As Juventus travel to Tuscany to face Pisa on Saturday evening, they do so with renewed confidence and momentum behind them. After a difficult and often turbulent year, the Bianconeri have found new life under Luciano Spalletti and are focused on closing 2025 with another victory as they continue their surge up the Serie A table.
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Juventus Looking to End the Year on a High
The past twelve months have hardly been smooth for Juventus, with instability both on and off the pitch shaping much of their recent history. Yet, in the final stretch of 2025, signs of revival are undeniable. Spalletti has restored balance, identity and discipline to a team that had struggled for direction under previous management.
Back-to-back wins in Serie A — first away to Bologna and then at home to Roma — showed a stronger, more energetic Juventus taking shape. Francisco Conceição opened the scoring against the Giallorossi, before Lois Openda netted his long-awaited first goal in Italy to seal a 2-1 win. That result pushed the Bianconeri to six victories in their last seven matches across all competitions, lifting them into the top five in Serie A and putting them within four points of league leaders Inter Milan.
After their progress in Europe and domestic cup competitions, Juventus now have the opportunity to sign off the calendar year in winning style — and history is firmly on their side.
A Fixture Loaded with History
Saturday’s clash will be the first Serie A meeting between Pisa and Juventus in decades. The two sides last met in the top flight nearly 35 years ago, when Juventus won 5-1 at the Arena Garibaldi thanks to goals from Pierluigi Casiraghi and Roberto Baggio. In total, Juve have never lost to Pisa in 14 encounters, winning ten of them.
While such statistics underline the gulf in experience and pedigree, Pisa will take comfort from their fearless attitude at home. Newly promoted and eager to make an impression, Alberto Gilardino’s side have pushed several top teams to their limits this season — even if the results haven’t always followed.
Pisa’s Form and Struggles
After a promising start upon their return to Serie A, Pisa have stumbled in recent weeks. They’ve lost three of their last four matches, including narrow defeats to direct rivals Lecce and Parma, leaving them 19th in the table. A hard-fought draw at Cagliari last weekend provided some relief, thanks to Stefano Moreo’s late equaliser, but the task remains daunting.
Tactical Outlook
Given Pisa’s willingness to attack, Spalletti may look to keep Juventus compact and organised, inviting the hosts forward before hitting on the break through Openda and Yildiz. The mobility of McKennie and Cambiaso on the wings will be key to maintaining balance, while Locatelli will anchor the midfield against Pisa’s pressing game.
For Gilardino’s men, the priority will be discipline and defensive solidity. Without Nzola, Pisa are likely to rely on Henrik Meister as a focal point up front, supported by Tramoni and Moreo looking to exploit any gaps on the counter.
Team News
Team selection poses additional challenges for Gilardino. Top scorer M’Bala Nzola is unavailable due to international duty with Angola at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Nigeria midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is also away with his country. Injury issues persist too, with Juan Cuadrado (hamstring) and Calvin Stengs (adductor) both sidelined. However, there are no fresh absences, allowing Gilardino to field a similar XI to the one that faced Cagliari.
Spalletti’s growing injury list continues to limit his defensive options. Daniele Rugani, who only recently returned from injury, is again unavailable, while Bremer remains doubtful after another setback. Federico Gatti’s absence further complicates matters, though Teun Koopmeiners — back from suspension — may once again drop into defence if necessary.
In attack, Kenan Yildiz is expected to start behind Lois Openda, who should retain his place after an impressive performance against Roma. Jonathan David offers an alternative if Spalletti opts for more link-up play, but Openda’s pace and movement seem better suited for a counter-attacking approach. Francisco Conceição is also a doubt after picking up a minor knock, meaning Edon Zhegrova could earn a start on the right if fit.
Probable Starting XI’s
Pisa (3-5-2): Semper; Canestrelli, Caracciolo, Bonfanti; Toure, Vural, Piccinini, Aebischer, Angori; Tramoni, Meister
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceição, Yildiz; Openda
Prediction
With Juventus rediscovering rhythm, structure and belief, they are well placed to end 2025 on a high. Pisa’s effort and commitment may keep the contest competitive early on, but the visitors’ quality and cohesion should ultimately make the difference.
Prediction: Pisa 0–2 Juventus
