Pisa's Return to Serie A: A New Era Begins
The Italian city of Pisa has eagerly awaited the return of Serie A football, a period during which even the Leaning Tower has straightened thanks to restoration efforts that began in the early 1990s.
As the iconic landmark becomes more stable, Pisa's football team is also on the rise. Under the leadership of legendary former Italy forward Filippo Inzaghi, the team secured promotion last season, ending a 34-year absence from Serie A.
In less than a year, Inzaghi revitalized a club that had previously struggled in the lower half of Serie B. However, he departed in June to take on a new challenge with Palermo, part of the City Football Group.
Despite this setback, Pisa remains ambitious, backed by billionaire financier Alexander Knaster, as they aim to thrive in Italy’s top flight.
A Journey of Ups and Downs
For long-time supporters, the return to Serie A evokes memories of their last appearance in 1990, marked by a roster of notable players including current Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and his fellow Argentine Jose Chamot, who later played for Lazio, Atletico, and Milan.
The club's success during that era was largely attributed to the charismatic president Romeo Anconetani, who guided Pisa from Serie C to Serie A and led them to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia in 1987, where they faced Diego Maradona's Napoli.
Anconetani was known for his superstitions, performing rituals such as scattering coarse salt around the pitch before home games to ward off bad luck. Sports journalist Andrea Martino recounted, "He often watched matches with his fingers crossed, insisting players repeat gestures performed during victories." Although Pisa once topped Serie A, a poor run of form led to their relegation and subsequent financial troubles, culminating in bankruptcy three years later.
After decades of struggles, including expulsion from the Italian football league in 2009, Pisa began a gradual ascent back to Serie A.
Inzaghi's Impact on Pisa
The turning point came in 2018 when the Corrado family purchased the club. A year later, Pisa achieved promotion to Serie B, and in 2021, Russian-American billionaire Knaster became the majority owner with aspirations of returning the club to the top tier.
Success materialized with Inzaghi's appointment in 2024, who brought a new management style that boosted the team's scoring, making them the second-highest scorers in Serie B with 64 goals in 38 matches. "Inzaghi restored the fans' pride in supporting a competitive team capable of challenging even the strongest opponents," Martino noted. However, he opted to leave after the season to pursue further success with Palermo.
Pisa's Preparations for Serie A
Determined to remain in Serie A, Pisa has made strategic signings, including veteran winger Juan Cuadrado, a six-time Serie A champion. Following Inzaghi's departure, former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino has taken the helm, having previously led Genoa to promotion from Serie B.
"The primary objective is to ensure survival in Serie A at all costs," Martino emphasized, noting the blend of players from their Serie B success and new high-quality additions. The groundwork for their return began years ago, as the club improved its scouting system and infrastructure.
Pisa President Giuseppe Corrado expressed, "From the outset, we understood that our survival could not rely solely on results on the pitch; our off-field efforts were crucial for success." The long-awaited return to Serie A will commence this Sunday when they face Atalanta, followed by a home match against Roma, set against the backdrop of the Leaning Tower—an enduring symbol they hope will remain part of Italy's top flight for years to come.