Nothing less than a win will do as AC Milan travel to Pisa on Friday night.

AC Milan travel to Pisa on Friday night knowing there is little room for error. With the Serie A title race still alive, anything less than three points against one of the division’s strugglers would represent a costly setback.

The Rossoneri remain Inter Milan’s nearest challengers, currently trailing their city rivals by eight points, though they do have a game in hand. Since suffering a stunning defeat to Cremonese on the opening weekend, Milan have responded with remarkable consistency, stringing together a 22-match unbeaten run in the league, the longest active streak across Europe’s top five divisions.

Their only blemishes since the summer have come in knockout competitions, falling short against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana and Lazio in the Coppa Italia. Domestically, however, Milan have been relentlessly efficient. A convincing 3-0 victory over Bologna last time out underlined both their control and maturity, and also served as payback for last season’s painful cup final loss.

The scheduling reshuffle surrounding their postponed clash with Como has handed Massimiliano Allegri’s side a rare stretch of recovery time, something that could prove vital with a pivotal Derby della Madonnina looming on the horizon. But before turning their focus to Inter, Milan must first handle business in Tuscany.

Their previous meeting with Pisa earlier this season was far from straightforward. The promoted side stunned San Siro by pushing Milan to the brink, only for a stoppage-time equaliser from Zachary Athekame to salvage a 2-2 draw. That result extended Pisa’s wait for a first-ever Serie A win over Milan, a fixture that has historically been one-sided, with the Tuscan club managing just three draws and 10 defeats.

This season has been a struggle for Pisa since their return to the top flight. Sitting six points adrift of safety, they have found wins hard to come by, managing just one so far. A change in leadership came ahead of last weekend’s relegation six-pointer against Hellas Verona, with Alberto Gilardino di smissed and Oscar Hiljemark stepping in.

The new manager’s tenure began with a goalless stalemate, a result that summed up Pisa’s campaign. They have drawn half of their league fixtures and have struggled badly in attack, particularly at home. Until recently, they had scored only once in their opening 10 matches on their own turf, though there have been slight signs of improvement in the last two outings.

Hiljemark, still early in his managerial journey, faces a daunting challenge in steering Pisa toward survival. Facing a title-chasing Milan side brimming with momentum is hardly the ideal assignment. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.

Team News & Tactics

Pisa SC

Pisa head into this fixture still dealing with a number of selection concerns that continue to disrupt stability within the squad. Experienced defender Raul Albiol remains unavailable, while Daniel Denoon and Isak Vural are also sidelined through injury. First-choice goalkeeper Adrian Semper is still struggling with fitness issues and faces a late assessment ahead of kickoff.

Adding to their problems, midfielder Marius Marin will miss this match due to suspension after accumulating bookings. Oscar Hiljemark is expected to persist with a three-man defensive setup as he looks to add structure and defensive security against Milan’s attacking threat.

In goal, Simone Scuffet is likely to deputise if Semper fails to recover in time. The back three should consist of Simone Canestrelli operating on the right side of defence, veteran centre-back Antonio Caracciolo anchoring the middle, and Rosen Bozhinov positioned on the left.

Across midfield, Pisa are set to rely on the width and energy of Idrissa Toure on the right flank and Samuele Angori on the left, both functioning as wing-backs tasked with balancing defensive responsibility and forward support. In central midfield, Felipe Loyola is expected to partner Michel Aebischer, forming the double pivot responsible for screening the defence and initiating transitions.

Further forward, the creative burden is likely to fall on Filip Stojilkovic and Stefano Moreo, who will operate as dual attacking midfielders behind the main striker. Leading the line should be January arrival Rafiu Durosinmi, who has already made an encouraging impact since joining and will be tasked with providing Pisa’s primary attacking outlet.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Scuffet; Canestrelli, Caracciolo, Bozhinov; Toure, Loyola, Aebischer, Angori; Stojilkovic, Moreo; Durosinmi

AC Milan

AC Milan approach this fixture in relatively strong physical condition, having benefited from a full week without competitive action. Christian Pulisic is expected to return to the matchday squad after recovering from a minor issue, while Alexis Saelemaekers is also pushing to be available, though he continues to be monitored due to an adductor problem.

The only confirmed absentee for this encounter is Santiago Gimenez, who remains sidelined through injury. With no suspensions affecting the squad, Massimiliano Allegri has a largely complete group to choose from. The abundance of attacking options offers flexibility in the final third.

Alongside Pulisic’s potential return, Christopher Nkunku, Niclas Fullkrug, and Rafael Leao are all competing for starting roles, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains capable of operating in a more advanced position if required. Adrien Rabiot has been particularly influential away from home this season, contributing consistently in attacking phases and adding to Milan’s midfield dynamism.

Allegri is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation to maintain balance between defensive solidity and attacking control. In goal, Mike Maignan will start as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. The defensive trio is set to feature Koni De Winter on the right side of the backline, Matteo Gabbia centrally, and Strahinja Pavlovic on the left.

In midfield, Zachary Athekame is likely to operate as the right wing-back, with Davide Bartesaghi providing width on the left. The central midfield unit should consist of Youssouf Fofana anchoring the middle, Luka Modric acting as the deep-lying playmaker, and Adrien Rabiot offering energy and attacking support from a more advanced midfield role.

Up front, Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leao are expected to form the attacking partnership, combining Nkunku’s movement and link-up play with Leao’s pace and direct threat in the final third.

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Athekame, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Leao

Key Stats

• AC Milan are currently on a 22-match unbeaten run in Serie A, the longest ongoing streak across Europe’s top five leagues.
• Pisa have managed just one league win since their return to the top flight this season and sit six points adrift of safety heading into this fixture.
• The Tuscan side have drawn half of their league matches so far.
• Milan remain unbeaten in all previous Serie A meetings with Pisa, recording 10 wins and three draws in the fixture’s history.
• Pisa struggled badly in attack at home earlier in the campaign, scoring only once in their first 10 home matches before finding the net in each of their last two outings.

Player to Watch

Rafael Leao

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Rafael Leao could once again be the difference-maker for AC Milan in a fixture where breaking down a compact defensive setup may prove decisive. The Portuguese forward remains Milan’s most unpredictable attacking outlet, capable of turning quiet spells into moments of genuine threat with his acceleration, close control, and direct running.

Operating in a front pairing or drifting into wider channels, Leao’s ability to stretch defensive lines often creates space not only for himself but also for teammates arriving from midfield. Against a Pisa side likely to sit deep and prioritise defensive organisation, his willingness to take on defenders and carry the ball into dangerous areas could be vital in unsettling their structure.

Beyond his pace, Leao has added greater composure to his decision-making in the final third this season. Whether delivering the decisive pass or applying the finishing touch himself, he brings a cutting edge that Milan will rely upon in what could otherwise become a frustrating contest.

Prediction

Pisa SC 0-2 AC Milan

Given the contrast in form, squad depth, and attacking quality, AC Milan enter this contest as clear favourites. Pisa’s defensive setup may help them remain competitive for stretches, but their lack of consistent goal threat makes it difficult to see them sustaining resistance over 90 minutes.

With AC Milan’s midfield control and the individual brilliance of players like Rafael Leao likely to create decisive openings, the visitors should have enough to secure a professional result.