After making a successful start to the new Serie A season last weekend, Roma will be eager to maintain their early momentum and secure another three points when they travel to Arena Garibaldi on Saturday evening to face newly promoted Pisa. The Giallorossi’s opening-day victory over Bologna marked the beginning of a new chapter under Gian Piero Gasperini, whose arrival in the capital has sparked renewed optimism among fans and pundits alike. For Pisa, the occasion will be historic, as it marks their first home fixture in Italy’s top flight since 1991—a 34-year wait that finally comes to an end in front of a passionate Tuscan crowd. While Roma arrive with ambitions of a top-four finish and perhaps more, Pisa are simply looking to prove they belong at this level, and Saturday’s clash will be a litmus test for both clubs at very different stages of their respective journeys.
Roma’s performance against Bologna was far from flawless, but it was effective. In a tightly contested match at the Stadio Olimpico, the capital club managed to edge out last season’s Coppa Italia winners thanks to a second-half strike from Wesley. The goal, which came after a lapse in Bologna’s defensive concentration, was emblematic of Roma’s opportunistic approach under Gasperini—pressing high, forcing errors, and capitalizing on moments of weakness. The win was not only a morale booster but also a symbolic passing of the torch, as Gasperini took charge of his first competitive match following Claudio Ranieri’s departure. Ranieri’s return midway through last season had stabilized a faltering Roma side, guiding them to a 19-game unbeaten run and a fifth-place finish that narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification. Now, Gasperini inherits a squad with potential and pedigree, and his tactical imprint is already beginning to show.
The summer was a busy one for Roma, both on and off the pitch. Five wins from seven pre-season fixtures suggested a team ready to hit the ground running, and the club was active in the transfer market, bringing in several new faces to bolster the squad. Among the most notable arrivals was Evan Ferguson, the young Republic of Ireland striker who has been preferred over last season’s top scorer Artem Dovbyk in Gasperini’s 3-4-2-1 formation. Ferguson’s inclusion signals a shift toward a more dynamic and mobile front line, capable of pressing from the front and linking play with the midfield. While Dovbyk remains a valuable option, Ferguson’s energy and movement have impressed in training and pre-season, and he is expected to lead the line once again against Pisa.
In midfield, Roma continue to rely on a blend of experience and youth. The absence of club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini due to injury is a significant blow, and the recent setback suffered by Leon Bailey—who picked up an injury during his first training session—further complicates matters. Bailey, a summer signing expected to add pace and flair to Roma’s attack, will be sidelined for at least a month, leaving Gasperini with limited options on the flanks. However, Zeki Celik returns from suspension and is likely to slot into the right wing-back role, providing width and defensive solidity. The club remains active in the transfer market, with English wingers Jadon Sancho and Tyrique George both linked to a move to the Eternal City. While Saturday’s match may come too soon for any new arrivals to feature, the speculation underscores Roma’s intent to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
For Pisa, the return to Serie A is both a celebration and a challenge. After decades in the wilderness, the Nerazzurri finally earned promotion last season under the guidance of Pippo Inzaghi, whose tactical nous and motivational skills galvanized the squad. However, Inzaghi’s departure to Palermo shortly after securing promotion left Pisa scrambling for a replacement, and they turned to Alberto Gilardino, another former Italy international with a growing reputation in management. Gilardino’s debut last week was encouraging, as Pisa held Atalanta to a 1-1 draw in Bergamo—a result that few would have predicted. The Tuscans even took the lead, stunning the home crowd with a well-worked goal before La Dea responded to salvage a point. The draw, coupled with a narrow Coppa Italia victory over Cesena via penalties, suggests that Pisa are not merely content with making up the numbers in Serie A.
Nevertheless, the historical odds are stacked against them. In 14 previous Serie A meetings with Roma, Pisa have managed just two wins, losing ten times. Their last home fixture against the Giallorossi came in 1991, ending in a 1-0 defeat that marked the beginning of a long exile from top-flight football. For older fans, Saturday’s match will be a poignant reminder of past glories and missed opportunities, while for younger supporters, it represents a chance to witness their team compete against one of Italy’s most storied clubs. The atmosphere at Arena Garibaldi is expected to be electric, and Pisa will need to harness that energy if they are to pull off an upset.
Gilardino’s squad has been bolstered by several new additions, including Dutch midfielder Calvin Stengs, who joins on loan and is expected to play a key role in linking midfield and attack. The club is also close to securing the services of veteran defender Raul Albiol, whose experience at Real Madrid and Napoli could prove invaluable in organizing a backline that will face relentless pressure from Roma’s attacking unit. Injuries remain a concern, with Tomas Esteves, Isak Vural, and Mateus Lusuardi all sidelined. However, Danish forwards Henrik Meister and Alexander Lind are expected to recover in time to be available for selection, adding depth to the final third.
In attack, Pisa will look to Matteo Tramoni, last season’s top scorer, to provide a cutting edge. Tramoni’s ability to find space and finish chances will be crucial against a Roma defense that can be vulnerable to quick transitions. He is likely to be partnered by Angola international M’Bala Nzola, whose physicality and hold-up play offer a different dimension. Gilardino may also consider rotating his front line to keep Roma guessing, with Meister and Lind providing alternative options depending on the tactical setup. The midfield battle will be key, and Pisa’s ability to disrupt Roma’s rhythm and prevent them from dictating play will determine whether they can stay competitive.
Tactically, the match presents an intriguing contrast. Gasperini’s Roma are built around a high-pressing, possession-based system that seeks to overwhelm opponents with intensity and movement. The 3-4-2-1 formation allows for fluid transitions between defense and attack, with wing-backs pushing high and midfielders rotating to create overloads. Pisa, on the other hand, are likely to adopt a more conservative approach, sitting deep and looking to hit on the counter. Gilardino’s emphasis on defensive organization and compactness will be tested to the limit, and his players must remain disciplined and focused throughout.
The psychological aspect of the match cannot be overlooked. Roma enter the fixture with confidence and expectations, while Pisa carry the weight of history and the pressure of proving themselves at this level. For Gasperini, the challenge is to keep his players grounded and focused, avoiding complacency and ensuring that they respect the threat posed by a newly promoted side playing with nothing to lose. For Gilardino, the task is to instill belief and resilience, encouraging his squad to embrace the occasion and rise to the challenge.
As the Serie A season begins to unfold, matches like this serve as early indicators of form, ambition, and potential. Roma’s quest for a top-four finish—and perhaps a title challenge—requires consistency and ruthlessness, especially against teams lower down the table. Pisa’s survival hopes hinge on their ability to pick up points at home and compete with the league’s elite. Saturday’s clash is more than just a game; it is a statement of intent, a test of character, and a celebration of football’s enduring capacity to inspire and unite.
In the end, the outcome will depend on execution, adaptability, and moments of brilliance. Roma must translate their superior quality into tangible results, while Pisa must find a way to disrupt and defy expectations. The Arena Garibaldi will be the stage for a compelling encounter, rich in narrative and emotion, and whatever the result, it will leave a lasting impression on both sets of supporters. For Roma, it is another step in their journey under Gasperini—a journey that promises excitement and ambition. For Pisa, it is the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with hope, challenge, and the dream of establishing themselves once again among Italy’s footballing elite.
