Napoli will be eager to put their midweek European setback behind them when they host newly-promoted Pisa in Serie A. Antonio Conte’s men started their title defence in flawless fashion, winning their opening three league matches, but the momentum was checked by a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.
Playing with ten men for more than an hour certainly influenced that result, yet Napoli remain unbeaten in 15 league games (W10, D5) the longest such streak in Europe’s top five leagues and with Rasmus Hojlund who was brought on loan from Manchester united leading the line it looks straightforward for Napoli.
Pisa’s return to the top flight has been less than inspiring. Their 1-0 loss to Udinese last weekend means they are still searching for their first Serie A win in 34 years. Alberto Gilardino’s men have now failed to score in back-to-back league matches, and the fixture list has been unkind.
Napoli’s Official starting XI uploaded via the clubs official X account:
Three of their first four games have come against European regulars, while five of their next six fixtures are against teams that finished in the top half last season. Facing the champions away from home may be their sternest test yet, especially as Pisa have never beaten the reigning Scudetto holders (D4, L10).
History also favours Napoli, who defeated Pisa 3-1 in their last competitive clash back in a 2007 Coppa Italia tie. The Partenopei are unbeaten in 12 Serie A home games (W9, D3), with six clean sheets during that run. They have also struck first in 15 of their last 20 league matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Kevin De Bruyne, who was substituted early in midweek, is expected to play a key role again after scoring twice in his first three Serie A outings. For Pisa, Stefano Moreo could be their biggest threat, having netted the opener in four of his last six scoring appearances.
With Amir Rrahmani still unavailable for Napoli and Juan Cuadrado sidelined for Pisa, both managers will need to rely on depth to navigate this encounter.
