Two of Serie A’s winless clubs meet on Saturday as Pisa host Hellas Verona at the Arena Garibaldi, marking the first top-flight encounter between the two sides since 1989. Both are languishing near the foot of the table, and victory for either could finally lift them out of the relegation zone.
After returning to Serie A for the first time in 34 years, Pisa’s enthusiasm has quickly been replaced by concern. Alberto Gilardino’s men sit bottom of the table with just two points from six matches, having scored only three goals and conceded 10. The team’s lack of cutting edge in attack and defensive instability have been their biggest issues so far.
Pisa are yet to record a home victory this season and have failed to score in back-to-back matches at the Arena Garibaldi. However, history is on their side — they haven’t lost to Verona since 1989, a run spanning six meetings.
Verona searching for answers
Like their hosts, Paolo Zanetti’s Verona have struggled badly, also going six matches without a win. The Mastini have failed to score in four of those fixtures and have shipped six goals in their last two away games, including a heavy 4–0 defeat to Lazio.
Their only bright moment came in a 1–1 draw with Juventus, but that momentum quickly faded with defeats to Roma and Sassuolo. If Verona lose again this weekend, they would match an unwanted record of three straight away defeats to start a Serie A campaign, last seen in 1999-2000.
Given both teams’ attacking struggles and low morale, another tight, cagey encounter is expected in Tuscany.
Prediction: Pisa 0–0 Verona
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
