ISTANBUL, Jan 22 (Reuters) - AS Roma took a ‌big step towards qualifying for the Europa League last 16 with a 2-0 win over VfB ‌Stuttgart on Thursday, after Aston Villa and Olympique Lyonnais had earlier become the first teams through ‌to the knockout stage.

Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli slotted in to give his side the lead shortly before halftime and added another in stoppage time to seal the win.