Sunday’s Serie A action closes out at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino as mid-table Torino entertain underperforming pacesetters Milan.
Captain Andrea Belotti converted Torino’s first spot-kick of the season to hand his side a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serie A basement boys Salernitana last time out. After ending a run of eight league games without winning (D4, L4), the Granata will be looking to win back-to-back Serie A matches since a brace of triumphs over Fiorentina and Sampdoria at the turn of 2022.
However, it will take something special to beat Milan, who head into proceedings in desperate need of points. Monday’s underwhelming ‘nil-nil’ draw to mid-table Bologna knocked the Rossoneri down from a three-game winning Serie A streak, allowing second-placed Napoli to whittle the gap down to a single point.
Following Inter’s 2-0 home thumping of Hellas Verona, Milan can ill-afford another slip-up against sub-par rivals. Yet, Torino will be out to prove they are no pushovers despite their rotten form.
Match Preview
Torino
The abovementioned win over Salernitana gives Torino a rare opportunity to record back-to-back clean sheets in Serie A. Ivan Juric’s men last achieved that feat in September. They have conceded in four consecutive home league outings since a 4-0 dismantling of Fiorentina in early January.
Scoring could be another problem for Torino here, as they have failed to get on the scoresheet in their last five meetings with Milan across all competitions. Indeed, they did not only fall to a narrow 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, but the Granata also lost this exact fixture last season in thumping fashion, courtesy of a 0-7 scoreline.
Unless they find a way to score their first H2H league goal since September 2019, Torino could lose consecutive Serie A matches against Milan at home for the first time since 2008. But it’s worth mentioning that Juric’s men have suffered defeats in their last six top-flight games against sides starting the matchday atop the Serie A standings.
Milan
Milan may be going unbeaten in nine Serie A outings on the bounce (W5, D4), but their recent performances have flattered to deceive. Stefano Pioli’s side had strung together three identical 1-0 league victories before drawing a blank against Bologna last time out.
Another scoring blank against Torino would see Milan fail to find the net in consecutive Serie A matches for the first time since February 2021. That scenario looks a bit far-fetched, though, as they come into this fixture as the only Serie A side to have scored in 100% of their away league games this term.
Indeed, Milan have netted a league joint-high 33 goals on hostile turf this season, at an average of 2.2 per game. Far more comfortable outside San Siro, the Rossoneri boast Serie A’s best win ratio on the road this season, having won 73% of their away league matches thus far (11/15).
Torino vs Milan Team News
Antonio Sanabria and Simone Zaza have joined Koffi Djidji on the sidelines, while Torino boss Juric hopes to have Josip Brekalo and Dennis Praet available for selection.
Milan loanee Pietro Pellegri has returned to the fold following a minor knee issue. He could join another ‘Rossonero’ in the home team’s starting XI as Tommaso Pobega looks destined for another start.
On the other hand, Alessandro Florenzi will keep Simon Kjaer company on the stands after picking up a knee injury. Pioli has an otherwise full-fit squad at his disposal.
Torino Potential Starting XI (3-4-2-1): Etrit Berisha; Armando Izzo, Gleison Bremer, Ricardo Rodriguez; Wilfried Singo, Sasa Lukic, Rolando Mandragora, Mergim Vojvoda; Tommaso Pobega, Josip Brekalo; Andrea Belotti.
Milan Potential Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Davide Calabria, Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer; Junior Messias, Franck Kessie, Rafael Leao; Olivier Giroud.