As Torino gears up for the highly anticipated derby against Juventus, head coach Paolo Vanoli addressed the media in a press conference, expressing his excitement and determination for the match. “The group is doing very well; we are having a wonderful week knowing the importance of this game,” he stated. “The main indication? Silence. When preparing for a derby, it’s nice to feel the energy around; I find my own motivations.”
Reflecting on his players’ mindset leading up to the match, Vanoli noted, “Absolutely, we have the fortune to live in the present and experience these feelings that come rarely. The boys are eager to experience something special.”
When asked about striker Che Adams, who has been dealing with a minor injury, Vanoli said, “He had a small strain; until the last moment, we will try to bring him with us. If Adams can’t make it, we have more alternatives: Njie, Karamoh, or Vlasic behind the striker.”
Addressing recent defensive errors that have plagued the team, Vanoli acknowledged the need for improvement: “As I’ve always said, we are on a journey. The work has paid off, and now we must be good at improving both individually and collectively.”
Vanoli also shared his interactions with fans during this special week: “It has been a unique week; I lived it with all the staff, from the equipment managers to the chef. It was nice to hear their stories.”
To turn around Torino’s negative trend in derby matches, he emphasized the importance of clarity and passion: “You approach a derby with a clear mind and passionate heart. A clear mind and warm heart are essential; within the game, you must know how to handle all moments.”
Regarding his defensive lineup featuring Coco, Maripan, and Masina, he expressed confidence in their abilities: “I’m fortunate to choose players based on their characteristics against our opponents. Continuity is also crucial; we need to improve individually because that enhances the collective. However, whether in possession or not, we need to be a team.”
Vanoli conveyed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans despite recent struggles: “It’s a great sign. We made a promise at the beginning with the fans; they promised to always be close to the team, and they have kept that promise. I promised maximum commitment, and I believe that has been maintained.”
Explaining how he communicates the significance of a derby to foreign players, he said, “Since I arrived, I’ve tried to convey the history of this club. The beauty of this week is feeling their emotion.”
When discussing how to approach Juventus specifically, he acknowledged their strengths: “They have built a team that fits the coach’s project well; they have players on the wings who excel in one-on-one situations. Juventus has something extra; therefore, we must face them as a team. We need to have the courage to write a page that can be remembered beyond tactics.”
Vanoli recalled a memorable derby where Torino staged an incredible comeback: “There’s one derby where Torino was down 2-0. After Rossi scored to make it 1-0 due to a defensive error and then a penalty made it 2-0. After that moment of difficulty, Torino reacted and won in three minutes. I might show this video to my players because I want to see that courage.”
On set pieces and tactical preparations, he stated: “I work daily on all aspects that can be improved.” He also confirmed that despite previous errors from Coco, he would continue playing because important players must respond positively.
Finally, when asked about Ivan Ilic’s fitness for the match, Vanoli confidently replied: “Yes, he has 90 minutes in his legs.”
