The 21st round of Serie A opens with a clash between two sides wearing black and blue as Pisa host Atalanta at the Cetilar Arena on Friday, January 16, 2026. The home team are still searching for consistency in their first top-flight campaign since 1991, while the visitors arrive in excellent form and aiming to close the gap on the European spots. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time, and both teams will be eager to start the weekend with a statement performance.

Pisa’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Pisa remain in the relegation zone, sitting 19th in the Serie A table and four points away from safety. Their 2-2 draw against Udinese last weekend extended their winless run to nine matches. Despite taking the lead and showing some attacking intent through Henrik Meister and Matteo Tramoni, defensive lapses once again cost them valuable points. The team’s overall record this season stands at just one win, ten draws, and nine defeats, averaging 0.8 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match.

At home, Pisa have struggled to turn performances into victories. They have recorded Under 3.5 goals in each of their last 11 home games, and Under 1.5 goals at half time in the same period. In fact, at least one team failed to score in all of their last ten home Serie A fixtures. The pattern suggests a cautious approach and limited attacking efficiency in front of their fans. Pisa have not won in 21 of their last 22 matches overall, and have failed to lead at half time in 19 of their last 20 league games. Their tendency to draw is notable — ten stalemates so far make them the “draw kings” of Serie A.

In terms of personnel, Pisa are missing several players. Defender Antonio Caracciolo is suspended, while Juan Cuadrado, Raul Albiol, Calvin Stengs, and Mateus Lusuardi are sidelined through injury. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is away on international duty, but new signing Rafiu Durosinmi could make his Serie A debut as an attacking reinforcement. The home side will need to find a way to break their scoring drought at the Cetilar Arena, where they have failed to score in nine of their ten matches without a win.

Atalanta’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Atalanta travel to Tuscany in excellent shape, having beaten Torino 2-0 in their last outing. That result marked their fifth victory in the last six Serie A matches, with Charles De Ketelaere and Mario Pasalic on the scoresheet. The Bergamo side currently sit seventh in the table, boasting a record of eight wins, seven draws, and five losses, averaging 1.3 goals scored and just 1.0 conceded per game. Their defensive solidity has been a key factor, with three consecutive clean sheets in the league.

Interestingly, Atalanta have not drawn any of their last 15 matches, showing a clear trend toward decisive outcomes. They have also led at half time in each of their last three Serie A games, underlining their ability to start strongly. Away from home, the team has improved significantly, winning their last two league trips without conceding. In 37 of their last 40 matches, at least one team failed to score in the first half, reflecting their disciplined defensive structure.

In terms of squad news, Berat Djimsiti remains doubtful, while Odilon Kossounou has returned from international duty and could feature. Ademola Lookman is still away at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Sead Kolasinac, Raoul Bellanova, and Mitchel Bakker are unavailable due to injuries. Despite these absences, Atalanta’s attacking options remain strong, with Nicola Zalewski and Charles De Ketelaere expected to support either Nikola Krstovic or Gianluca Scamacca up front. The visitors’ recent momentum and tactical balance make them clear favorites heading into this fixture.

Pisa vs Atalanta Analysis and Prediction

This encounter pits one of Serie A’s most struggling sides against one of its most in-form teams. Pisa’s inability to convert draws into wins has left them in a precarious position, while Atalanta’s resurgence under Raffaele Palladino has reignited their push for a top-four finish. The hosts’ defensive approach and low-scoring home record suggest another tight contest, but Atalanta’s superior quality and confidence should ultimately prevail.

Historically, Pisa have failed to beat Atalanta in their recent meetings, with the last head-to-head ending 1-1 in August 2025. Given the current form and statistical trends, the visitors appear well-positioned to extend their winning streak. Pisa’s lack of goals at home, combined with Atalanta’s defensive consistency, points toward a controlled away performance.

Pisa vs Atalanta prediction by BetMines:
Atalanta win (2) with 59% probability.