The 2025/26 season represents a historic milestone for Pisa Sporting Club, as the Nerazzurri return to Serie A after a 34-year absence. The Tuscan club, founded in 1909 and best known for the glory days of the late 1980s when they featured stars like Paul Elliott and took on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup, finally ended their decades-long exile from Italy’s top flight by securing promotion from Serie B as runners-up in 2024/25. The Stadio Arena Garibaldi – Romeo Anconetani, with its intimate atmosphere and passionate Curva Nord, once again hosts the giants of Italian football. This season’s squad reflects a bold and ambitious project: a blend of experienced veterans (including a World Cup winner), promising loanees from bigger clubs, and emerging international talents. The club has entrusted the challenge of survival to Alberto Gilardino, the former World Cup-winning striker who took the reins in 2025. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Pisa’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Adrian Šemper
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Chievo Verona, Genoa, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Adrian Šemper has become Pisa’s undisputed number one following the departure of the veteran Nicolas. The Croatian shot-stopper, a product of Dinamo Zagreb’s famed academy, provides reflexes, command, and international experience that have been instrumental in Pisa’s competitive survival campaign. Having established himself as the primary starter throughout the 2025/26 season, Šemper’s consistency has been vital behind a defence that faces relentless pressure from Italy’s elite forwards. His distribution remains functional yet secure, prioritising safety over expansive risk-taking. Šemper’s contract runs through 2028.
2. Simone Scuffet
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Udinese, Kasımpaşa (loan), Spezia (loan), CFR Cluj, Cagliari, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Simone Scuffet arrived in the summer of 2025 following his departure from Cagliari, adding experienced Serie A depth to the goalkeeping unit. The 29-year-old was once hailed as Italy’s future number one after bursting onto the scene with Udinese as a teenager, and he brings that wealth of top-flight experience to Pisa’s bench. Scuffet serves as a high-quality backup to Šemper, providing reliable shot-stopping and competition in training. His contract runs through 2028.
3. Nicolas
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Anzhi Makhachkala, Hellas Verona, Bologna, Udinese, Reggina, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Nicolas, the veteran Brazilian goalkeeper, departed Pisa at the end of the 2024/25 season after his contract expired. The 37-year-old’s experience was invaluable during the promotion campaign, but the club opted for a refresh in goal ahead of the Serie A challenge. He remains a free agent.
4. Tommaso Guizzo
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Tommaso Guizzo has served as the emergency third-choice option following development with Pisa’s youth setup. The 17-year-old represents the future of the club’s goalkeeping department.
Defenders
1. Antonio Caracciolo (Captain)
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Antonio Caracciolo has become the heart and soul of Pisa’s defence and the club captain. A one-club man in professional terms, the 35-year-old has been with Pisa through their rise from the lower divisions and has now led them back to Serie A. His leadership, aerial prowess, and old-school defending have been critical in navigating the step up in class. Caracciolo organises the backline with vocal authority and remains a threat from set pieces. His contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
2. Simone Canestrelli
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Simone Canestrelli has emerged as Caracciolo’s long-term partner and a revelation in Pisa’s defence. The 25-year-old academy graduate has seamlessly transitioned to the top flight, providing physicality and tactical intelligence beyond his years. Canestrelli’s ability to read the game and his composure on the ball have made him a key figure in the starting eleven. His partnership with Caracciolo has provided defensive stability for the Nerazzurri.
3. Raúl Albiol
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia, Getafe, Real Madrid, Napoli, Villarreal
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Pisa pulled off a major coup by signing the legendary Spanish centre-back Raúl Albiol on a free transfer in the summer of 2025. Now 40, the 2010 World Cup winner brings an unparalleled wealth of experience to the dressing room. While his physical capacity has diminished, Albiol’s positioning, reading of the game, and leadership have been invaluable, often coming off the bench to manage the final stages of tight matches. His presence has been crucial in mentoring the younger defenders. Albiol’s contract expires in 2026.
4. Arturo Calabresi
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Roma, Bologna, Verona, Lecce, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Arturo Calabresi arrived in the summer of 2025 to add depth and versatility to the defensive unit. The 29-year-old can operate across the backline, providing a reliable option off the bench. His experience in Serie A with various clubs has helped Pisa manage the gruelling campaign. Calabresi’s contract runs through 2028.
5. Samuele Angori
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Samuele Angori has established himself as the first-choice left wing-back in Alberto Gilardino’s tactical setup. The 22-year-old’s tireless running, crossing ability, and defensive improvement have made him a fan favourite at the Arena Garibaldi. Angori’s contributions in the final third, including several assists, have been a key attacking outlet.
6. Juan Cuadrado
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: Udinese, Lecce, Fiorentina, Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Atalanta
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
In one of the most surprising transfers of the summer, Juan Cuadrado joined Pisa to begin his farewell tour of Serie A. The 37-year-old Colombian, once a Juventus and Inter hero, has brought his trademark pace, dribbling, and experience to the right flank. While he can no longer play every minute, Cuadrado’s quality on the ball and his ability to draw fouls have been useful weapons for the newly promoted side. His contract expires in 2026.
7. Pietro Beruatto
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Pietro Beruatto has seen his minutes managed carefully in the top flight. The 25-year-old provides cover for the wing-back positions, offering defensive solidity when called upon to close out matches.
8. Mateus Lusuardi
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Frosinone, Pisa
Transfer Fee: £500,000 (2025)
Mateus Lusuardi arrived from Frosinone in a joint transfer with Isak Vural. The 21-year-old Brazilian defender was signed for his potential, representing a long-term investment for the Nerazzurri’s backline.
9. Francesco Coppola
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Francesco Coppola has provided emergency defensive depth following his return from loan spells. The 21-year-old is considered a prospect for the future.
10. Rosen Bozhinov
Nationality: Bulgarian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Rosen Bozhinov has provided centre-back depth following his development with Pisa’s youth setup. The 21-year-old has made several appearances off the bench.
Midfielders
1. Michel Aebischer
Nationality: Swiss
Former Clubs: Young Boys, Bologna, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Loan from Bologna (2025)
Michel Aebischer arrived on loan from Bologna in August 2025, adding Swiss international pedigree and tactical intelligence to the midfield. The 28-year-old, who was a pupil of Thiago Motta at Bologna, has been instrumental as a deep-lying playmaker. His ability to dictate tempo, break up play, and distribute efficiently has been vital for Pisa’s possession game. Aebischer has formed a formidable partnership with the physical Marius Marin in the centre of the park.
2. Marius Marin
Nationality: Romanian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Marius Marin has become the midfield engine and vice-captain of the squad, embodying the gritty, hard-working spirit required for a relegation battle. The 27-year-old Romanian international is the primary destroyer in the centre, leading the team in tackles and duels won. Marin’s work rate and pressing intensity set the standards for the team’s defensive phase. His contract runs through 2029.
3. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Sampdoria, Inter Milan (youth), Pisa
Transfer Fee: £6 million (2026 – obligation to buy from Inter)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro arrived on loan from Inter Milan and immediately became a creative spark in the final third. The 21-year-old Nigerian midfielder possesses excellent dribbling skills and a passing range that unlocks defences. Pisa has already activated their obligation to purchase him for €6 million, reflecting his importance to the project. The Nerazzurri will be hoping to develop him into a marquee asset before a potential big-money sale.
4. Malthe Højholt
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Malthe Højholt has provided midfield depth following his development within the club’s system. The 25-year-old Dane offers energy and tactical discipline when rotated into the starting eleven.
5. Mehdi Léris
Nationality: Algerian
Former Clubs: Sampdoria, Cagliari, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Mehdi Léris has become a versatile asset for Pisa, capable of operating as a central midfielder or out wide. The 27-year-old Algerian brings creativity and flair to the attack, often drifting into half-spaces to create overloads. Léris’s technical security has helped Pisa retain possession under pressure.
6. Isak Vural
Nationality: Swedish
Former Clubs: Frosinone, Pisa
Transfer Fee: £4.5 million (2025)
Isak Vural was the marquee signing of Pisa’s transfer window, arriving from Frosinone for €4.5 million. The 19-year-old Swedish midfielder is considered one of Scandinavia’s brightest talents, possessing a rare combination of physicality and technical grace. Vural has been integrated gradually into the first team, with an eye on him becoming a central figure in the coming seasons.
7. Idrissa Touré
Nationality: German (Malian descent)
Former Clubs: Juventus U23, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Undisclosed (2023)
Idrissa Touré provides powerful midfield cover, using his physical attributes to dominate opponents in the centre of the park. The 27-year-old German has added steel to the bench.
8. Calvin Stengs
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, Nice, Feyenoord, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Loan from Feyenoord (2025)
Calvin Stengs arrived on loan from Feyenoord in a late-summer deal, adding Dutch technical quality to the attacking midfield options. The 27-year-old winger has struggled for consistency in the past but remains a dangerous player with excellent close control and vision.
9. Lorran
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Flamengo, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Loan from Flamengo (2025)
Lorran arrived with a reputation as one of Brazil’s hottest prospects, joining on loan from Flamengo. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has shown flashes of brilliance, including a memorable debut goal . His flair and dribbling provide a wildcard option off the bench.
Forwards
1. M’Bala Nzola
Nationality: Angolan
Former Clubs: Troyes, Spezia, Fiorentina, Lens, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Loan from Fiorentina (2025)
M’Bala Nzola returned to Tuscany after a difficult spell at Lens, arriving on loan from Fiorentina. The 29-year-old Angolan international is a physical specimen, capable of holding up the ball and bullying defenders. Nzola is the primary target man in the attack, tasked with bringing the midfielders into play and finishing crosses from the wing-backs. His contract includes a purchase option that Pisa may activate if he hits certain goal thresholds.
2. Stefano Moreo
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Pisa Academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Stefano Moreo has been a stalwart for Pisa through the divisions. The 32-year-old forward provides a reliable presence as a rotation option, offering link-up play and clever movement in the box.
3. Henrik Meister
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Sarpsborg 08, Pisa
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2024)
Henrik Meister represents the future of Pisa’s attack. The 22-year-old Danish striker stands at 6’4” and possesses a powerful shot. Meister has been used primarily as a substitute, learning the ropes of Serie A while providing fresh legs against tired defences.
4. Filip Stojilković
Nationality: Swiss (Serbian descent)
Former Clubs: Sion, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Undisclosed (2024)
Filip Stojilković has provided emergency striking depth, utilising his pace to stretch defences in the final stages of matches.
5. Jan Mlakar
Nationality: Slovenian
Former Clubs: Hajduk Split, Pisa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Jan Mlakar has been used sparingly in the forward line, providing depth and technical quality when called upon.
Conclusion
Pisa’s 2025/26 squad represents a remarkable blend of experienced stalwarts and raw, exciting talent, assembled with the singular goal of maintaining Serie A status after a 34-year hiatus. The defence, led by club captain Antonio Caracciolo and the legendary Raúl Albiol, provides the organisational steel required for a relegation battle, complemented by the attacking thrust of wing-backs Juan Cuadrado and Samuele Angori. The midfield engine, powered by the rugged Marius Marin and the cultured Michel Aebischer, offers balance, while the creative flair of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro adds a dimension of unpredictability. In attack, the physical presence of M’Bala Nzola leads the line, tasked with converting the chances created from wide areas. The Nerazzurri faced an uphill battle from the opening kick-off, but the blend of Gilardino’s tactical organisation and the squad’s fighting spirit has given the Pisa faithful hope that their stay in the top flight will be a lengthy one.
