After a successful debut on the Roma touchline, Gian Piero Gasperini leads the Giallorossi into foreign territory: historic Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. Not foreign in the literal sense, of course—Pisa is just a three-hour jaunt north along the Ligurian coastline—but the two clubs have only squared off 15 times since 1968, and haven’t met since May 26, 1991, a one-nil Roma victory thanks to a late goal from Roberto Muzzi.
But the past, as they say, is prologue. In the present tense, Gasperini
and Roma are still getting to know one another. While looking past the newly-promoted Nerazzurri would be easy, we’ve tempted fate too many times to assume a victory today. Still, even though they only found the back of the net once against Bologna, the rhythm and tempo Roma showcased last weekend point towards an exciting, goal-filled season. And with some sharper finishing today, the odds should favor the capital club.
The lineups are in, so let’s get down to business!
