Stuttgart hopes of last 16 spot takes blow in defeat to Roma

VfB Stuttgart's goal of qualifying directly to the Europa League last 16 became a bit more difficult after a 2-0 defeat at Roma on Thursday.

Niccolò Pisilli scored his first goal of the season to break the deadlock for Roma in the 40th.

Matias Soulé's through ball broke through the Stuttgart defence and Pisilli ran onto it before firing high across goalkeeper Alexander Nübel.

Pisilli crowned his performance with a second goal, finishing off Paulo Dybala's assist into the net to put the game to bed in stoppage time.

Roma had a second hero in goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who several times denied Stuttgart, including an impressive close-range stop to deny Ermedin Demirovic in the 79th.

The Italians are sixth and need a win in the final matchday of the league phase to advance to the last 16.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, started the day in ninth but dropped to 12th. They are two points behind Real Betis, the last team in the direct qualification zone to the last 16.

In case the Germans fail to book a spot in the knock-outs, they are at least sure of a place in the play-offs.

"Disappointed, annoying, sad with the chances we didn't take. You can waste chances, but in a game like this you have to take them," Stuttgart forward Jamie Leweling told broadcaster RTL.

Asked about the goals for the last league phase game next Thursday, he said: "Home win. Home win against Young Boys. Anything else doesn't count."