Derby dell’Arno Rekindled: Fiorentina Host Pisa in a High-Stakes Serie A Clash

Florence, Italy – February 23, 2026 – The Arno River, a lifeblood for Tuscany, flows between two cities intrinsically linked by history, culture, and a fierce footballing rivalry. This Monday evening, that rivalry ignites once more on the grandest stage of Italian football as ACF Fiorentina welcomes newly-promoted AC Pisa 1909 to what promises to be an electrifying Serie A encounter. This isn’t just another league fixture; it’s the “Derby dell’Arno,” a contest steeped in local pride, with both clubs desperately needing points for vastly different aspirations.

For Fiorentina, currently navigating a challenging yet promising season, this match represents a crucial opportunity to solidify their push for European qualification. Vincenzo Italiano’s men have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive. A victory against their regional rivals would not only earn them vital points but also provide a significant psychological boost as the season enters its critical final third. The Viola faithful will demand nothing less than a dominant performance and three points against a team they historically view as their lesser neighbour.

Pisa, on the other hand, finds themselves embroiled in a desperate fight for Serie A survival. Having defied expectations to reach the top flight, their primary objective is to avoid an immediate return to Serie B. Every point is a treasure, and snatching anything from a trip to the Stadio Artemio Franchi – or wherever this particular derby is hosted – would be a monumental achievement, potentially lifting them out of the perilous relegation zone. Their passionate Tifosi will travel in numbers, hoping to witness a historic upset and claim bragging rights over their more illustrious counterparts.

Beyond the league table implications, the emotional weight of the Derby dell’Arno adds another layer of intrigue. These matches are rarely decided purely on form or tactical prowess; grit, determination, and the ability to handle the intense pressure often prove decisive. Fans from both sides have circled this date on their calendars, anticipating a passionate, hard-fought contest that will undoubtedly be a spectacle for any football enthusiast.

CURRENT FORM & STANDINGS

ACF Fiorentina:
Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina currently occupies 7th position in the Serie A table, accumulating 38 points from 24 matches. Their record stands at 10 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of +7 (35 goals scored, 28 conceded). While their position is respectable, placing them firmly in contention for a UEFA Europa Conference League spot and within touching distance of Europa League qualification, their recent form has been somewhat inconsistent.

Over their last five Serie A outings, the Viola have managed two wins, two draws, and one loss. This mixed bag includes a convincing 3-1 home victory against Torino, a frustrating 1-1 draw away at Lecce, a hard-fought 2-0 win against Empoli, and a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Bologna. Their most recent fixture saw them salvage a 2-2 draw at home against Atalanta, showcasing both their attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities. This sequence suggests a team capable of moments of brilliance but also prone to lapses in concentration. At home, however, they remain a formidable force, boasting one of the league’s best defensive records and a penchant for fast starts.

AC Pisa 1909:
Pisa’s return to Serie A has been a challenging but spirited journey. They sit precariously in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone, with 22 points from 24 games. Their record is 5 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses, with a goal difference of -15 (20 goals scored, 35 conceded). Their primary goal remains survival, and every point is fiercely contested.

Their recent form reflects the struggles of a team battling at the bottom. Over their last five league matches, Pisa has secured one win, one draw, and three losses. This run includes a morale-boosting 1-0 home victory against fellow strugglers Hellas Verona, a resilient 0-0 draw away at Udinese, but also defeats to Napoli (3-0), Lazio (2-1), and Sassuolo (1-0). These results highlight their difficulty in scoring goals against stronger opposition and their vulnerability when pressed high. While they show commendable defensive resolve in patches, particularly away from home, their overall lack of attacking firepower remains a significant concern. The momentum, therefore, is slightly against Pisa, but the derby atmosphere could provide the emotional spark they desperately need.

HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY

The Derby dell’Arno is one of Italian football’s oldest and most passionate rivalries, though recent decades have seen fewer encounters due to the teams often plying their trade in different divisions. Historically, the rivalry is intense, fueled by geographical proximity and cultural differences between Florence and Pisa.

While a detailed Serie A head-to-head record from the distant past might show a more balanced affair, the modern era has seen Fiorentina largely dominate. Since Pisa’s recent resurgence and promotion to Serie A, there have been three league encounters between the two sides in the top flight (two in the previous 2024/25 season, and one earlier this current season).

2024/25 Season:
ACF Fiorentina 2 – 0 AC Pisa 1909: At the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Fiorentina secured a comfortable victory, demonstrating their superior quality.
AC Pisa 1909 1 – 1 ACF Fiorentina: A hard-fought draw at Pisa’s Arena Garibaldi, where Pisa’s tenacity earned them a valuable point against their rivals.
2025/26 Season (Earlier Fixture):
AC Pisa 1909 0 – 1 ACF Fiorentina: Another narrow victory for Fiorentina in Pisa, decided by a late goal, highlighting Pisa’s improved defensive organization but continued struggle in attack against top teams.

Likely Starting XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Pietro Terracciano
Defenders: Dodô (RB), Lucas Martinez Quarta (RCB), Nikola Milenkovic (LCB), Cristiano Biraghi (LB, Captain)
Midfielders: Arthur Melo (CDM), Giacomo Bonaventura (RCM), Antonín Barák (LCM)
Forwards: Nicolás González (RW), Andrea Belotti (ST), Jonathan Ikoné (LW)

Key Absences/Concerns:
Injury: Midfielder Alfred Duncan is nursing a minor hamstring strain and is a doubt for the match. His absence would likely see Barák or Mandragora step in. Forward M’Bala Nzola is still recovering from an ankle injury and will not feature, leaving Belotti as the primary striker.
Suspension: No major suspensions reported for this fixture.

Squad Depth: Fiorentina boasts decent depth, particularly in midfield and attack. Players like Maxime López, Rolando Mandragora, Riccardo Sottil, and Christian Kouamé are capable of coming off the bench to change the game or provide fresh legs. The defensive line, however, is a bit more settled, and any injury to Milenkovic or Martinez Quarta would be a significant blow. Their fullbacks, Dodô and Biraghi, are crucial to their attacking width and playmaking.

AC Pisa 1909 (Manager: Alberto Aquilani)

Pisa, under the guidance of Alberto Aquilani, has shown resilience but often struggles with squad depth and consistent top-flight quality. They typically set up in a compact 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2, prioritizing defensive solidity and looking to hit opponents on the counter.

Likely Starting XI (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Nicolas
Defenders: Tommaso Barbieri (RB), Antonio Caracciolo (RCB), Arturo Calabresi (LCB), Pietro Beruatto (LB)
Midfielders: Mattia Valoti (RM), Marius Marin (RCM, Captain), Miguel Veloso (LCM), Alessandro De Vitis (LM)
Forwards: Ernesto Torregrossa (ST), Stefano Moreo (ST)

Key Absences/Concerns:
Injury: Creative midfielder Giuseppe Sibilli, a crucial link between midfield and attack, is out with a knee injury, a significant blow to Pisa’s offensive capabilities. Forward Ettore Gliozzi is also sidelined, limiting their options upfront.
Suspension: Defender Hjortur Hermannsson is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards, forcing a defensive reshuffle. Either Caracciolo or Calabresi will be tasked with stepping up, or Aquilani might opt for a back three.

Squad Depth: Pisa’s depth is a concern, especially with key injuries. The midfield relies heavily on the experience of Marin and Veloso. Upfront, the absence of Sibilli and Gliozzi puts immense pressure on Torregrossa and Moreo to create and convert chances. Their bench options are less impactful than Fiorentina’s, meaning they will need their starting XI to perform at their absolute peak for the full 90 minutes. The forced defensive change due to Hermannsson’s suspension could also destabilize their backline.

Fiorentina’s Expected Approach (Vincenzo Italiano):
Italiano is a proponent of proactive, possession-based football, typically deploying a 4-3-3 or a flexible 4-2-3-1.
Build-up: Fiorentina will look to build from the back, utilizing Arthur Melo’s deep-lying playmaking abilities and the intelligent movement of Bonaventura and Barák. They aim for short, sharp passes to draw opponents out before exploiting space down the flanks.
Attacking Play: The primary attacking threat comes from their wingers, Nico González and Jonathan Ikoné. They will look to isolate Pisa’s fullbacks, drive to the byline for crosses, or cut inside for shots. Fullbacks Dodô and Biraghi will provide significant width, overlapping constantly to create numerical advantages. Belotti will act as a central reference point, holding up the ball and making runs into the box.
Pressing & Defense: Fiorentina employs a high press, particularly in their home matches. They will aim to win the ball back high up the pitch, suffocating Pisa’s build-up and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Defensively, they maintain a compact shape, with Milenkovic and Martinez Quarta forming a strong central partnership. However, their high defensive line can sometimes be vulnerable to quick counter-attacks if their press is bypassed.
Set Pieces: Biraghi’s delivery from wide free-kicks and corners is a significant weapon, with Milenkovic, Martinez Quarta, and Belotti all strong in the air.

Pisa’s Expected Approach (Alberto Aquilani):
Aquilani’s Pisa, especially away from home against stronger opposition, is expected to adopt a more pragmatic and reactive strategy, likely a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 if they want more midfield solidity. Given the absence of Hermannsson, a 4-4-2 seems more probable.
Defensive Setup: Pisa will focus on defensive solidity, sitting in a deep, compact block to deny Fiorentina space in central areas. The two banks of four will be difficult to break down, with Marin and Veloso providing a strong shield in front of the defense. They will aim to frustrate Fiorentina, force them wide, and limit their clear-cut chances.
Build-up: Their build-up will be more direct, often bypassing the midfield with long balls towards Torregrossa, who will look to hold up play or flick on for Moreo. Short passing from the back will be minimal, especially under Fiorentina’s high press.
Counter-Attacking: This will be Pisa’s main offensive weapon. They will look to win the ball in midfield and launch quick transitions, using the pace of Valoti or the directness of their strikers to exploit any space left by Fiorentina’s attacking fullbacks. Set pieces will also be crucial for them, given their difficulty in creating open-play chances.
Pressing: Pisa will likely employ a mid-block, engaging Fiorentina’s defenders only once they cross the halfway line, conserving energy and maintaining their defensive shape. They will press more intensely in their own half to prevent Fiorentina from settling into a rhythm.

Strengths:
Attacking Flair & Wing Play: With González and Ikoné, Fiorentina possesses genuine threats on both flanks, capable of creating chances through dribbling, pace, and crosses.
Midfield Control & Creativity: Arthur Melo provides stability and passing range, while Bonaventura offers creativity and goal threat from central areas.
Home Advantage: Fiorentina typically performs strongly at home, feeding off the energy of their passionate supporters.
High Pressing Game: Their ability to win the ball back high up the pitch can create immediate scoring opportunities and prevent opponents from settling.
Set Piece Threat: With Biraghi’s delivery and strong aerial targets, they pose a significant danger from dead-ball situations.

Weaknesses:
Defensive Lapses: Despite a generally solid defense, they can sometimes be caught out by quick transitions or individual errors, particularly when their fullbacks are advanced.
Reliance on Key Individuals: While they have strong players, if González is off form or closely marked, their attacking output can suffer.
Inconsistency: Their recent form shows a tendency to drop points in winnable games, suggesting a lack of consistent ruthlessness.
Striker’s Clinicality: While Belotti works hard, at times, the team can struggle to convert dominance into a high volume of goals.

AC Pisa 1909:

Strengths:
Defensive Organization: When fully committed, Pisa can be very difficult to break down, forming a compact and disciplined defensive block.
Fighting Spirit & Resilience: As a newly promoted side battling relegation, they possess immense grit and never give up, often grinding out results against the odds.
Midfield Tenacity: Marius Marin is a formidable presence in midfield, capable of disrupting opposition play and winning possession.
Counter-Attacking Potential: While infrequent, they can be dangerous on the break, especially if they can get the ball to Torregrossa quickly.

Weaknesses:
Lack of Goal Threat: Their biggest Achilles’ heel is their inability to consistently score goals, especially against top-tier defenses. The absence of Sibilli exacerbates this.
Limited Squad Depth: Injuries to key players significantly impact their overall quality and tactical flexibility.
Away Form: Historically, Pisa has struggled to pick up points on the road against stronger Serie A teams.
Vulnerability to High Press: They often struggle to play out from the back, making them susceptible to high pressing, which Fiorentina excels at.
Defensive Vulnerability on the Flanks: Their fullbacks can be exposed by top-quality wingers, particularly when left isolated.

Fiorentina exploiting Pisa: Fiorentina will look to dominate possession and exploit Pisa’s defensive flanks with González and Ikoné. They will aim to overload the wide areas, using overlapping fullbacks and midfield runners. Their high press will target Pisa’s build-up, hoping to win the ball in dangerous areas and quickly transition to attack. Set pieces will also be a key weapon against Pisa’s potentially reshuffled defense.
Pisa exploiting Fiorentina: Pisa will focus on absorbing pressure and hitting Fiorentina on the counter. They will target the space left behind Fiorentina’s advanced fullbacks and the high defensive line with quick passes to Torregrossa. Set pieces will be their best chance for a goal, aiming for Torregrossa’s head. They will also look to exploit any individual errors or lapses in concentration from Fiorentina’s defense, which has occasionally appeared vulnerable.

First Goal Scorer: Nicolás González (Fiorentina) is a strong candidate given his form and crucial role in the attack. Andrea Belotti is also a good bet for a poacher’s finish.
Corners: Fiorentina is expected to dominate possession and attack relentlessly, leading to a higher number of corners for the home side (likely 6-8 for Fiorentina, 2-4 for Pisa).
Cards: Derbies are often fiery affairs. Expect a few yellow cards, especially in the midfield battle. Marius Marin (Pisa) is prone to bookings due to his aggressive style, while Fiorentina’s fullbacks might get booked trying to stop Pisa’s rare counters. A red card is less likely but not out of the question given the intensity.
Possession: Fiorentina will undoubtedly dominate possession, likely around 60-65%.

Betting Odds Analysis (Hypothetical):
Fiorentina Win: Very strong favourite, odds likely around 1.40 – 1.55.
Draw: Higher odds, perhaps 4.00 – 4.50, reflecting Pisa’s defensive capability to snatch a point.
Pisa Win: Significant underdog, odds likely 6.50 – 8.00, reflecting the difficulty of an away win against a stronger rival.
Under 2.5 Goals: Given Pisa’s defensive focus and lack of attacking threat, this could be an attractive bet, with odds perhaps around 1.90 – 2.10.
Both Teams to Score (No): Also a strong possibility given Pisa’s scoring struggles, odds around 1.80 – 2.00.

CONCLUSION

As the sun sets over the Arno, casting long shadows across the pitch, the stage is set for a captivating chapter in the Derby dell’Arno. Fiorentina, with their European ambitions burning bright, will be determined to assert their dominance and secure three vital points at home. For Pisa, every tackle, every pass, every save will be a testament to their fight for survival in Serie A, a chance to defy expectations and silence their rivals.

This fixture transcends mere league points; it is a battle for regional pride, a clash of histories, and a testament to the enduring passion of Italian football. While Fiorentina holds the statistical and qualitative edge, the unpredictable nature of a derby means that heart, grit, and a moment of individual brilliance could sway the outcome. Fans can expect a fiercely contested match, full of passion and drama, where the roar of the crowd will be as much a part of the spectacle as the action on the pitch. Don’t miss what promises to be a memorable encounter in Serie A.