David Merida Aguilar, ranked 86 and competing for Spain, reaches the Perugia semi-finals on clay after a mixed run of form. The Spanish player has won one of his last five matches, most recently defeating Tomas Barrios Vera 2-1, though he suffered three consecutive losses to Shelton, Kovacevic and Basilashvili. This marks Merida Aguilar's first meeting with Pellegrino, with no prior head-to-head record between the two players.

Andrea Pellegrino, Italy's 124-ranked competitor, has shown stronger recent form entering the Perugia semi-final on clay with four wins in his last five matches. The Italian player defeated Mariano Cecchinato in straight sets and won consecutive matches against Carballes Baena, Kasnikowski and Harris, though he suffered a loss to Flavio Cobolli 3-0 in his most recent outing. Pellegrino and Merida Aguilar have never faced each other on the professional tour.