Italian Serie A Preview: Saturday, August 30, 2025
The Italian Serie A season is heating up on this late August afternoon, with four exciting matchups on the docket. As teams settle into their early-season rhythms, we’ll see if the momentum from opening weekend continues or if a new narrative is written.
Pisa vs. AS Roma
Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Arena Garibaldi – Stadio Romeo Anconetani, Pisa
This is a clash of old guard vs. new blood as newly-promoted Pisa hosts a revitalized AS Roma side under new management. Pisa will be looking to build on a historic opening draw, while Roma aims to maintain their winning start.
Recent Form:
- Pisa: Alberto Gilardino’s men got their Serie A campaign off to a flying start with a commendable 1-1 draw against a tough Atalanta side. The result was a testament to their defensive discipline and resilience. In the Coppa Italia, they advanced on penalties after a scoreless draw. Their pre-season was also solid, with three wins and two draws in six games.
- AS Roma: The Giallorossi began the season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bologna at home, courtesy of a goal from new signing Wesley. Under the tutelage of Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma had a strong pre-season, winning five of their six matches, and they’ve carried that winning mentality into the new season.
Managerial Battle & Tactical Breakdown:
- Pisa (Alberto Gilardino): Gilardino’s side is built on defensive solidity. Their recent performance against Atalanta showed a team willing to sit deep and absorb pressure. Expect them to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on compact lines and disciplined defending. They will rely on quick transitions and counter-attacks to create chances.
- AS Roma (Gian Piero Gasperini): Gasperini’s tactical approach is well-known for its high intensity and attacking flair. He has implemented a 3-4-2-1 formation at Roma, emphasizing a fluid and aggressive style. The team presses high up the pitch and seeks to dominate possession. With dynamic players in the final third, they are a constant threat.
Team News:
- Pisa: Pisa has a few injury concerns, with Tomas Esteves (cruciate ligament) and Isak Vural (ligament injury) sidelined. Mateus Lusuardi and Alexander Lind are also considered doubtful due to hamstring and other injury concerns. New signing Calvin Stengs is likely to feature from the bench.
- AS Roma: New loan signing Leon Bailey is out with a muscle injury. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is still recovering from hamstring tendon surgery and is unlikely to start, though he is in the squad. Paulo Dybala is back in training, but his match fitness is a question mark, so he might start on the bench.
Players to Watch:
- Pisa: Michel Aebischer: The midfielder was instrumental in Pisa’s draw against Atalanta and is a key figure in their midfield. His energy and ability to link up play will be crucial for Pisa’s transition game.
- AS Roma: Wesley: The young Brazilian forward, a new signing, made an immediate impact by scoring the winner against Bologna. His pace and finishing ability will be a constant headache for the Pisa defense.
Probable Lineups:
- Pisa (3-4-2-1): Semper; Caracciolo, Canestrelli, Denoon; Touré, Aebischer, Marin, Angori; Tramoni, Moreo; Nzola.
- AS Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Çelik, Mancini, Ndicka; Wesley, Koné, Cristante, Angelino; Soulé, Ferguson, El Shaarawy.
Manager Quotes:
- Alberto Gilardino (Pisa): “I’m happy, incredibly happy about this match—for the team’s performance, for everyone involved with Pisa. This is an important point, a historic one: after 34 years and 90 days, this jersey has returned to such a stage.” (1Speaking after the draw with Atalanta).
Prediction:
This will be a fascinating tactical battle. Pisa’s defensive organization will be tested to its limit by Roma’s relentless attack. While Pisa will fight hard and make it difficult, the individual quality of Gasperini’s side, particularly in the attack, is likely to be the difference.
- Pisa 1-2 AS Roma
Parma vs. Atalanta
Kick-off: 17:30
Venue: Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma
Both Parma and Atalanta are looking to get their first Serie A win of the season after stumbling in their opening matches.
Recent Form:
- Parma: The newly-promoted side had a tough start, losing 2-0 to Juventus. They struggled to create chances and will need to be much sharper against a strong Atalanta side.
- Atalanta: Gian Piero Gasperini’s old side could only manage a 1-1 home draw against Pisa, a result that will have left them frustrated. They will be eager to get their season back on track.
Managerial Battle & Tactical Breakdown:
- Parma: After a tough opening, Parma will likely look to tighten up defensively, perhaps adopting a more cautious approach than they did against Juventus.
- Atalanta: Atalanta’s manager, Ivan Juric, is known for his aggressive and high-pressing style, often deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation. They will look to dominate possession and overwhelm Parma with their attacking prowess.
Team News:
- Parma: Hernani, Jacob Ondrejka, and Matija Frigan are all sidelined with injuries.
- Atalanta: The visitors will be without Sead Kolasinac, who is expected to be out until December.
Prediction:
Atalanta, with their superior squad depth and tactical quality, will be too much for a Parma side still finding its feet in the top flight. Expect a dominant performance from La Dea.
- Parma 1-3 Atalanta
Bologna vs. Como
Kick-off: 17:30
Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna
This is a clash between two teams looking to bounce back from opening day defeats.
Recent Form:
- Bologna: Lost 1-0 to Roma in their season opener.
- Como: Lost 2-0 to Juventus.
Prediction:
Bologna will have the home advantage and will be hungry for their first points of the season. Como, despite their promotion, will likely struggle against a more established Serie A side.
- Bologna 2-0 Como
Napoli vs. Cagliari
Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
Napoli got their campaign off to a winning start and will be looking to build momentum at home against Cagliari.
Recent Form:
- Napoli: Won 2-0 against Sassuolo in their first match.
- Cagliari: Drew 1-1 with Fiorentina.
Prediction:
Napoli’s attacking firepower should be too much for Cagliari, who will likely sit deep and look to frustrate the home side. The Partenopei’s quality should see them secure all three points.
- Napoli 3-1 Cagliari
