Overview
With a 7-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, AC Milan has now earned 16 points in Serie A, after an emotional comeback victory over Fiorentina last weekend.
The home team was behind after nearly half an hour of play, but Rafael Leao scored 2 goals to seal the victory for Milan. Leao's first goal ended a goal drought at San Siro that lasted about 17 months, and created momentum to help him complete his double from the penalty spot.
Un impressed by midweek matches in Europe, coach Massimiliano Allegri had a smooth start to his second reign at Milan, while extinguishing speculation about Scudetto's competitiveness.
With Leao in good form up front and Luka Modric regulating the midfield smoothly, Rossoneri fans have reason to expect their fourth consecutive home win.
After defeating Bologna, Napoli and Fiorentina - even in the context of missing a number of players due to injuries - Milan is expected to continue to maintain its record against newly promoted opponents.
History is leaning towards the home team. Pisa faced Milan 12 times in the top flight of Italy, but lost 10 and only won 2 points.
In fact, the Tuscany club has not even scored in the last 9 matches against Milan - a number that reflects their performance in Serie A this season.
So far, Pisa have only scored 3 goals and earned 3 points - their worst start ever in Serie A and are still waiting for their first victory since promotion.
Coach Alberto Gilardino's team kept a clean sheet in the most recent opening match, but still could not defeat Hellas Verona right at home. The disappointing 0-0 draw left Pisa still stuck at the bottom of the rankings, equal in points with Genoa and Fiorentina.
Personnel situation
Although Milan is leading Serie A, the list of absent players will limit the choice of Massimiliano Allegri.
Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are all sidelined, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still struggling with injuries and has to train separately.
The good news for the Rossoneri is that Christopher Nkunku will be fit to play after missing the match against Fiorentina due to a toe injury. The Frenchman is likely to be on the bench, while Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez will start in the striker position.
On Pisa's side, Idrissa Toure returned after suspension and had the opportunity to regain his position on the right wing. However, Calvin Stengs (closed), Tomas Esteves (closed) and Mateus Lusuardi (knee injury) are still absent, in which Lusuardi will be out until 2026.
Alberto Gilardino will continue to trust the striker pair M'Bala Nzola and Stefano Moreo, while Inter's loan player, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, is likely to feature in midfield.
Expected lineup:
AC Milan: Maignan, Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi, Leao, Gimenez.
Pisa: Semper, Canestrelli, Albiol, Caracciolo, Toure, Akinsanmiro, Aebischer, Marin, Leris, Moreo, Nzola.
The match between AC Milan and Pisa takes place at 1:45 am on October 25 (Vietnam time).
