
Match Preview
Bayer Leverkusen host Pisa at the BayArena in what promises to be an exciting pre-season friendly between the Bundesliga and Serie A sides. This clash is both clubs’ final tune-up ahead of their competitive domestic campaigns. For Leverkusen, who are fresh from another strong finish in Germany and boasting a raucous home crowd, this fixture doubles as their traditional season opener, featuring a day of festivities and fan celebrations. Pisa, newly promoted to Serie A, see this as a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against elite continental opposition before battling Italy’s best.
Recent form for Leverkusen has been encouraging. In their preceding friendly, they secured an assured 2-0 victory against VfL Bochum, demonstrating cohesiveness in attack and solidity in defense. Their pre-season has included comfortable wins and high-scoring matches, illustrating depth and attacking flair. Pisa approach the tie on the back of a largely positive pre-season, having registered several victories and outperformed expectations. Their recent friendly wins signal a side brimming with confidence and keen to assert their place in Italy’s top tier.
Squad news could play a role in this encounter. Leverkusen face this match with a largely healthy squad, though the longer-term injury absence of creative talisman Florian Wirtz lingers in memory and may see some of the new arrivals, such as Malik Tillman, take a starring role. Meanwhile, Pisa’s squad is shaping up well. They have relatively few injuries impacting their regular starters ahead of the season, with only minor concerns over fringe players like H. Meister and S. Canestrelli earlier in the summer but should field a strong side for this test.
The match is more than just pre-season preparation: both teams have points to prove. Leverkusen, under new boss Erik ten Hag, will be keen to show that last season’s progress can be built upon, with several intriguing new signings pushing for starting roles. Pisa, for their part, will look for signs that they can compete against technical and athletic teams like Leverkusen, hoping that their blend of youthful enthusiasm and tactical discipline will be sufficient.
Key Players to Watch
- Bayer Leverkusen:
- Pisa:
- Emanuel Vignato: Signed to bring flair and vision to Pisa’s frontline, his ability to unlock a defense could be vital in the Italian side’s transition to Serie A.
- Simone Canestrelli: Pisa’s defensive organizer, essential to keeping the backline composed under pressure.
- Marius Marin: The Romanian midfielder is crucial for Pisa in controlling the midfield and dictating tempo.
Prediction
Given Leverkusen’s superior squad strength, pre-season form, and home advantage in front of a buzzing BayArena, the Werkself are clear favorites to claim victory. Expect Pisa to offer moments of quality and compact defending, but Leverkusen’s high-energy football and attacking depth should ultimately prevail. Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Pisa.
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time Result | Leverkusen | 1/4 | Bet Now |
| Full Time Result | Draw | 4/1 | Bet Now |
| Full Time Result | Pisa | 11/1 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | Leverkusen 3-1 | 9/1 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer | Victor Boniface | 3/1 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Emanuel Vignato (Pisa) | 16/5 | Bet Now |
Get ready for an energetic pre-season spectacle in Leverkusen as the Bundesliga runners-up take on the Serie A newcomers—don’t miss the action!

