Verdict: Donyell Malen over 1.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Seeking a crucial Serie A response on Friday night, Roma will welcome Pisa to the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma

Starting with the hosts, marking their return from March’s international break with what was an action-packed 5-2 defeat away at historic rivals and Serie A leaders Inter Milan, Roma have the feel of a squad who are desperately searching for a much-welcomed boost. Suffering a shock Europa League exit at the hands of domestic foes Bologna last month, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are enduring their most worrying blip of the 2025/26 campaign. Despite heading into March’s fortnight interval with a close-fought 1-0 victory against Lecce, that is remarkably the only win that Roma have registered from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Suddenly holding just a narrow one-point buffer from completely slipping out of Italy’s top-six, the former Atalanta boss could also have some mounting pressure on his shoulders.

Roma Team News

Undergoing ankle surgery last month, Roma will also again be without Brighton loanee Evan Ferguson this weekend. Likewise, Argentinian superstar Paulo Dybala remains on the sidelines with a knee injury and won’t play any part at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night.

Notching seven Serie A strikes since completing a loan switch from Aston Villa during the January transfer window, Dutch international Donyell Malen will spearhead Roma’s attack. Despite suffering more World Cup heartbreak with Italy last week, Bryan Cristante will start in the middle of the park.

Pisa

As for the visitors, while Pisa might have only made their iconic Serie A return this season, Oscar Hiljemark’s side are already planning for life back in Italy’s second-tier. Travelling to Rome on Friday night sat rock-bottom of the table and putting just 18 points on the board from any of their 31 appearances this year, the Lombardy-based outfit could have their fate officially confirmed over the coming weeks. Heading into March’s fortnight interval with a woeful 5-0 drumming away at Como, the Nerazzurri have lost six of their previous seven Serie A appearances. Pencilled in as a landslide underdog once again this weekend, Pisa were also hit with a 1-0 loss when they welcomed Roma to the Cerilar Arena for their reverse top-flight showdown back on August 30th.

Pisa Team News

Both dealing with respective injury issues, Pisa will travel to Rome this weekend without the duo of Daniel Denoon and Isak Vural. However, missing each of Pisa’s last two appearances after serving a domestic suspension, Nigerian international Rafiu Durosinmi will return to Hiljemark’s travelling squad.

Making a late cameo appearance off the bench against Torino last weekend, former Juventus star Juan Cuadrado should get some more minutes under his belt here. Despite being set to turn 36 this summer, Antonio Caracciolo will start at the heart of Pisa’s defence.

Roma vs Pisa Key Factors to Consider

• When Roma and Pisa met for their reverse Serie A showdown back on August 30th, Friday’s hosts claimed a 1-0 victory in Lombardy.
• Roma have mustered just a single win from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Pisa have lost six of their previous seven Serie A appearances.
• Friday’s guests have mustered just 18 points from any of their 31 Serie A showdowns so far this season.
• Since completing a January loan switch from Aston Villa, Donyell Malen has registered seven goals in his first 11 Serie A appearances.

Conclusion

With the pressure starting to mount on Gasperini’s shoulders, Roma have the feel of a squad who are desperately seeking a much-welcomed boost here. Now facing a real battle in the race to secure an essential top-six finish among Italy’s elite, Friday’s hosts will know that they can’t afford to pass on a golden opportunity this weekend. Managing to muster just a single win from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions, the former Atalanta boss will be demanding a crucial response at the Stadio Olimpico.

Verdict: Donyell Malen over 1.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Luckster