Torino will aim to arrest their alarming slump in form when they host newly-promoted Como at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Friday evening. Once early Serie A pacesetters, the Granata have slipped to 9th place after four consecutive defeats across all competitions. Meanwhile, Como have found their footing in the top flight and sit just two points behind their hosts, setting the stage for an intriguing clash.
After a promising start that saw them briefly top the Serie A table, Torino’s season has unraveled spectacularly in recent weeks. Three straight 3-2 league defeats to Lazio, Inter Milan, and Cagliari, coupled with a shock Coppa Italia exit to Empoli, have piled the pressure on new manager Paolo Vanoli.
The Granata’s defensive frailties have been brutally exposed, conceding three goals in three consecutive Serie A matches for the first time in four years. Their inability to close out games has been particularly concerning—Torino has surrendered leads to end up on the losing side in each of their last three league outings.
In stark contrast to their hosts’ downturn, Como have shown encouraging signs of adapting to life in Serie A after a 21-year absence. Before losing to early leaders Napoli prior to the international break, the Lariani had gone three matches unbeaten, including their first top-flight victory in over two decades.
Under the guidance of rookie manager Cesc Fabregas, Como have developed into a potent attacking force. They’ve netted 10 goals in their last five matches, with Patrick Cutrone leading the line effectively. The emergence of Real Madrid youth product Nico Paz has been particularly exciting—the new Argentina international opened his Serie A account last weekend to rescue a point against Parma.
With Zapata sidelined, the onus falls on Che Adams and Antonio Sanabria to provide Torino’s goal threat. The pair have three Serie A strikes apiece this term and will fancy their chances against a Como backline yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
However, Como’s attack has been firing on all cylinders lately. The combination of Cutrone, Paz, Alieu Fadera, and Gabriel Strefezza has proven difficult for defenses to handle. Torino’s leaky rearguard will need to be at their best to keep the visitors at bay.
Team News
The hosts continue to be plagued by injuries to key players. Captain Duvan Zapata is sidelined for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, while Perr Schuurs’ return from a serious knee problem has been delayed until 2025. Ivan Ilic and Borna Sosa also remain unavailable.
There is some positive news for Vanoli, with Adrien Tameze and Marcus Pedersen set to return after illness. Chilean defender Guillermo Maripan is also back in contention after serving a suspension.
Fabregas has relatively few injury concerns to contend with. Midfield lynchpin Sergi Roberto is a slight doubt after being forced off with a knock last week, while full-back Ignace Van Der Brempt is also carrying a minor issue. Otherwise, the Como boss has a full squad to choose from.
Expected Starting XIs
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Coco, Masina; Lazaro, Ricci, Linetty, Vlasic, Vojvoda; Adams, Sanabria
Como: Audero; Van Der Brempt, Kempf, Dossena, Moreno; Perrone, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Match Prediction
Given Torino’s defensive vulnerabilities and Como’s attacking potency, goals seem likely at both ends. The hosts will be desperate to stop the rot, but Como have shown they can compete with established Serie A sides.
Torino’s home advantage may be negated by their fragile confidence after four straight losses. Como will sense an opportunity to claim a major scalp and potentially leapfrog their opponents in the table.
A closely-fought 2-2 draw seems a distinct possibility. Torino have the quality to end their losing streak, but an improving Como side look capable of leaving Turin with a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Torino 2-2 Como
