Atalanta vs Pisa Predictions

• Just one of Atalanta’s last four Serie A openers has seen both teams score
• Both teams have not scored in four of Pisa’s last five competitive away matches
• New Atalanta boss Ivan Juric’s style is more defensive than predecessor Gian Piero Gasperini

All change in Atalanta

After nearly a decade of high-octane football under Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta enter a new era under Ivan Juric when they play host to promoted Pisa on Sunday. The Bergamaschi faithful will be hoping for a smooth transition, but early signs suggest a more cautious approach may be in store.

Juric inherits a squad with depth but also uncertainty. Ademola Lookman is pushing for a move and won’t feature, while injuries to Sead Kolašinac and Mitchel Bakker leave the backline short on experience.

The signing of Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic, who scored 11 Serie A goals last term, will provide competition for the rarely prolific Gianluca Scamacca up front.

Pisa will be out to frustrate

Pisa, meanwhile, return to Serie A for the first time since 1991, but history is not on their side. They’ve been relegated in five of their six previous top-flight campaigns, and new manager Alberto Gilardino — who replaced Filippo Inzaghi—faces a steep learning curve.

Pisa’s Coppa Italia clash with Cesena last weekend was a gritty, low-tempo affair that they won on penalties after a scoreless 90 minutes. Gilardino will likely adopt a similar approach in Bergamo, deploying Michel Aebischer and Juan Cuadrado to anchor midfield in front of a compact back three.

Pisa will aim to frustrate rather than entertain and that increases the likelihood of one or both teams being shut out. Atalanta’s midfield trio of Marten de Roon, Ederson (if fit), and Lazar Samardzic will be tasked with breaking down Pisa’s low block, but without Lookman’s pace or Mario Pasalic’s late runs, chances may be limited.