As Torino prepares for a challenging away match against Roma at the Olimpico, which promises to be an intense atmosphere given recent developments in the Giallorossi camp, Granata coach Paolo Vanoli addressed the media. However, before discussing the upcoming fixture, Vanoli took a moment to pay tribute to Matilde Lorenzi, the 19-year-old skiing prodigy who tragically passed away yesterday morning at Bolzano hospital due to internal bleeding following an accident on the Val Senales ski slopes.
“Today, it’s necessary to begin by expressing our closeness to the family in remembrance of Matilde,” Vanoli stated solemnly. “As an athlete, as a parent, these are things that touch us deeply… We, as a staff and as a club, feel this deeply. It’s a tragedy that affects you.”
The coach’s words underscored the shock and sadness felt throughout the sporting community at the loss of such a promising young talent.
“Stadiums like the Olimpico with high pressure are the most beautiful to play in because you can demonstrate your personality with your idea of the game,” Vanoli stated, drawing parallels to their recent experiences at San Siro. The Granata coach is wary of Roma’s current negative streak and calls for heightened vigilance and concentration from his team.
“We will face the challenges presented by a great team built to achieve important objectives,” Vanoli emphasized. “We must be careful because we’ll be facing players who can find motivation in front of their home crowd. Roma is a team of champions. We need to be good at managing this evening: there will be many more games within one, especially from an emotional aspect. We should be good at understanding the moments.”
Vanoli believes the midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. “Yes, I believe this game will be decided especially in midfield,” he continued. “From my point of view, I want to continue with the determination that I finally saw in the last victory against Como and, at the same time, continue with good performances.”
Torino approaches the Roma clash with a solid league position (14 points in 9 games), a rediscovered defense, and a regularly scoring attack (15 goals in 9 matches). “This is the path, knowing that processes are long. But I’m happy with what we’re doing,” Vanoli added.
The coach announced the return of Borna Sosa to the squad after recovery from injury, admitting to a miscalculation in the initial prognosis. “Sosa will be with us. We made a wrong assessment regarding his injury. We need to improve a lot on this,” Vanoli stated.
Addressing the imminent face-off with former Torino coach Ivan Juric, now at the helm of Roma and under pressure, Vanoli showed respect: “Juric did an excellent job here. I have completely different ideas from him, but until I demonstrate that I’ve earned more points than him, it means he was good.”
Vanoli expressed confidence in his attacking options, particularly praising Nikola Vlasic’s form and Che Adams’ overall contribution despite a recent goal drought. “He’s having a great season, and he will score goals because he senses the goal like few others. It’s okay for a striker to have one or two days without scoring. But his performances have been there, and he’s played great,” Vanoli concluded, highlighting the team’s growing defensive solidity and offensive potential.
