossi. Details of the goalscorers remain unclear from the available information, but the victory represents a major achievement in the club's push to re-establish itself among Italy's top-flight contenders.

AS Roma secured Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years by defeating Hellas Verona 2–0 on the final day of the Serie A season. The match was tense throughout, with Verona—already relegated—playing with intensity despite their status. Mile Svilar made a crucial early save, and Paulo Dybala dominated the second half, setting up the opening goal for Donyell Malen after initially missing a penalty. Dybala also created the second goal for Stephan El Shaarawy in injury time, marking El Shaarawy's final appearance for the club before his contract expires. Roma finished third in the Serie A table, an outcome few considered possible weeks earlier. The qualification represents a significant achievement under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who took over during a troubled season marked by injuries and incomplete transfers. AC Milan and Juventus, both pre-season favorites, failed to qualify, with Milan losing at home to Cagliari and Juventus drawing with Torino. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, also qualified ahead of the traditional powers. Gasperini's turnaround has delivered what the Friedkin Group ownership had not previously achieved: Champions League football. The qualification transforms Roma's commercial position, recruitment capacity, and ambitions moving forward, restoring the club among Italy's elite after years of frustration.

Niccolò Pisilli, the AS Roma midfielder, will wear the number 21 shirt as Italy faces Greece in a friendly international match. The 20-year-old had a strong end to the season with Roma and featured in Italy's previous friendly against Luxembourg. He is among the most important players in the squad selected by manager Baldini for this international window. Pisilli's selection underscores Italy's focus on developing young talent following their exclusion from the World Cup for the third consecutive time after a defeat to Bosnia. The number assignments remain unchanged from the Luxembourg match three days earlier, with other players including Donnarumma (1), Ndour (10), and Koleosho (11) also confirmed. Palestra and Cherubini have departed the squad. The fixture against Greece comes as part of Italy's rebuilding phase under Baldini, with Pisilli positioned as a key figure in the midfielder's regeneration. The full squad numbering for the Greece match has been confirmed, with 24 players listed in total for this phase of international fixtures.

Roma's tactical development is being shaped by the rapid growth of academy talents, with midfielder Niccolò Pisilli playing a key role in the team's set-piece strategy. The data surrounding corner-kicks has become a positive factor for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Pisilli's contribution to Roma's corner-kick approach is viewed as an encouraging sign for the club's evolving tactical system. The Giallorossi continue to rely on young homegrown players as central pillars of their tactical framework under Gasperini's direction.

The Serie A fixture schedule for the 2026–27 season has been drawn. Niccolò Pisilli has stated his commitment to AS Roma, saying he has no reason to leave the club. Details regarding D'Amico remain unclear from the available information. The fixture announcement marks the beginning of planning for the upcoming campaign, while Pisilli's comments suggest stability within the squad despite potential transfer speculation that may surround other players.