At the Arena Garibaldi on Saturday, October 18, Alberto Gilardino’s Pisa hosts Paolo Zanetti’s Hellas Verona in one of the most delicate fixtures of Serie A Matchday 7. These are two teams still without a win in this league campaign, currently sitting last and third from bottom respectively, separated by just one point. The Tuscan side must try to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a crucial victory that would boost their survival hopes and allow them to overtake the Gialloblù in the standings. Another defeat, however, could make their situation even more precarious. Hellas Verona, meanwhile, have earned plenty of praise for their proactive style of play, but after several good performances, it’s time to start collecting points to climb out of the relegation zone and win their first direct battle for survival this season. Although it’s only Matchday 7 of Serie A, this clash already feels like a key crossroads for Pisa and Hellas Verona — two sides struggling not only in the standings but also in front of goal.
Pisa's Form and Key Statistics
Coming off a heavy 4-0 defeat against Bologna, Pisa are going through a rough period. In their last five matches across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, they’ve suffered 4 losses and earned just 1 draw, with an average of 0.4 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per game.
Alberto Gilardino’s men remain winless this season, and it’s no surprise they sit bottom of the league with just 2 points (2 draws and 4 defeats). Pisa currently have one of the weakest attacks in Serie A, with only 3 goals scored in six matches, and the second-worst defense, having conceded 10 (1.67 per match).
Their home form is also a major concern: the first three Serie A games played at the Arena Garibaldi ended with 2 defeats and 1 draw. Even more worrying, Pisa have yet to score a single home goal this season — not finding the net against Roma, Udinese, or Fiorentina.
Hellas Verona's Form and Key Statistics
It’s a difficult moment for Hellas Verona as well, who were beaten 1-0 at home by Sassuolo in their latest Serie A fixture. More broadly, the Scaligeri are winless in their last five official matches, collecting 3 draws and 2 defeats, with an average of just 0.2 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game.
After six Serie A rounds, Paolo Zanetti’s side sit in the relegation zone with only 3 points (3 draws and 3 defeats), averaging 0.33 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match. The Gialloblù currently hold the worst attacking record in the league, with just 2 goals scored in six games, and have failed to score in their last two outings against Roma and Sassuolo.
Away from the Bentegodi, Hellas have earned 1 draw and suffered 2 defeats, scoring only once and conceding an average of 2.34 goals per game. These numbers must improve quickly if they hope to remain in Serie A.
Pisa vs Hellas Verona Prediction by BetMines
With both teams struggling and of similar technical level, home advantage could prove decisive. Pisa know that matches like this are the ones they must win at all costs if they want to have any chance of survival by the end of the season.
According to BetMines, Pisa have a 47% chance of winning, the draw stands at 29%, and a Hellas Verona victory at 24%.
In terms of goals, both sides have shown clear offensive limitations. Pisa have yet to score at home, while Verona have failed to find the net in their last two away games.
Considering these factors, BetMines tips the outcomes “Under 2.5 Goals” and “Both Teams to Score – No”, with respective probabilities of 59% and 54%. This suggests a tight, low-scoring relegation battle where both sides, set up with similar formations, will rely on their most technical players — Orban and Tramoni above all — to find the decisive play.
Probable Lineups Pisa vs Hellas Verona
PISA (3-5-2): Semper; Canestrelli, Albiol, Caracciolo; Cuadrado, Hojholt, Akinsanmiro, Marin, Leris; Tramoni, Nzola. Coach: Gilardino
HELLAS VERONA (3-5-2): Montipò; Unai Nunez, Nelsson, Frese; Belghali, Serdar, Gagliardini, Bernede, Bradaric; Giovane, Orban. Coach: Zanetti
