Pisa’s story this season reads like a tale of near misses and narrow margins. Alberto Gilardino’s men finally saw their six-match unbeaten streak snapped by Inter Milan last weekend, but the cracks had already been showing. They’ve drawn seven of their 13 games, that’s a lot of “almosts” for a team still stuck in the relegation zone. Scoring remains the main headache, with the Nerazzurri finding the net only once at home all season. Can they turn all that cautious resilience into a win when it matters most? It’s hard to say, especially with their lengthy injury list and a front line that’s struggled for rhythm.

Still, Pisa’s defense has been remarkably steady. They’ve conceded just 0.57 goals per match, one of the lowest rates among the bottom clubs. Their home fixtures have produced a total of only five goals, the fewest of any ground in the league. That makes every chance, every misplaced pass, feel a little heavier. Gilardino’s men thrive on compactness, discipline, and that bit of grit that frustrates opponents but rarely leads to fireworks. Monday’s game could be another grind.

Parma arrive in Tuscany with their own share of frustration. Two straight defeats, to Udinese and Bologna, have taken a toll, both mentally and physically. Carlos Cuesta’s side are struggling to turn effort into end product, scoring just 0.5 goals per match on average. Their last win on the road came against Verona, but that feels like a lifetime ago. The Crusaders’ defense has been leaky at times, conceding an average of 1.17 per game, yet their attack hasn’t done enough to balance it out. That’s a bold approach, or maybe just survival mode kicking in.

Even so, Parma hold a slight psychological edge, unbeaten in their last three visits to Pisa. They also did the double over them in Serie B last season, which might just spark a little belief. But this isn’t the same division, and both teams look more cautious than ever. Expect a cagey affair where every goal feels like gold dust. It’s the kind of match where one mistake, or one flash of inspiration, could define an entire month. Fans hoping for a spectacle might have to settle for tension instead, because this feels like one of those tight, tactical chess matches that Serie A does best. Those looking for measured insights will find plenty more in our Serie A Predictions updates each week.

Mateo Pellegrino continues to shine for Parma, establishing himself as the team’s leading scorer under Cuesta. With seven goals across Serie A and the Coppa Italia—including decisive braces against Torino and Verona—the 2001-born striker has been crucial to Parma’s few league victories. Pellegrino says he remains focused on Parma’s growth while joking about scoring more for a teammate who picked him in Fantacalcio. Source: derbyderbyderby.it