Pisa SC's Current Form and Challenges
Pisa SC, under the astute management of Filippo Inzaghi, has been a formidable force in Serie B this season. However, their recent form has been less than stellar, with a worrying streak of nine matches without a win. This dip in performance is particularly pronounced at home, where they have failed to score in nine out of ten matches this season. Their home record stands at a disappointing 1-3-6, which raises concerns about their ability to compete against a top-tier team like Atalanta BC.
Atalanta BC's European Success and Domestic Struggles
Atalanta BC, on the other hand, has been riding high on their recent European success, having clinched the UEFA Europa League title. Despite this, their domestic form has been inconsistent, with a slip to third in the Serie A standings after a series of winless matches. Nevertheless, their recent 5-0 victory in the Champions League against Sturm Graz has reignited their confidence. Atalanta's away form in Serie A has been solid, with only one match where they failed to score, suggesting they are well-equipped to handle the challenge posed by Pisa.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
From a tactical standpoint, Atalanta's attacking prowess, particularly in the first half, where they score 30% of their goals between the 31st and 45th minutes, could be pivotal. Pisa's defense, which has conceded in each of their last nine matches, will need to be at its best to withstand Atalanta's offensive onslaught. Key players like Ademola Lookman, who was instrumental in their Europa League triumph, will be crucial for Atalanta. Pisa's reliance on players like Matthieu Huard, who has been their top scorer, might not be enough against a well-drilled Atalanta side.
Prediction and Conclusion
Considering the current form and statistical trends, Atalanta BC is likely to emerge victorious in this encounter. Pisa's inability to score at home and their defensive vulnerabilities make it challenging for them to secure a positive result. Therefore, the prediction leans towards an 'away' win for Atalanta BC, with both teams unlikely to score given Pisa's scoring struggles at home.