Nzola joins Pisa: A key move in fight for survival

Pisa have added an attacking threat and strength with the signing of M’Bala Nzola, who leaves Fiorentina to take on a new challenge in Serie A Enilive. It’s a significant addition for the newly promoted side, who are on the lookout for experienced players with an athletic physique, who are able to make an impact in an increasingly competitive league. Nzola fits that profile perfectly, just like Juan Cuadrado, who also recently joined the Tuscan club.

From Fiorentina to a new challenge in the Pisa jersey

Nzola has just finished a season on loan, with Lens in Ligue 1, where he scored six goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances. After returning to Fiorentina this summer, he’s now ready to start afresh in a new jersey, one that may allow him to become an impactful player again. Pisa offers the ideal opportunity to relaunch his career: an ambitious club, a team on the rise, and Alberto Gilardino as head coach, who knows how to make the most of his players’ physical and technical qualities.

Power, strength, and an eye for goal

Nzola is an attacker who catches the eye. A physically imposing centre-forward, he’s a powerful and diligent left-footer, capable of shielding the ball, pushing the team forward, and driving into space with confidence. But he’s more than just a goal scorer, he also builds-up play and contributes defensively, always willing to put in a shift for his teammates. His versatility makes him well-suited to a variety of formations, including Gilardino’s 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1. He can lead the line on his own or play alongside a more technical teammate, mixing link-up play with runs into the box. His instinctual eye for goal was clear during his time at Spezia, where he enjoyed multiple double-digit goal seasons and emerged as one of Serie A’s breakout performers.

A steady rise

Nzola’s career is a story of steady growth. After starting out in France, he arrived in Italy via Serie C with Virtus Francavilla, before making his mark in both Serie B and Serie A with Carpi, Trapani and, most notably, Spezia.

It was with the Ligurian club that he enjoyed his best spells. In 2020/21, he scored 11 goals and recorded 3 assists in the league, while in 2022/23 he scored 15 times and provided 3 assists across Serie A and the Coppa Italia. These seasons, under coaches like Vincenzo Italiano, Luca Gotti and Leonardo Semplici, were the peak of his consistency and performance in Italian football. Nzola moved to Fiorentina in summer 2023 with high expectations, but struggled to reach his potential; he scored three goals, including a beautifully chipped goal against Cagliari, and three assists in 33 appearances during the 2023/24 season. A new chapter now: Pisa

What can Nzola bring to Pisa

For a newly promoted club like Pisa, Nzola brings a valuable combination of experience, strength and motivation. He’s a striker who understands Serie A, the demands of its defences, and isn’t afraid of a duel. Most importantly, he’s a player capable of making a real difference. Nzola’s signing is more than just a reinforcement, it reflects Pisa’s determination. The club wants to take on Serie A with ambition, and to do so, they need players like Nzola: hungry, physically ready, and eager to prove themselves. If he adapts quickly and hits his stride, Nzola could emerge as a leading figure for Pisa, and perhaps one of Serie A’s breakout stars. (Photo Website Pisa + Getty Images)