The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is set to host a compelling Serie A encounter on September 22, 2025, as a high-flying Napoli side welcomes newly-promoted Pisa. This match presents a stark contrast in early-season fortunes, with the Neapolitans aiming to solidify their dominant start and Pisa desperately seeking to kickstart their top-flight campaign. Napoli, fresh off clinching their second Serie A title in three seasons, are reportedly pushing for a remarkable fifth Scudetto, showcasing their ambition with a flawless run in the league so far. For Pisa, their return to Serie A after a 34-year absence has been challenging, as they find themselves near the bottom of the table without a win from their opening three matches. What’s truly at stake in this fixture? For Napoli, it’s about maintaining their perfect record and setting an unassailable pace at the summit. For Pisa, it’s a crucial battle for respect, confidence, and vital points that could define their season.
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between Napoli and Pisa have largely favored the Neapolitans. Across 26 total encounters, Napoli boasts a superior record with 14 wins, 7 draws, and only 5 defeats against Pisa. More recently, Napoli has been particularly dominant, remaining undefeated in their last six matches against Pisa across all competitions. When playing at home, Napoli has an impressive record, being undefeated in their last three home matches against Pisa. Their away form against Pisa is equally strong, with Napoli undefeated in their last five away fixtures. Some recent data suggests Napoli has won 11 of the last 23 meetings, with Pisa securing five wins and seven draws.
Current Form & Team News
Napoli
Napoli enters this fixture in scintillating league form, having enjoyed a perfect start to the 2025/2026 Serie A season. Under manager Antonio Conte, they have secured three wins from their opening three matches, scoring six goals and keeping two clean sheets. This impressive domestic run builds on a longer streak, with Napoli reportedly unbeaten in their last 15 Serie A matches, registering 10 wins and five draws since a 2-1 defeat against Como in February. Their only recent setback came in the UEFA Champions League, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
As for team news, the speculative roster for Napoli includes prominent names such as Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay, Romelu Lukaku, Rasmus Højlund, David Neres, and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo. There are no significant reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this match. Key players like Frank Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka are expected to anchor the midfield.
Pisa
Pisa’s return to Serie A has been a baptism of fire. Under Alberto Gilardino, they have failed to register a win in their opening three league matches of the season. Their campaign began with an impressive 1-1 draw against Atalanta, but they subsequently suffered a 1-0 defeat to AS Roma and another 1-0 loss against Udinese. This leaves them languishing near the bottom of the league table.
Despite their challenging league start, Pisa has shown some resilience on the road in the lead-up to this period, reportedly losing just one of their most recent six competitive away games, securing four wins and one draw since late March. Players like Juan Cuadrado, Calvin Stengs, Nzola M’Bala, and Idrissa Toure are among those listed in their squad and could be crucial to their efforts. There are no major injury or suspension concerns reported for Pisa at this time.
Tactical Preview
Antonio Conte’s Napoli is expected to be a well-drilled and tactically astute unit. Given Conte’s preference for defensive solidity and effective transitions, a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation is highly probable. Napoli will likely aim to dominate possession in midfield through players like Anguissa and Lobotka, while the creative impetus from individuals such as De Bruyne (if confirmed in the squad) or Politano will be crucial in unlocking Pisa’s defense. The attacking prowess of Romelu Lukaku or Rasmus Højlund will provide a potent threat up front.
Pisa, as a newly-promoted side under Alberto Gilardino, will likely adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive organization and looking for opportunities on the counter-attack. A compact 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formation would allow them to deny space in central areas and frustrate Napoli’s fluent attacking play. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Pisa’s Marius Marin and Idrissa Toure potentially tasked with disrupting Napoli’s rhythm and preventing through balls. Their attacking threat might rely on the pace and strength of Nzola and the creative sparks from wide players or advanced midfielders like Tramoni. Napoli’s defense, while strong in Serie A, showed some vulnerability in the Champions League, which Pisa might try to exploit on rare forays forward.
The match will be played at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, providing Napoli with a significant home advantage. Conditions in Italy in late September are typically favorable, suggesting a good pitch that will suit Napoli’s passing game.
