Bottom of the table and coming off a damaging home loss, Pisa change course as Marco Giampaolo emerges as the leading candidate to steer a survival fight.
Pisa have decided to press the reset button. Following a painful 3–1 home defeat against Sassuolo and with the club anchored to the bottom of the Serie A table, Pisa have officially dismissed head coach Alberto Gilardino.
The decision was taken after a post-match summit involving the club’s hierarchy, with owner Alexander Knaster also present at the stadium. After discussions that extended late into the evening, Pisa released an official statement confirming the change on the bench.
“The Pisa Sporting Club informs that it has communicated to Alberto Gilardino the decision — taken with both human and professional regret — to change the technical leadership of the first team,” the club said. “We sincerely thank Alberto and his entire staff for what they have given to the club, the team, and the Nerazzurri supporters during these months.”
Giampaolo the Front-Runner
Pisa have announced that the name of the new head coach will be revealed in the coming hours, but all signs point toward Marco Giampaolo as the leading candidate. Giampaolo is coming off a dramatic survival campaign with Lecce last season, securing safety on the final matchday — a profile that appeals to Pisa’s urgent need for experience in high-pressure situations.
The Tuscan club remain determined to fight until the end to retain their Serie A status, and the coaching change reflects a belief that a different tactical approach and leadership voice are now required.
Heavy Investment, Little Return
Gilardino’s dismissal comes despite significant backing from ownership during the January transfer window. Pisa invested over €20 million to reinforce the squad, signing forwards Durosinmi and Stojilkovic, midfielder Felipe Loyola, and defender Rosen Bozhinov. The expectation was an immediate uptick in results — something that never materialized.
The defeat to Sassuolo proved decisive: a match that was seen internally as a must-not-lose, and instead became the final straw.
All-In on Survival
With the season entering its decisive phase, Pisa are opting for urgency over continuity. The club believes that a managerial change, combined with recent market investment, can still fuel a late push for survival.
The message from Pisa is clear: the fight is not over — but time is no longer a luxury.
