Pisa vs Empoli: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview
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Match statistics: Pisa vs Empoli
💡 Match preview Pisa vs Empoli
By Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
The two Tuscan sides are no strangers to each other, and this season they will lock horns not only in the Coppa Italia but also in Serie B. For now, however, the focus is on a single-elimination cup tie that offers a fascinating contrast in styles. Pisa head into this match on the back of a highly productive preseason, highlighted by a thumping victory over Bologna. Empoli, by contrast, have shown a far more pragmatic approach during their summer friendlies and arrive with a clear game plan to stifle their hosts.
Tactical Analysis of Pisa
Last season was nothing short of a catastrophe for Pisa. The club finished dead last in Serie A, crashing out of the top flight with a humiliating 18 points from 38 matches. Their record was dire: just two wins, 24 defeats, and a goal difference of 26:71. The squad simply lacked the defensive solidity and overall resilience required to compete at the highest level of Italian football.
In response, the club made a decisive change in the dugout, appointing Paolo Bianco as head coach. The summer friendlies have already shown a clear shift in philosophy. Pisa recorded two emphatic victories: a stunning 4:1 away win over Bologna and a 6:1 demolition of Pavia. The only blemish was a 0:1 loss to modest Pro Vercelli. The team is clearly betting on an aggressive, attack-minded approach, attempting to paper over the chronic defensive frailties that have plagued them for years.
The midfield has undergone a significant overhaul. The marquee signing is the technically gifted playmaker Felipe Loyola, who will be paired with the experienced defensive midfielder Michel Ebischer. The flanks have also been reinforced with the additions of Tommaso Marras and Ishem Ferra. However, these arrivals were funded by the sale of powerful striker Rafiu Durosinmi to Genk and the departure of Alexander Lind to Nordsjaelland. As a result, while the engine room looks far more polished and deeper, the attacking line has lost its primary source of power and now appears vulnerable.
Tactical Analysis of Empoli
Empoli’s previous Serie B campaign was a struggle from start to finish. They scraped together 41 points from nine wins, 14 draws, and 15 losses, with a negative goal difference of 47:54. The team only narrowly avoided the relegation play-offs, a fate that would have been a severe blow.
The new season begins under the same manager, Guido Pagliuca, who was actually sacked last autumn before being surprisingly reinstated. The summer training camp has only reinforced the club’s defensive, low-block identity. All three friendlies were tight, low-scoring affairs: a narrow 1:0 win over Virtus Entella, and two 1:1 draws against Spezia and Livorno. There is no sign of a tactical revolution here.
The transfer window was a classic exercise in austerity. Empoli prioritized profit, cashing in on several key players. The most notable departure is creative central midfielder Tino Anjorin, along with the sales of Gabriele Guarino and Salvatore Elia. To fill the gaps, the club has turned to low-cost deals and loans. Veteran free agent Christian Cauz has been brought in to shore up the center of defense, while Karim Zedadka arrives on loan to add depth to the attacking options. The creative spark, however, has undoubtedly taken a hit with the loss of its leaders.
Predicted Lineups
Pisa (4-3-3): Loria; Calabresi, Caracciolo, Hermannsson, Beruatto; Marin, Nagy, Loyola; Marras, Torregrossa, Tramoni.
Empoli (4-3-1-2): Perisan; Stojanovic, Cauz, Luperto, Cacace; Haas, Henderson, Bandinelli; Baldanzi; Caputo, Destro.
Referee
The match will be officiated by Daniele Paterna, a referee known for allowing a physical game to flow. His tendency to keep his cards in his pocket could benefit the more aggressive, pressing side.
Prediction and Bet
Main Prediction: Pisa to Win at 1.83
Despite their relegation, Pisa boast a far stronger squad and a more potent attacking unit than their opponents. Their preseason form, with ten goals scored in three friendlies, is a clear indicator of their intent. Empoli, conversely, looked uninspired in the previous Serie B campaign and failed to beat even lower-league opposition like Livorno in their warm-up matches. The value lies with the home side. We assess the probability of a Pisa victory at 58%, which makes odds of 1.83 a solid betting opportunity.
Total Goals Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals at 2.01
Head-to-head meetings between these two sides have historically been high-scoring affairs. Four of the last five encounters have featured three or more goals. Pisa’s preseason has been built on an aggressive, forward-thinking game plan, but their defense remains leaky. Empoli, while defensively minded, are hardly one of the most reliable units in Serie B. The conditions are ripe for an open game with multiple goals. We estimate a 53% probability of this outcome, making odds of 2.01 a worthwhile play.
Dele Lawal is a football expert who has spent many years analyzing tournaments such as the EFL Cup, FIFA World Cup, Champions League, and Russian Super Cup. His analysis emphasizes current form, lineups, key statistics like expected goals and shots on target, and the impact of coaching decisions and fixture schedules. He maintains a disciplined, data-oriented approach to prediction, avoiding emotional bias and focusing on underlying performance indicators.
All articles by this author →The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Match odds Pisa vs Empoli
Result (1X2)
Double chance
Both teams to score
Over
Under
Handicap 1
Handicap 2
Correct score
To qualify
Predictions for Pisa vs Empoli
The majority of predictions in this Coppa Italia match are backing Pisa, but I'm taking the opposite side. I'm going with Empoli on a handicap of 0 at 3.40 odds — a clear contrarian play that I expect to deliver.
Pisa and Empoli kick off their Coppa Italia campaign in the first round, both sides still untested this season as they come from Serie B. Without any league form to go on, the only useful data are their historical meetings and pre-season friendlies.
Since their first clash in 1987, these teams have met 10 times, each winning four with two draws. Five of those matches saw both teams score, and five went over 2.5 goals — so no clear trend there. In friendlies, Pisa played four (two wins, one draw, one loss) averaging 3.8 goals per game, with both teams scoring in three. Empoli’s three friendlies produced one win and two draws, with both scoring twice. Both teams scoring looks probable, but this is a cup match, so I’m confidently taking the draw.
This Coppa Italia matchup has Pisa at home against Empoli, and I see them handling this with ease. The hosts should take the win comfortably, so backing them at 1.79 is the straightforward play.
A draw is the most likely result when Pisa face Empoli in the Coppa Italia. I'm backing the stalemate at 3.45.
Pisa are the hosts here, and that home advantage could be the deciding factor in this Coppa Italia clash. I’m backing them to get the job done and secure the win in regular time.
The odds of 1.82 offer solid value for a side playing on their own turf. With the crowd behind them, Pisa should have enough to edge out Empoli and advance.
Pisa host Empoli in the Coppa Italia on August 17, and I'm not overthinking this one. The home side gets the job done — backing Pisa to win at 1.84 is the right call, and I'm confident they deliver.
Pisa to score over 1.5 goals at 1.98 is the play here. The home side has the firepower to find the net at least twice in this match. I'm backing Pisa to get the job done in the Coppa Italia.
Pisa are the more interesting side in this Coppa Italia matchup, and that's where the value lies. I'm backing the hosts to come away with the win.
Empoli will get the win over Pisa in this Coppa Italia clash, and they'll do it by a single goal. The odds at 4.30 make this a solid pick for me.
Pisa’s defense might be a bit banged up, but Empoli is fielding mostly a youth squad here. Between a bet on both to score and a straight win for the home side, I’m taking Pisa to get the job done.
Pisa are the clear favorites in this Coppa Italia clash. I'm backing them to get the job done at home.
Pisa have managed just one win in their last 27 competitive matches. That kind of form makes backing them to get a result here a risky proposition, so I'm taking the double chance on Empoli or the draw.
Empoli may have a decent reputation in Serie A, but Pisa are the ones who actually look like a real team right now. The home side have been playing with genuine style and confidence, and against an Empoli side that rarely impresses away from home, I see only one winner here.
That’s why I’m backing Pisa with a -1 handicap. At odds of 2.53, this is a solid bet on a team that should win comfortably. Empoli won’t roll over, but Pisa have too much quality and momentum to let this slip.
Pisa’s last nine matches all ended without a win. That’s the kind of streak that makes backing the visitor or the draw a strong call. Empoli or a stalemate at 1.92 looks like the smart side here.
This Coppa Italia matchup between Pisa and Empoli is shaping up as a low-scoring contest. I don't expect more than two goals total, so the under 2.5 at 1.76 is the clear call.
A surprisingly high number of corners will be the story of this Coppa Italia match between Pisa and Empoli. I'm backing the Over 9.5 at 2.18.
The Coppa Italia match between Pisa and Empoli is heading for goals—I'm expecting at least three, likely with both teams finding the net. The "both teams to score" and "under 5.5" angle fits this well, so over 2.5 at 2.03 is the play.
Pisa comes into this Coppa Italia clash as the favorite, and I’m backing the total to go over 2.5 goals. With the odds at 2.03, I see solid value in expecting at least three goals between these sides.
Pisa are out for revenge after last season's loss, and I'm backing them to get the job done at home in the Coppa Italia. The odds at 1.82 look solid for a straight win, as they have the quality and motivation to overpower Empoli. This is a confident pick—no need to overthink it.
This is a Tuscan derby, and I’m backing Pisa to come out on top. The odds of 1.82 look solid for a home win in the Coppa Italia.
Pisa are in much better form heading into this Coppa Italia clash. That's why I'm confidently backing the home win at 1.82.
Pisa vs Empoli in the Coppa Italia — I'm backing the home side to get the job done. Playing at home gives them a clear edge, and at odds of 1.82, I see solid value in a straightforward win.
Pisa will handle Empoli in the Coppa Italia and take a confident home victory. I'm backing the hosts to win at 1.82.
Pisa to qualify at 1.43 is the play here. I expect them to get the job done against Empoli in the Coppa Italia.
Empoli come into this Coppa Italia tie as a solid side. They have the quality to win outright, but at the very least they should avoid defeat against Pisa. That's why I'm backing the double chance on the visitors at 1.92.
Result: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Pisa and Empoli kick off their Coppa Italia campaign in the first round, both sides still untested this season as they come from Serie B. Without any league form to go on, the only useful data are their historical meetings and pre-season friendlies.
Since their first clash in 1987, these teams have met 10 times, each winning four with two draws. Five of those matches saw both teams score, and five went over 2.5 goals — so no clear trend there. In friendlies, Pisa played four (two wins, one draw, one loss) averaging 3.8 goals per game, with both teams scoring in three. Empoli’s three friendlies produced one win and two draws, with both scoring twice. Both teams scoring looks probable, but this is a cup match, so I’m confidently taking the draw.
This Coppa Italia matchup has Pisa at home against Empoli, and I see them handling this with ease. The hosts should take the win comfortably, so backing them at 1.79 is the straightforward play.
A draw is the most likely result when Pisa face Empoli in the Coppa Italia. I'm backing the stalemate at 3.45.
Pisa are the hosts here, and that home advantage could be the deciding factor in this Coppa Italia clash. I’m backing them to get the job done and secure the win in regular time.
The odds of 1.82 offer solid value for a side playing on their own turf. With the crowd behind them, Pisa should have enough to edge out Empoli and advance.
Pisa host Empoli in the Coppa Italia on August 17, and I'm not overthinking this one. The home side gets the job done — backing Pisa to win at 1.84 is the right call, and I'm confident they deliver.
Pisa are the more interesting side in this Coppa Italia matchup, and that's where the value lies. I'm backing the hosts to come away with the win.
Empoli will get the win over Pisa in this Coppa Italia clash, and they'll do it by a single goal. The odds at 4.30 make this a solid pick for me.
Pisa’s defense might be a bit banged up, but Empoli is fielding mostly a youth squad here. Between a bet on both to score and a straight win for the home side, I’m taking Pisa to get the job done.
Pisa are the clear favorites in this Coppa Italia clash. I'm backing them to get the job done at home.
Pisa are out for revenge after last season's loss, and I'm backing them to get the job done at home in the Coppa Italia. The odds at 1.82 look solid for a straight win, as they have the quality and motivation to overpower Empoli. This is a confident pick—no need to overthink it.
This is a Tuscan derby, and I’m backing Pisa to come out on top. The odds of 1.82 look solid for a home win in the Coppa Italia.
Pisa are in much better form heading into this Coppa Italia clash. That's why I'm confidently backing the home win at 1.82.
Pisa vs Empoli in the Coppa Italia — I'm backing the home side to get the job done. Playing at home gives them a clear edge, and at odds of 1.82, I see solid value in a straightforward win.
Pisa will handle Empoli in the Coppa Italia and take a confident home victory. I'm backing the hosts to win at 1.82.
Double chance: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Pisa have managed just one win in their last 27 competitive matches. That kind of form makes backing them to get a result here a risky proposition, so I'm taking the double chance on Empoli or the draw.
Pisa’s last nine matches all ended without a win. That’s the kind of streak that makes backing the visitor or the draw a strong call. Empoli or a stalemate at 1.92 looks like the smart side here.
Empoli come into this Coppa Italia tie as a solid side. They have the quality to win outright, but at the very least they should avoid defeat against Pisa. That's why I'm backing the double chance on the visitors at 1.92.
Over: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Pisa to score over 1.5 goals at 1.98 is the play here. The home side has the firepower to find the net at least twice in this match. I'm backing Pisa to get the job done in the Coppa Italia.
A surprisingly high number of corners will be the story of this Coppa Italia match between Pisa and Empoli. I'm backing the Over 9.5 at 2.18.
The Coppa Italia match between Pisa and Empoli is heading for goals—I'm expecting at least three, likely with both teams finding the net. The "both teams to score" and "under 5.5" angle fits this well, so over 2.5 at 2.03 is the play.
Pisa comes into this Coppa Italia clash as the favorite, and I’m backing the total to go over 2.5 goals. With the odds at 2.03, I see solid value in expecting at least three goals between these sides.
Under: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
This Coppa Italia matchup between Pisa and Empoli is shaping up as a low-scoring contest. I don't expect more than two goals total, so the under 2.5 at 1.76 is the clear call.
Handicap: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
The majority of predictions in this Coppa Italia match are backing Pisa, but I'm taking the opposite side. I'm going with Empoli on a handicap of 0 at 3.40 odds — a clear contrarian play that I expect to deliver.
Empoli may have a decent reputation in Serie A, but Pisa are the ones who actually look like a real team right now. The home side have been playing with genuine style and confidence, and against an Empoli side that rarely impresses away from home, I see only one winner here.
That’s why I’m backing Pisa with a -1 handicap. At odds of 2.53, this is a solid bet on a team that should win comfortably. Empoli won’t roll over, but Pisa have too much quality and momentum to let this slip.
Both teams to score: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Correct score: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Match poster
❓ Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Pisa vs Empoli Coppa Italia match?
The match takes place on 17 August 2026 at 17:00 local time. The venue is not specified in the review, but Pisa are the home side.
Who is the favorite to win the match according to the preview?
Pisa are considered the favorites. The main prediction is a Pisa win at odds of 1.83, with a 58% probability assessed by the analyst.
What is the form of each team heading into this match?
Pisa had a highly productive preseason, including a 4-1 win over Bologna and a 6-1 win over Pavia. Empoli played tight, low-scoring friendlies: a 1-0 win and two 1-1 draws.
Are there any key player absences or transfers mentioned?
Yes. Pisa sold striker Rafiu Durosinmi to Genk and lost Alexander Lind, weakening their attack. Empoli sold creative midfielder Tino Anjorin, Gabriele Guarino, and Salvatore Elia, and brought in veteran Christian Cauz and loanee Karim Zedadka.
What is the referee known for, and how might it affect the match?
The referee is Daniele Paterna, known for allowing a physical game and keeping his cards in his pocket. This could benefit the more aggressive, pressing side.
