AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho was delighted for Niccolò Pisilli after his goal on debut in their Europa League win against Sheriff Tiraspol.

Romelu Lukaku, Andrea Belotti and Pisilli struck for the 3-0 win, with the youngster emotional when celebrating.

Mourinho said: “I gave lots of debuts in many other clubs, but at Roma many of them are kids who grew up here, who went to the stadium with their fathers, grandfathers, and when they get a chance to play for the senior squad, it is so emotional.

“It is his first goal in the Stadio Olimpico, in the Europa League, in the net below where he used to sit in the stands. Such joy. I had to run off, or I would burst into tears too!"

The win sees Roma reach the round of 16 playoffs.

"We are second, but those who drop down from the Champions League will not be pleased if they have to play against us either," added Mourinho.

“Benfica reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season and do not hide their frustration at going into the Europa League.

“I hope we don't end up getting the same kind of path we had last season, when we had to beat Red Bull Salzburg, Real Sociedad, Bayer Leverkusen, that seems like the Far West chaos for a tournament."