Verona vs Pisa Predictions
With both sides managerless and struggling defensively, I expect chances at both ends. BTTS is my top pick, while a draw also looks likely at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
BTTS on the Cards in Verona
- Verona have seen BTTS in 6 of their last 8 home matches
- Verona have drawn their last 3 games against Pisa
- Pisa have drawn 3 of their last 4 away matches
- Pisa have seen BTTS in 6 of their last 8 matches
Deadlock in the Verona vs Pisa H2H
Verona and Pisa have met on just three occasions in the 21st century. All three fixtures finished deadlocked, including a 1-1 draw in their last meeting in Verona nine years ago.
Out-of-Form Verona Dismiss Zanetti
Serie A strugglers Hellas Verona have dismissed Paolo Zanetti after an eight-game winless run, ending his 18-month spell in charge. Under-19s coach Paolo Sammarco will take charge for Friday’s fixture.
The out-of-form hosts were thrashed 4-0 by Cagliari in what proved to be Zanetti's final match in charge. The Italian head coach paid the price for a disastrous campaign that leaves Verona second bottom of the table with just 14 points from 23 fixtures.
A lack of defensive reliability remains the biggest issue for I Gialloblu. Verona conceded 41 goals in 23 Serie A games this season - the worst record in Serie A.
Frequently involved in high-scoring outcomes at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, an average of 2.72 goals per game were scored in the hosts' 11 Serie A home fixtures this season.
Poor Pisa Sack Gillardino
Pisa come into Friday's fixture after a 3-1 defeat to Sassuolo, a result that prompted the dismissal of head coach Alberto Gilardino. Former IF Elfsborg boss Oscar Hiljemark has since been appointed as his replacement.
I Nerazzurri have been in dire form, failing to win any of 12 previous Serie A fixtures. The struggling hosts now sit 19th in the division, ahead of Verona on goal difference only.
On the road, Pisa have been a reliable choice for goal chasers this season. An average of 3.8 goals per game were scored in 11 away Serie A games since August.
Nine of those 11 matches finished with both teams on the scoresheet.
Predicted Lineups and Team News
Verona (3-5-2) Simone Perilli; Tobias Slotsager, Victor Nelsson, Nicolas Valentini; Pol Lirola, Antoine Bernede, Sandi Lovric, Abdou Harroui, Martin Frese; Daniel Mosquera, Gift Orban.
Verona have five potential absentees this weekend. Rafik Belghali and Tomas Suslov are ruled out, while Amin Sarr is suspended. Roberto Gagliardini and Armel Bella-Kotchap face late fitness tests.
Pisa (3-4-2-1) Simone Scuffet; Simone Canestrelli, Antonio Caracciolo, Rosen Bozhinov; Idrissa Toure, Marius Marin, Michel Aebischer, Samuele Angori; Stefano Moreo, Matteo Tramoni; Henrik Meistec.
Pisa boss Oscar Hiljemark has a handful of selection issues. Raul Albiol, Adrian Semper, Isak Vural and Juan Cuadrado are set to remain sidelined, while Daniel Denoon remains doubtful.