Fiorentina vs Pisa – News and Probable Lineups

Tuscan rivals Fiorentina and Pisa are set to meet for the second time this season as they face off in a crucial relegation battle on Monday evening.

With significant stakes on the line at Stadio Franchi, the Viola are fighting hard for survival in Serie A, while their counterparts appear to be in serious trouble.

Match overview

The last encounter between Fiorentina and Pisa marked their first meeting in the top division since 1991, with both clubs having only earned three points combined at that point and neither has really managed to bounce back from a rocky start.

Since that encounter in late September, the Viola have spent the majority of the time in the relegation zone, making avoidance of relegation a very real concern.

Paolo Vanoli has seen some progress since taking charge earlier in the season, yet his squad remains vulnerable, having managed to maintain just one clean sheet in their last 20 league fixtures.

Currently three points away from safety with 13 games left, they recently defeated the high-flying Como, exacting swift revenge for their earlier exit from the Coppa Italia.

Additionally, they are close to securing a place in the last 16 of the Conference League following a solid 3-0 playoff win against Jagiellonia Bialystok, thanks to second-half goals from Luca Ranieri, Rolando Mandragora, and Roberto Piccoli in the first leg.

In frosty conditions and with a significantly altered lineup, the Viola achieved back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

With a return leg against the Polish champions on the horizon, Vanoli’s squad needs to fully focus on the impending Derby della Toscana, which is expected to be fiercely competitive.

Fighting to avoid the last relegation spot with Lecce, Genoa, and Cremonese, Fiorentina has only managed two victories from 12 league matches played at the Franchi this season, but history favors them.

Historically, the Florence club is unbeaten in seven Serie A home encounters against Pisa, having conceded just three goals during that stretch.

Following a goalless draw in the previous match, Pisa has triumphed in just one of their 15 top-flight clashes against Fiorentina—a 2-1 win back in 1987.

More importantly, the Nerazzurri have failed to secure a victory in their last 14 league outings since achieving their only win of the current season in early November.

Consequently, a defeat or draw in this derby would establish a new unwanted club record and would likely seal their fate for relegation after just one season back in Serie A.

Nine points away from safety, Pisa’s return to the top flight has been deeply disappointing, resulting in Alberto Gilardino being succeeded by new manager Oscar Hiljemark earlier this month.

Under Hiljemark’s leadership, the team has so far recorded a troubling goalless draw against second-bottom Hellas Verona and a spirited 2-1 loss to AC Milan, where they narrowly missed out on a point due to a late goal from Luka Modric.

Now, the Nerazzurri aim to end their 34-year wait for an away win in the top division, and the fans will be eager to see that goal achieved at Stadio Franchi.

Team News

After making eight changes to the lineup that faced Como, Vanoli is expected to bring back several key players.

With survival in the top flight as a priority, pivotal figures like David de Gea, Dodo, and Moise Kean were left at home; Mandragora played but is facing suspension on Monday.

Kean, who is Fiorentina’s leading scorer with seven Serie A goals, has found the net in his last two league outings; while his goal tally may have decreased compared to last season, only Capocannoniere leader Lautaro Martinez has taken more shots from inside the box.

Due to an ankle problem, Albert Gudmundsson may join long-term absentee Tariq Lamptey on the injury list, while Pisa will miss Daniel Denoon, Isak Vural, and Simone Scuffet.

Fellow goalkeeper Adrian Semper is also doubtful, which may mean that third-choice Nicolas continues to take the reins, but central midfielder Marius Marin is available again after serving a suspension.

Set to play alongside top scorer Stefano Moreo, who has netted five goals, Matteo Tramoni has been involved in three goals across his last three away matches.

Fiorentina probable starting XI:

De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Beans, Ndour; Harrison, Brescianini, Solomon; Kean

Pisa probable starting XI:

Nicolas; Canestrelli, Caracciolo, Bozhinov; Toure, Loyola, Aebischer, Angori; Tramoni, Moreo; Stojilkovic

Fiorentina is keen to stay out of any potential meetings with Pisa in Serie B next season, and they can enhance their chances of survival by continuing to exploit the Nerazzurri’s struggles on the road.

Both sides have dropped numerous points while in the lead, but Pisa remains winless away and has conceded the highest number of away goals in Serie A, so the Viola are anticipated to continue their resurgence.