Genoa vs Pisa: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 3, 2026
On Saturday, January 3, in a Matchday 18 Serie A clash, Genoa will host Pisa at their home ground. For a closer look at the teams’ form and a detailed match prediction, read on below.
Match preview
Genoa had to change head coaches during the season: the legendary Italian Daniele De Rossi replaced French manager Patrick Vieira, who had been out of work for over a year since leaving Roma. De Rossi's start in Genoa was promising—the team picked up seven points in his first three matches and climbed out of the relegation zone.
However, that momentum soon faded: in the next three games, the Griffins failed to earn a single point. Still, those matches came against tough opposition—Inter, Atalanta, and Roma—so expecting positive results was a tall order.
Despite those defeats, Genoa have not dropped back into the relegation zone and currently sit two points clear of the danger line. With the toughest fixtures behind them, the team now has a chance to collect points again—especially in this clash against Pisa. That said, Genoa have some notable absences: Albert Gronbaek, Junior Messias, and Maxwel Cornet—all players who could have strengthened the squad—are unavailable. On the bright side, first-choice goalkeeper Nicola Leali returns after serving a suspension picked up against Atalanta.
Pisa, meanwhile, are stuck in the relegation zone. The team has collected just 11 points and sits second from bottom, ahead of only Fiorentina. A win over Genoa would lift the "Towers" out of the drop zone and above their nearest rival. Unlike their opponents, Pisa have not changed managers, although their results remain dismal. If things don’t improve, Alberto Gilardino’s dismissal seems inevitable. Notably, Gilardino previously managed Genoa and was also sacked due to poor results.
Pisa’s last victory came back in early November, when they edged Cremonese 1-0 thanks to a goal from German midfielder Idrissa Toure. Since then, they’ve suffered four defeats and two draws. Additionally, the African Cup of Nations means Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is unavailable, and team star Juan Cuadrado remains sidelined with the injury he picked up in that very win over Cremonese.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Genoa have conceded in each of their last eleven matches.
- Eight of Genoa’s last nine matches have featured over two goals.
- Four of Pisa’s last five matches have seen fewer than three goals scored.
- Pisa have conceded first in four of their last five matches.
- These teams have met only twice, both times in Serie B. Genoa won one of those encounters, while the other ended in a draw. Pisa have never beaten Genoa in a head-to-head matchup.
Probable lineups
- Genoa: Leali - Marcandalli, Østigård, Vásquez - Norton-Cuffy, Malinovskyi, Frendrup, Ellertsson, Martín - Vitinha, Colombo
- Pisa: Šemper - Calabresi, Caracciolo, Canestrelli - Touré, Piccinini, Aebischer, Vural, Angori - Tramoni, Nzola
Prediction
With Daniele De Rossi at the helm, Genoa have shown significant improvement. Despite recent setbacks, it’s important to consider the quality of their opposition—these were much stronger teams. Even in those tough fixtures, the Griffins displayed solid football at times. Against a side like Pisa, Genoa should be looking to claim all three points. My prediction: a win for Genoa.
