"Starting with the hosts, while Pisa might have only made their iconic Serie A return this season, it is no secret that the Nerazurri are regarded as a landslide relegation favourite in 2026. Opening the New Year sat rock-bottom of the table, Alberto Gilardino's men find themselves sat four points adrift of top-flight safety. Despite snatching a thrilling 2-2 draw against Udinese last time out, the Tuscany-based outfit have failed to win any of their previous nine consecutive Serie A appearances (five defeats, four draws)."
"With that rut stemming back to a 1-0 victory against fellow top-flight newcomers Cremonese on November 7th, Pisa have also gained a reputation for their defensive struggles. Last seen in Tuscany getting hit with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of European chasers Como, Friday's hosts have shipped 30 Serie A strikes and hold the third-worst defensive record among Italy's elite."
"Shown what was a costly late booking against Udinese last weekend, veteran defender Antonio Caracciolo will miss out through suspension on Friday night. Likewise, dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Pisa will also be unable to call upon the likes of Daniel Denoon, Calvin Stengs and former Villarreal star Raul Albiol. Still away representing Nigeria at this month's AFCON, Inter Milan loanee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will not play any part here."
Atalanta travel to Pisa with bookmakers offering 19/20 for an Atalanta win and under four goals. Pisa sit rock-bottom, four points adrift of safety and winless in nine Serie A matches, with a poor defensive record that has yielded 30 conceded goals. Pisa face suspensions and injuries to key defenders and attackers, and several players are unavailable due to AFCON commitments. Matteo Tramoni keeps the starting striker role for Pisa. Atalanta have improved under Raffaele Palladino and are pushing up the table, making them clear favorites to secure points in Tuscany.
Read at Soccer News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]