The Coppa Italia round of 32 features an intriguing Tuscan derby between Pisa and Empoli on August 17, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 at the Romeo Anconetani. Separated by only a few dozen kilometres, the two clubs enter this fixture with strong regional identities but contrasting recent records. Pisa are working toward an immediate return to the top division following relegation, while Empoli are embracing change by placing greater emphasis on young players developed through their own academy. The cup meeting offers both teams an important competitive test before the beginning of the league campaign.

Pisa Recent Form and Key Statistics

Pisa approach the derby after a notable 4-1 victory over Bologna on August 8, 2026. That result demonstrated their scoring potential and provides encouragement ahead of a home match carrying both regional significance and Coppa Italia consequences. Across their last five matches, Pisa have recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats, scoring an average of 2.4 goals per game while conceding 1.2. Those figures point to a side capable of producing regularly in attack, although its defensive record leaves room for improvement.

The longer-term statistics underline that concern. Pisa have conceded at least once in each of their last 14 matches, including their previous 13 home fixtures. Their inability to consistently protect a clean sheet could give Empoli opportunities, even if the home side controls significant periods of the contest. There is also a clear second-half pattern: at least one goal has been scored after the interval in Pisa's last 11 home matches. This makes the latter stages particularly relevant when assessing how the derby may develop.

Other sequences supplied for Pisa show a difficult broader run, including nine consecutive defeats and no victory in 26 of their last 27 matches. They have also failed to lead at half-time in 36 of their previous 38 games, while losing at the interval in each of the last three. These trends contrast sharply with the recent win over Bologna and the balanced five-match record, but they still highlight how important it will be for Pisa to establish confidence early rather than allowing pressure to build.

Expectations around the club are nevertheless substantial. Pisa are presented as one of the leading candidates in Serie B, with their recent relegation and squad investment supporting the ambition of an immediate promotion challenge. The appointment of Bianco, described as experienced in this type of pursuit, further reflects that objective. In the stated Coppa Italia ranking, Pisa are listed first, and home advantage gives them another potentially useful factor in this knockout assignment.

Empoli Recent Form and Key Statistics

Empoli prepared for the cup fixture with a 1-1 draw against Livorno on August 8, 2026. Their overall form across the last five matches is unbeaten, comprising two victories and three draws. During that sequence, they averaged 2.6 goals scored and only 0.8 conceded per game. Compared with Pisa's five-match numbers, Empoli arrive with the stronger defensive average and a slightly higher scoring rate, giving the visitors a credible platform for the derby.

Their Coppa Italia record also contains several consistent goal trends. Empoli's last 16 matches in the competition have all produced more than 1.5 total goals, while they have conceded at least once in each of those 16 fixtures. At least one second-half goal has been scored in their last 16 matches overall and in their previous 10 Coppa Italia games. The same pattern extends to each of their last 20 away matches, indicating that the game may become increasingly open after the break.

Empoli's away data offer further clues. More than 7.5 corners have been taken in 19 of their last 20 matches on the road, while eight of their previous nine away games have been level at half-time. That combination suggests that their trips have often remained balanced through the opening period before developing later. In a knockout derby, patience could therefore be especially important for a visiting side that has repeatedly reached the interval on even terms.

The club is described as entering a period of change, with a clear focus on home-grown talent and young players from its academy. This approach gives the squad a distinct identity, although the Coppa Italia match represents a demanding examination against opponents investing with promotion in mind. Empoli are listed second in the supplied Coppa Italia ranking, directly behind Pisa, but their unbeaten five-game sequence means they travel with positive recent momentum.

Pisa vs Empoli Match Analysis

The available statistics create a more balanced picture than the pre-match expectations described around the fixture. Pisa have home advantage, an emphatic recent victory and a clear long-term objective to rebuild after relegation. Their average of 2.4 goals across the last five matches confirms that they possess attacking output. However, the repeated concession of at least one goal, particularly across 13 consecutive home games, prevents defensive security from being taken for granted.

Empoli, meanwhile, have avoided defeat in their last five outings and posted encouraging averages at both ends of the pitch. Their tendency to draw at half-time away from home could make the opening period cautious and closely contested. Yet the strong second-half goal sequences surrounding both teams indicate that the match may change after the interval, whether through increased attacking intent, tiredness or the need to settle a knockout tie.

The most recent head-to-head meeting ended 1-1 on February 20, 2021. Across the supplied head-to-head summary from Pisa's perspective, the record stands at one win, one draw and three defeats, with Pisa averaging 1.4 goals scored and 1.8 conceded. That history favours Empoli overall, but the current preview must also account for Pisa's home setting and their 4-1 preparation result. With both clubs showing scoring ability and neither carrying a flawless defensive trend, this Tuscan Coppa Italia derby has the ingredients for a competitive contest whose decisive moments may arrive in the second half.