The Roma midfielder scored against Montenegro in the European qualifiers and celebrated just as he had promised his young fan

He’s on a roll, at least with the national team. And in this case, his celebration is worth more than a goal. Niccolò Pisilli scored again yesterday against Montenegro, following up on his stunning goal against Poland with Baldini’s Under-21 squad. Immediately after tying the score (the match ended 1-4 in favor of the Azzurrini), the Roma midfielder celebrated by placing his right hand on his forehead and sticking out his tongue. It’s a gesture that keen social media followers know well—one that became famous thanks to young Emanuele, known on Instagram and beyond as EmanueleSuperstar16, a favorite of many Serie A players.

Pisilli had made a promise, and he kept it. It was the boy’s father who edited the caption accompanying the photo of the midfielder and the Instagram post, which provides the full explanation for that particular moment of euphoria. Emanuele has been fighting a tough battle for several months, and scrolling through his Instagram profile, you can see selfies featuring his now-famous celebration alongside Roma’s Mancini and De Rossi, as well as with practically all the stars of the Italian national team and the Italian league. “Promise kept! ‘Ema, on your next goal for the national team, I’ll celebrate with your tongue sticking out’—and within a week, my friend Niccolò Pisilli first scored an incredible goal against Poland and then, four days later, scored again against Montenegro in the U21 European qualifiers! There’s little doubt this kid is a future champion, but what makes me happiest is that he’s a great friend of mine and that he really wanted to dedicate that goal to me. I love you, Niccolò—thanks for this wonderful gift,” Emanuele wrote.