Pisilli thanks Mourinho and De Rossi for Italy call-up: ‘The most important opportunity’ | OneFootball

Roma youngster Niccolo Pisilli thanked Roma coach Ivan Juric and his predecessors Daniele De Rossi and Jose Mourinho, the latter two in particular, after earning his first call-up to the Italy national team squad this week.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been called up by Luciano Spalletti for October’s round of Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Israel.

He sat down for his first press conference with the senior national team on Tuesday, alongside fellow newbie Daniel Maldini.

“It’s an honour to be here, really satisfying. It was really pleasing to hear the Mister’s words, and I hope to be able to turn them into facts,” Pisilli told the press on Tuesday, reported via TMW.

Pisilli thanks De Rossi and Mourinho after first Italy call-up

He began by explaining how he found out about his first call-up.

“I found out about the call by reading the preliminary list,” Pisilli said. “I didn’t expect it at all at first, but then I started to think ‘we’ll see’ after the preliminary list, without getting too far ahead of myself. Now I’m here I will try to learn from my teammates, they are the best of the best.”

He also hopes to learn a little bit from everybody in the Italy squad: “My aim is to improve day by day and learn a little bit from everyone. I don’t feel like saying names, I try to take inspiration from all my teammates.”

He then went on to thank his former coaches, particularly De Rossi and Mourinho, who gave him his first opportunities in Serie A with Roma.

“I want to thank De Rossi, Mourinho and Juric. It’s thanks to them that I’ve had the opportunity to be here. As for the youth teams, It’s always an honour to wear the national team jersey. They are all experiences that have helped me. De Rossi and Mourinho gave me the chance to play, which was the most important opportunity.

Pisilli wants to impress, but he is aware that he is teaming up with the best players that Italy has to offer.

“The team is so strong that it would be disrespectful if I said I bring something more than the others, but I will try to give it my all.”

Pisilli has one main ambition with the Italy national team: “Playing in a World Cup is the biggest dream for every child when they start playing football. I hope to do it, with all my heart.”

He also revealed that he has several interests outside his playing career, and hinted at the career path he could choose when he eventually decides to retire.

“My family really cares about studies. I study communication sciences. I play football now, but we’ll see. Journalism interests me, but I’m concentrated on playing football for now.

Pisilli ended his press conference by revealing which Italy player has impressed him the most.

“I haven’t had many games yet, but from the stands, I’ve seen the intensity that Frattesi plays with. He’s impressed me a lot.”