Gilardino: ‘Pisa have same ideas and objectives’ in Serie A | OneFootball

Alberto Gilardino assures he has ‘the same ideas and objectives’ as Pisa, suggesting potential tactical innovations upon their return to Serie A after 34 years.

This will be only his second senior coaching role, having helped take Genoa from Serie B to promotion and top flight safety, until he was abruptly fired in November 2024 to make way for Patrick Vieira.

Now he is in charge of a side making its return to Serie A after more than three decades, as Pippo Inzaghi decided to move on once he secured second place in Serie B last season.

Gilardino sees Pisa similarities with Genoa

epa11668963 Genoa’s coach Alberto Gilardino prior the Italian Serie A soccer match Genoa Cfc vs Bologna Fc, at Luigi Ferraris stadium, Genova, Italy, 19 October 2024. EPA-EFE/LUCA ZENNARO

“I found great enthusiasm at Pisa, we have the same ideas and same objectives,” said Gilardino at his presentation press conference this afternoon.

“I am a young coach with a focus on work ethic and the spirit of sacrifice. We know there is a long summer ahead of us in the transfer market, but for now I will try to get the best out of the players that are here.”

Pisa had not been in Serie A for 34 years, so the passion of the supporters is going to be paramount for this huge and rather unexpected step up.

“There are many similarities to Genoa in terms of atmosphere and that can be an added value. After the first meetings with the director, I was already convinced. Pisa is an ambitious club and the objective is to stay in Serie A.”

Alberto Gilardino is the new coach of Pisa

Gilardino is replacing his fellow 2006 World Cup winner Pippo Inzaghi on the Pisa bench, so has he spoken to the former coach?

“Yes, we spoke several weeks ago, it’s only natural we call each other up, having been teammates. I was impressed by their defending last season and the determination to keep clean sheets, which we will need in Serie A.

“I have several tactical ideas in my head, but I do like a three-man defence in general. There is nothing obligatory about it, the tactics must be based on the characteristics of the players at my disposal.”

The 43-year-old was asked what he had learned from his first Serie A experience, and his first dismissal at Genoa.

“When I was fired, we were above the relegation zone. I learned a lot, tried to spend this time updating my knowledge and studying other coaches, reflecting on my ideas.”