Pisa’s new coach Oscar Hiljemark wants his side to be more aggressive at the Cetilar Arena after a 0-0 debut. Expect a sharper Pisa looking to exploit Milan’s transitional lapses; punters might favour “Both Teams To Score” or a Milan win with BTTS as a sensible market — Pisa can threaten on the break but Milan’s form still points to a narrow Rossoneri victory.
Pisa vs Milan Preview: Hiljemark Calls for Aggression in First Home Match
Kick-off: 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET) at the Cetilar Arena. Pisa welcome Milan in a fixture that suddenly feels more charged after the club replaced Alberto Gilardino with 33-year-old Oscar Hiljemark following a dismal run of one win in 23 Serie A games.
New Boss, New Approach
Oscar Hiljemark arrives from Elfsborg with clear ideas. A former Serie A midfielder for Genoa and Palermo, Hiljemark has urged his players to be “more aggressive” in training and in matches despite having only a few days to implement changes. His debut produced a 0-0 draw away to relegation rivals Hellas Verona, but tonight is his first opportunity to shape proceedings at home.
Hiljemark’s Personal Edge Against Milan
Hiljemark’s history includes a memorable brace against Milan while playing for Palermo, and he says he hopes to rekindle that winning feeling. He believes there are tactical pockets where Pisa can hurt Milan and plans to use players who attack space and help the defence, citing Matteo Tramoni as an example of a player who offers both offensive thrust and defensive work.
Tactical Match-up: Space, Transition and Defensive Questions
Milan have improved since a 2-2 draw with Pisa at San Siro in October, but they remain vulnerable in transition phases according to Hiljemark. Expect Pisa to try to sit in structured blocks and spring quick counters, while Milan will look to control possession and exploit gaps left by Pisa’s encouraging but developing press.
Key Angles for Bettors
Pisa’s desire to be more aggressive and their counter threat increase the likelihood of chances at both ends. Milan’s superior quality points to them as favourites, yet markets such as Both Teams To Score or Milan to win with BTTS could represent balanced value given Pisa’s capacity to score on the break.
Conclusion
This fixture pits a freshly motivated, evolving Pisa side against a resurgent Milan. Home energy and tactical tweaks from Hiljemark make Pisa a more dangerous opponent than their league position suggests — but Milan’s overall quality still makes them the team most likely to edge the result.
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New Pisa coach Oscar Hiljemark has fond memories of facing Milan in his playing career...
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