Filippo Inzaghi has orchestrated a remarkable return for Pisa to the heights of Italian football, guiding the club back to Serie A for the first time in over 30 years. His managerial prowess has not only revitalized the team's fortunes but also set the stage for a potential sibling rivalry in the upcoming season, as his brother Simone Inzaghi manages Inter.
According to reports from Nicolo Schira, Pisa is poised to extend Inzaghi's contract, keeping him at the helm until the summer of 2027. This extension is seen as a formality, given the mutual agreement already reached between the two parties. Inzaghi has been at the managerial helm since the summer of last year, overseeing 38 matches with an impressive record of 23 wins, six draws, and nine losses.
After securing promotion, Inzaghi expressed his surprise at the achievement, stating, "I still have to fully understand what happened, but it's all incredible. An achievement I was hoping for, but not like this," in an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport. He emphasized the significance of the promotion, noting that Pisa had not been in Serie A for 30 years. "I had wanted to come here for a few years; many advised me against it, and instead, I had the right feelings. I knew that the club was organized and would help us compete by making us work to our full potential," he added.
Inzaghi's journey to this point has not been without its challenges. He previously managed several clubs, including Milan, Bologna, and Benevento, before taking the reins at Pisa. His experience at the top levels of Italian football has undoubtedly contributed to his success with the team.
As Pisa prepares for their return to the elite division, the prospect of a derby between the Inzaghi brothers looms large. With Filippo managing Pisa and Simone at Inter, fans are eagerly anticipating these encounters. The last time Pisa competed in Serie A, the landscape of Italian football was vastly different, and the return of this historic club is generating excitement among supporters.
Inzaghi's connection to Pisa runs deep, as he reflected on the overwhelming support from the fans. "The people of Pisa have given me so much from the first moment. I hoped to repay them with a promotion because their affection has been overwhelming. Seeing seven thousand fans away in the match against Sassuolo was extraordinary," he said.
Furthermore, Beppe Vannucchi, who has been part of the Pisa coaching staff for several years, also plays a crucial role in the club's resurgence. Vannucchi, a former referee for Pisa, has been instrumental in developing young talent and fostering a competitive spirit within the team.
Inzaghi's coaching career began with a triumph at the 2014 Viareggio Cup, where he led the Milan Primavera to victory against Anderlecht, and he has consistently demonstrated a knack for nurturing talent and achieving results. His success at Pisa is a testament to his ability to connect with players and inspire them to perform at their best.
The Viareggio Cup holds a special place in Inzaghi's heart. He described it as "one of the most beautiful events at youth level" and recalled the indescribable emotion of winning it. This connection to youth football has undoubtedly influenced his approach to coaching at Pisa, where he has emphasized the importance of developing young players.
As the club looks ahead to the new season, the excitement is palpable. Pisa's return to Serie A not only marks a significant milestone for the club but also brings renewed hope for its passionate supporters. The twinning of the Viareggio fans with the Pisan ones, established in 1991, adds another layer of camaraderie and shared history as both communities celebrate this achievement together.
Inzaghi's commitment to Pisa is unwavering, as he stated, "I carry in my heart all the fans of the teams I coach." His dedication to the club and its supporters is evident, and he aims to lead Pisa to success in Serie A.
As the season approaches, fans are left to wonder how the Inzaghi brothers will fare against each other on the pitch. With both coaches having strong ties to their respective clubs, the sibling rivalry promises to be a highlight of the upcoming Serie A season.
In conclusion, Filippo Inzaghi's journey with Pisa has been nothing short of extraordinary. From unexpected promotion to potential family rivalry, the upcoming season is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in the club's storied history.
