Serie A hopefuls AC Milan will continue their title pursuit when they face Pisa at the Stadio Romeo Anconetani on Friday.
The hosts are seeking to give their quest for survival a big boost with a first league win since early November.
Match preview
Having had their round 24 clash against Como postponed, AC Milan watched Inter Milan stretch their lead at the top of the standings to eight points.
Max Allegri’s men have a mountain to climb if they are usurp their city rivals in the final months of the season, and any dropped points could spell the end of their Scudetto charge.
The Rossoneri have won three of their last four matches ahead of the upcoming clash against Pisa, who claimed a hard-fought 2-2 point in the reverse fixture.
Milan had previously won both meetings between the teams and will be confident of another positive result to maintain their unbeaten run in this fixture.
Friday’s visitors have not lost a league game on the road this season, largely due to a solid defensive unit that has conceded just eight times in 12 away outings.
Pisa have underwhelmed on their Serie A return and are headed back for the second tier, barring a late turnaround.
Oscar Hiljemark’s men are currently 19th in the table after a goalless draw against Verona on Friday.
I Torri drew yet another blank last time out, in keeping with their struggles in front of goal all season. Their tally of 19 goals scored is the third-fewest of any Serie A side.
Pisa could really do with maximum points this weekend before they face a crunch six-pointer against fellow relegation candidates Fiorentina.
Team news
Pisa’s Adrian Semper and Isak Vural are out of contention with knee problems, while veteran Raul Albiol remains out with a muscle injury he suffered in his first outing of the year.
Daniel Denoon wraps up the hosts’ injury list for Friday’s clash. Marius Marin is also unavailable due to suspension.
Milan’s Santiago Gimenez has not featured since October due to an ankle injury.
Alexis Saelemaekers and Christian Pulisic were both absent from the visitors’ win over Bologna and will need to be assessed to determine their availability for the trip to Tuscany.
Pisa Predicted XI (3-4-3): Scuffet; Bozhinov, Caracciolo, Canestrelli; Toure, Loyola, Aebischer, Angori; Durosimi, Moreo, Stojikovic.
AC Milan Predicted XI (3-5-2): Maignan; Pavlovic, Gabbia, De Winter; Bartesaghi, Rabiot, Modric, Fofana, Athekame; Nkunku, Fullkrug.
Prediction: Pisa 1-3 AC Milan.
