Fiorentina and Pisa face off on Monday evening in a high-stakes Tuscan derby that could shape their survival hopes in Serie A. With both sides battling near the bottom of the table, the contest carries the intensity of a classic six-pointer, as every point gained or lost could prove decisive in the relegation race.
Match News and Current Form
A solid start to February has given Fiorentina renewed belief. They have taken four points from their opening two league fixtures this month, including a vital 2-1 victory over Como last weekend. That result brought them closer to safety and they now aim to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.
Confidence has also been lifted by Thursday’s 3-0 UEFA Conference League success against Jagiellonia. However, inconsistency remains a concern. Fiorentina have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in Serie A this term, with 22 surrendered so far. That trend underlines the need for focus and discipline, particularly in the closing stages.
Their recent home form also raises questions. Fiorentina are without a win in their last three league games at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, drawing twice and losing once. Both draws saw late equalisers conceded in or after the 90th minute, a pattern that will worry the coaching staff ahead of this derby.
Pisa arrive under pressure. They have managed just one league win all season and sit six points behind Fiorentina. Anything less than victory would deepen their relegation troubles. The visitors are also in danger of going 15 top-flight matches without a win in a single season for the first time.
Still, there have been signs of improvement. Their narrow 2-1 defeat against AC Milan last Friday showed resilience, especially as they nearly secured a point. The change in leadership has brought a new approach, with Oscar Hiljemark taking charge earlier this month after replacing Alberto Gilardino.
Encouragingly, Pisa have drawn four of their last five away matches in the league. While wins have been elusive, they have shown they can compete on the road, and that could make this a tighter contest than the standings suggest.
Head-to-Head History
Fiorentina are unbeaten in the last seven meetings between the two sides, winning four and drawing three. However, the previous two encounters ended in goalless stalemates, highlighting how closely matched these fixtures can be.
Pisa have never won away in this head-to-head rivalry. Their record stands at three draws and seven defeats, with the last three losses coming by margins of three goals or more. That history adds extra pressure on the visitors as they search for a breakthrough result.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Both teams have scored in each of Fiorentina’s last seven league matches, reflecting their attacking threat but also defensive vulnerabilities.
Fiorentina have lost their last four Serie A matches played on a Monday, each ending 2-1. This unusual pattern adds another subplot to an already tense fixture.
Pisa are winless and scoreless in their last seven top-flight clashes against Tuscan opposition. They have drawn four and lost three in that run, underlining their struggles in regional contests.
Interestingly, Pisa have scored 16 of their 20 league goals away from home this season. Their greater attacking productivity on the road could offer hope ahead of this crucial trip.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Roberto Piccoli could be decisive for Fiorentina. He completed the scoring in midweek and has been most effective early in matches, with four of his six goals this season arriving before half-time. A strong start from the striker could help the hosts settle quickly.
Felipe Loyola remains one of Pisa’s most dangerous late threats. He scored against Milan last Friday, and four of his last five goals for club and country have come in or after the 70th minute. His ability to influence matches late on could prove important if the game remains tight.
Fiorentina will be without Rolando Mandragora due to suspension, while Albert Guðmundsson is sidelined with an ankle injury. Pisa are also dealing with significant absences, as both first-choice and backup goalkeepers Adrian Šemper and Simone Scuffet remain unavailable.
Betting Analysis
Fiorentina’s recent European success and home advantage suggest they enter this derby with greater momentum. Given Pisa’s struggles in front of goal in similar fixtures and their poor historical record in this rivalry, a Fiorentina win without conceding stands out as a logical option. However, their tendency to lose focus late in games means discipline and concentration will be critical if they are to secure all three points.
