Pisa vs Milan: A Clash of Fortunes in Serie A
All eyes turn to the Cetilar Arena as Pisa, under the guidance of new coach Oscar Hiljemark, welcome AC Milan in a Serie A showdown. The match kicks off at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET) and promises to be a fascinating encounter between a team battling relegation and a side aiming to solidify their position in the league. Follow all the action as it unfolds with our liveblog!
Milan’s Squad Rotation and Key Players
AC Milan benefits from a recent break, having had their match against Como rescheduled due to the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Coach Max Allegri is utilizing this opportunity to rotate the squad, prioritizing player rest for upcoming midweek fixtures. While Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are nursing minor knocks, the Rossoneri still boast a formidable lineup.
Leading the attack for Milan will be Christopher Nkunku, supported by the dynamic midfield quartet of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Adrien Rabiot, and the experienced Luka Modric. Zachary Athekame earns a rare start on the wing, adding a fresh dimension to Milan’s offensive approach. Alexis Saelemaekers and Santiago Gimenez remain sidelined due to injury.
Luka Modric of AC Milan during a Serie A match. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Pisa’s Struggles and New Leadership
Pisa find themselves in a precarious position at the bottom of the Serie A table, having secured only one win in their first 24 games. This dismal record led to the dismissal of Alberto Gilardino and the appointment of Oscar Hiljemark, a relatively young coach at 33 years old. Hiljemark, despite his age, brings a wealth of Italian football experience, having previously played for Genoa and Palermo.
His debut match ended in a commendable 0-0 draw against Hellas Verona, offering a glimmer of hope for the struggling side. However, Pisa face significant challenges with Marius Marin suspended and both goalkeepers, Simone Scuffet and Adrian Semper, injured. 37-year-old Brazilian Nicolas is set to make his Serie A return after a lengthy absence.
The January transfer window saw Pisa bolster their squad with additions like Rosen Bozhinov, Samuel Iling-Junior, Felipe Loyola, Michel Aebischer, Filip Stojlkovic, and Rafiu Durosinmi, hoping to inject new life into the team.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan in action. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Predicted Lineups
Pisa: Nicolas; Canestrelli, Caracciolo, Bozhinov; Touré, Aebischer, Loyola, Angori; Tramoni, Stojilkovic, Moreo
Milan: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Athekame, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku
Where to Watch and Follow
Don’t miss the action! Tune in to the Serie A Week 25 Liveblog for real-time updates, analysis, and commentary as Pisa takes on Milan. For more information on Serie A, visit the official Serie A website.
