In this work, a model for the np → d(ππ) 0 reaction is developed. It is shown that the structure of the deuteron momentum spectra for a neutron beam momentum of 1.46 GeV can be explained as a consequence of the interplay of two mechanisms involving the excitation of the N * (1440) resonance and its subsequent decay into N (ππ) T =0 S−wave and ∆π respectively. The relevance of the present analysis for the study of the Roper excitation and decay properties, as well as for the interpretation of other two-pion production experiments is discussed.