Milan vs Pisa: Referee, Streaming Details & Match Preview

AC Milan will look to extend their impressive start to the Serie A season when they welcome struggling Pisa to San Siro on Friday evening. The Rossoneri sit atop the league table with 16 points from seven matches, while the visitors remain winless and rooted to the bottom of the standings.

Referee Appointment and VAR Scrutiny

The Italian Referees Association (AIA) has appointed Luca Zufferli to officiate Friday's encounter, with the match taking on added significance following recent VAR controversies in Serie A. The 35-year-old official has only taken charge of one Milan match previously - a 3-0 victory over Lecce in September 2024.

That fixture, however, wasn't without controversy. In the 80th minute, Davide Bartesaghi received a red card that left Milan officials furious, as the decision was later acknowledged to be incorrect. The dismissal should have been a yellow card rather than a sending off, according to reports at the time. Despite this notable error, Zufferli's performance was otherwise solid throughout the match.

Rossi and Mastrodonato will serve as assistant referees, with Collu as the fourth official. Gariglio and Doveri will handle VAR duties, which will be watched closely after last weekend's acknowledged error in Milan's match against Fiorentina. The scrutiny on match officials has intensified in recent weeks, making this appointment particularly noteworthy.

Where to Watch Milan vs Pisa

For fans in the United States, the match will be broadcast live on multiple platforms. Paramount+ holds primary streaming rights, while FOX Deportes will offer Spanish-language coverage. DAZN subscribers will also have access to the fixture.

The match kicks off at 6:45 PM local time (2:45 PM ET) at San Siro on Friday, October 24th. International viewers requiring VPN services to access their usual streaming platforms should ensure their connections are secure before kickoff.

Team News and Expected Lineups

AC Milan's Injury Situation

Manager Massimiliano Allegri faces several selection concerns as he prepares his squad. Christopher Nkunku has recovered from a toe injury sustained on international duty with France and should be available after missing the Fiorentina clash. However, the Rossoneri remain without several key players.

Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupiñán, and Ardon Jashari are all unavailable through injury. Ruben Loftus-Cheek continues his recovery from a muscle problem, training separately from the main group. The absences mean Allegri will likely rely on the players who turned the tide in last weekend's 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.

Milan are expected to line up in their familiar 3-5-2 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal protected by a back three likely featuring Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Matteo Gabbia. The wing-back positions should be occupied by Alexis Saelemaekers and Davide Bartesaghi, while Samuele Ricci, Youssouf Fofana, and Luka Modric control the midfield. Up front, Santiago Gimenez and Rafael Leao will spearhead the attack.

Pisa's Return from Suspension

For Alberto Gilardino's Pisa, Idrissa Touré returns from suspension and is expected to reclaim his position on the right side. However, the visitors face their own injury concerns with Calvin Stengs and Tomás Esteves both sidelined with adductor issues. Most significantly, Mateus Lusuardi has been ruled out for the remainder of this season and much of next year.

Pisa will likely deploy a 3-5-2 system mirroring Milan's setup, with Nicolas Semper in goal. The defensive trio should include Raoul Albiol, Simone Canestrelli, and Antonio Caracciolo. Matteo Tramoni and Michel Aebischer will operate as wing-backs, supporting a midfield featuring Giovanni Bonfanti, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and the returning Touré. M'Bala Nzola and Henrik Meister will lead the line.

Contrasting Form and Expectations

The statistics paint a stark picture of two teams heading in opposite directions. Milan have won four of their last five matches, with only a goalless draw against Juventus blemishing an otherwise perfect record. Their attacking prowess has been matched by defensive solidity, conceding just four goals in seven league matches while scoring 12.

Pisa, by contrast, have endured a nightmarish start to their Serie A campaign. With just three points from seven matches, they've managed only three goals all season while conceding 11. Their winless run has left them at the very bottom of the table, seven points adrift of safety.

The gap in quality between the sides is evident in their recent results. Milan's 2-1 victory over Fiorentina last weekend demonstrated their ability to grind out results even when not at their best. Pisa's goalless draw with Verona, while ending a three-match losing streak, highlighted their struggles to find the net.

Key Battles and Tactical Considerations

De Winter's performance will be particularly intriguing as he faces former coach Gilardino. The young defender has been impressive in Milan's back three and will be eager to demonstrate his progression against a manager who knows his game well.

Modric's presence in midfield provides Milan with experience and creativity. The veteran Croatian midfielder's ability to control tempo and pick passes could prove decisive against a Pisa side struggling to maintain possession and create chances.

For Pisa, keeping Milan's attacking duo of Leao and Gimenez quiet will be paramount. The visitors have conceded in all but two of their seven league matches, and their defensive fragility suggests Milan will create numerous opportunities.

Pressure and Opportunity

While Milan enters as overwhelming favorites, the match represents different forms of pressure for both sides. Allegri's team must consolidate their position at the summit, particularly with Inter Milan and Napoli breathing down their necks. A victory would see them extend their advantage and send a message to their title rivals.

For Pisa, the pressure is existential. Gilardino needs to spark a turnaround quickly if they're to have any hope of avoiding immediate relegation. The gulf in class makes San Siro a daunting venue, but desperate times call for desperate measures. A positive result, however unlikely, could provide the catalyst for a recovery.

Conclusion: Milan Poised to Capitalize

All signs point to a comfortable Milan victory. The hosts' superior quality, home advantage, and momentum should prove too much for a Pisa side yet to find their footing in Serie A. Allegri will be eager to maintain the winning mentality that has propelled his team to the top of the table, while Gilardino faces the unenviable task of somehow stemming the tide.

The referee appointment adds an extra layer of intrigue, with VAR scrutiny at an all-time high following recent controversies. Zufferli's performance will be dissected closely, particularly given his previous contentious decision involving Milan.

For Milan fans, this represents an excellent opportunity to extend their lead before their rivals play. For Pisa supporters, hope springs eternal that their team can produce a shock result and begin climbing away from the relegation zone. Come Friday evening, San Siro will provide the answers.