Tuttosport: Pisa boss Hiljemark dreaming of big early scalp – attacking choices expectation

Oscar Hiljemark is still early in his tenure as Pisa head coach, but he is already thinking about a statement win against AC Milan.

After the goalless draw at the Bentegodi against Verona, Tuttosport (via MilanPress) write this morning that Hiljemark is preparing for his first match in front of the Pisa home crowd, dreaming of a big scalp against the second-placed team.

It is a match that, given the league positions, seems daunting for Pisa. The Swede is determined to turn it into a night of glory though, and in his pre-match press conference the coach outlined the direction his team will take, focusing entirely on the mental aspect.

All-out attack?

Hiljemark is deciding between sticking with the 3-4-3 system seen in Verona or going to a 3-4-1-2, an option that would gain traction if Tramoni were to be reintroduced to the starting line-up.

In defence, there are certainties: Arturo Calabresi (who will be honoured for his 100th appearance for the Nerazzurri) will operate on the right, while new signing Loyola is expected to keep his spot too.

Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images

The absence of the suspended Marin will weigh heavily in midfield, while one of the key duels will be played out on the flank: Touré’s physique versus the rising Milan star Davide Bartesaghi.

Although a sell-out is not expected, the Pisa crowd will respond with significant numbers to drag the team towards what would be a real jolt to the relegation battle and, by extension, to Milan’s Scudetto race.