Simone Canestrelli

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

At the foot of the table in 19th position, Pisa Sporting Club are desperately searching for solutions to turn their season around. Yet while their defensive struggles mount, one curious figure remains on the sidelines: 25-year-old centre-back Simone Canestrelli. Despite commanding an impressive €7 million market valuation—the mark of genuine potential—Canestrelli has yet to make a single appearance this campaign, registering 0 minutes, 0 goals, and 0 assists. The paradox is striking: a player valued at that price point typically earns regular minutes, yet Canestrelli carries only a single yellow card to his name this season. His profile suggests exactly what Pisa's beleaguered backline needs: a defensive anchor with aerial dominance who can organize and protect. As Pisa's disastrous form continues with that ominous string of poor results, manager decisions surrounding Canestrelli's exclusion grow ever more puzzling. With quality teammates like Idrissa Touré and M'Bala Nzola already in the squad, unlocking Canestrelli's potential could be the catalyst Pisa desperately need to climb out of the relegation zone.