Match Introduction

The opening match of the Serie A season sees Atalanta host Pisa on August 24th at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. This fixture will be a crucial early test for both sides, with Atalanta aiming for a strong start and newly promoted Pisa looking to make a statement. Below, we delve into the comprehensive match preview, statistical analysis, and expert betting tips.

Atalanta Overview

Season Review and Current Form

In the previous Serie A campaign, the Bergamo-based club achieved a historic third-place finish, equaling their best-ever performance in the league. Accumulating 74 points, they trailed champions Napoli by a mere eight points. Atalanta’s offensive prowess was particularly noteworthy last season, with their 78 goals scored placing them second only to Inter (79). However, their home form was somewhat inconsistent, as they ranked only eighth in the league for points secured at home (32). During the summer pre-season, the team participated in six friendly matches, recording three victories, one draw, and two defeats.

Squad Changes and New Leadership

The off-season has brought significant changes to Atalanta’s squad. Midfielder Nikola Zalewski, along with forwards Nikola Krstovic and Kamal Sulemana, have joined the club. Departures include defenders Rafael Toloi and Matteo Ruggeri, as well as last season’s top scorer, Mateo Retegui. Furthermore, the club has appointed Ivan Juric as their new head coach, signaling a new era for the team.

Key Statistics for Atalanta

• The club has failed to win 9 out of their last 11 home matches in Serie A (5 draws, 4 losses).
• No more than two goals were scored in 7 of the team’s previous 9 home league matches.
• Atalanta failed to score in the second half in 7 of their last 9 home Serie A fixtures.

Atalanta’s Provisional Lineup (3-4-3)

Marco Carnesecchi – Odilon Kossounou, Isak Hien, Berat Djimsiti – Raoul Bellanova, Marten de Roon, Ederson, Davide Zappacosta – Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca, Lazar Samardzic.

Team News

Defender Sead Kolasinac will miss the match due to injury.

Pisa Overview

Promotion and Recent Form

Last season, Pisa competed in Serie B, securing promotion to the top flight by finishing second with 76 points. This marks their return to Italy’s elite division for the first time since the 1990/91 season. Notably, Pisa had an excellent away record in the previous Serie B campaign, ranking second for points collected on the road (33) and fewest goals conceded away from home (18). In the pre-season, Pisa played five friendly matches, suffering only one defeat (3 wins, 1 draw).

New Signings and Coaching Staff

During the summer transfer window, the club strengthened its squad with several new players, including goalkeeper Simone Scuffet, midfielders Isak Vural, Michel Aebischer, and Juan Cuadrado, as well as forward M’Bala Nzola. Alberto Gilardino has also been appointed as the new head coach.

Key Statistics for Pisa

• The team has remained undefeated in 7 of their last 10 away matches in Serie B (5 wins, 2 draws).
• Pisa scored at least two goals in 4 of their previous 5 away league fixtures.
• Pisa conceded no more than one goal in 10 of their last 11 away Serie B matches.

Pisa’s Provisional Lineup (3-5-2)

Adrian Semper – Simone Canestrelli, Antonio Caracciolo, Arturo Calabresi – Idrissa Touré, Michel Aebischer, Marius Marin, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuele Angori – Matteo Tramoni, M’Bala Nzola.

Team News

Defender Matheus Luzuardi is currently injured.

Referee Analysis

Alberto Arena (Italy)

Referee Statistics (2024/25 Serie A & Serie B)

Matches officiated – 15;

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 69;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 30;

Penalties awarded – 13%.

Match Prediction: Atalanta vs Pisa

Atalanta’s Home Form Concerns

In the previous season, Atalanta had the potential for an even higher league finish, but their home results were often a stumbling block. Over their last 11 Serie A home matches, Atalanta managed only two victories (5 draws, 4 losses). Notably, during this period, they dropped points against teams like Parma, Lecce, Venezia, and Cagliari. Even in their victories, the margins were often narrow: in their last 14 home league games, Atalanta won by more than one goal on just a single occasion.

Pisa’s Potential for Resilience

Pisa has been absent from Italy’s top division for a long time, but I believe they are fully capable of putting up a strong fight against Atalanta. Their impressive away statistics from last season support this view: in 19 away matches, the club suffered only six defeats, with just one of those being by a handicap of more than one goal. Furthermore, in 15 of their away matches in the previous Serie B campaign, Pisa conceded a maximum of one goal.

Final Verdict

I anticipate that the Serie A newcomer will demonstrate a respectable performance. Therefore, my forecast is: “Pisa Asian Handicap (+1.5)” .