The historic Stadio Olimpico in Rome is set to host a crucial Serie A encounter between AS Roma and Torino FC on Thursday evening. This match, part of the 10th round of the Serie A season, kicks off at 8:45 PM local time and promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams looking to climb the league table.
AS Roma finds themselves in a precarious position, currently sitting 11th in the Serie A standings. The Giallorossi are coming off a devastating 5-1 defeat to Fiorentina, which has intensified the pressure on coach Ivan Juric. The team’s inconsistent performances have led to speculation about Juric’s future, though the club has decided to stand by him for now.
Torino FC, on the other hand, occupies the 9th spot in the league. The Granata recently ended a three-game losing streak with a victory over Como, providing a much-needed boost to their campaign. Under the guidance of new head coach Paolo Vanoli, Torino has shown promise but also faced challenges in maintaining consistency.
The rivalry between Roma and Torino is steeped in history, with the two sides having met 158 times in Serie A. Roma holds the upper hand in these encounters, boasting 68 wins compared to Torino’s 47. The Giallorossi have been particularly dominant at home, winning 12 of their last 14 league games against Torino at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi will be without Alexis Saelemaekers and the suspended Mario Hermoso, which may force Juric to make some changes to his starting lineup.
Goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will be crucial in maintaining Torino’s defensive stability, especially given the team’s recent defensive vulnerabilities.
Ivan Juric is known for his attacking philosophy but may opt for a more balanced approach given recent results. Expect Roma to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Dovbyk leading the attack. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Cristante likely to play pivotal roles in controlling the tempo of the game.
Paolo Vanoli has shown tactical flexibility since taking over at Torino. The team is likely to set up in a 3-5-2 formation, mirroring Roma’s shape. The wing-backs, particularly Vojvoda and Lazaro, will be key in providing width and supporting both attack and defense.
Team News
Roma’s attack has struggled this season, averaging just one goal per game. The team will be looking to their top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, to lead the line and improve this record. The potential return of Stephan El Shaarawy from a calf injury could provide a boost to the squad.
Paulo Dybala, despite his recent form dip, has an impressive record against Torino, having scored eight league goals against them and never losing in 19 Serie A meetings. His performance could be crucial for Roma’s success.
Torino faces significant challenges in their squad composition. Captain Duvan Zapata is sidelined for the rest of the season, while Ivan Ilic, Borna Sosa, and Perr Schuurs are also unavailable due to injuries.
In Zapata’s absence, the striking partnership of Che Adams and Antonio Sanabria is expected to continue. Polish midfielder Karol Linetty will likely captain the side, bringing his experience and leadership to the midfield.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Coco, Maripan, Masina; Vojvoda, Ricci, Linetty, Vlasic, Lazaro; Adams, Sanabria
Match Prediction
Given both teams’ recent form and historical head-to-head record, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. Roma’s home advantage and superior head-to-head record give them a slight edge, but Torino’s recent victory and desire to climb the table make them dangerous opponents.
The match could very well end in a high-scoring draw, with both teams finding the net. A 2-2 scoreline seems a plausible outcome, reflecting the attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities of both sides.
Prediction: Roma 2-2 Torino
