The Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino is set to host an enticing Serie A encounter this Saturday as Torino welcome Bologna in a fixture that could have significant implications for both sides’ aspirations this season. With Torino looking to build momentum after a recent victory and Bologna aiming to maintain their impressive form, this match promises to be a closely contested affair.
Torino enter this fixture with renewed optimism following their 1-0 victory over Empoli last weekend, which ended a six-game winless streak in Serie A. Manager Paolo Vanoli will be eager for his team to capitalize on this result and secure back-to-back wins for the first time since August. The Granata have struggled for consistency this season, particularly in front of goal, having failed to score in five of their six matches prior to the Empoli win.
Despite their recent difficulties, Torino have shown resilience in their performances, with all of their victories this season coming by a single-goal margin. Their home form has been a concern, however, with their last win in front of their own fans coming two months ago against Como. The Turin outfit currently sits in 11th place and will be hoping that the recent victory can spark a turnaround in their fortunes.
Bologna, on the other hand, arrive in Turin as one of Serie A’s form teams. Under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, the Rossoblu have enjoyed a remarkable upturn in results since gameweek 10, accumulating 16 points – a tally only bettered by Atalanta and matched by defending champions Inter Milan. This impressive run has propelled Bologna to seventh in the table, just three points behind Juventus in sixth.
While Bologna’s home form has been exceptional, with three consecutive victories at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, their away performances have been less convincing. Recent trips have seen them suffer a 3-0 defeat to Lazio and squander a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Juventus. Italiano will be keen for his side to address this inconsistency and avoid a third consecutive winless away match.
Team News
Both teams have injury concerns to contend with ahead of the match. Torino will be without center-back Saul Coco due to suspension, while long-term absentees Duvan Zapata, Emirhan Ilkhan, and Perr Schuurs remain sidelined with knee injuries. The hosts will likely look to Che Adams for inspiration, with the Scottish international having scored all four of his Serie A goals in the second half of matches this season.
Bologna’s injury list is equally concerning, with Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, Dan Ndoye, and Riccardo Orsolini all unavailable. Juan Miranda and Michel Aebischer face late fitness tests to determine their involvement. In more positive news for the visitors, Jens Odgaard will be looking to build on his goal-scoring form after finding the net against Fiorentina last time out.
Expected Starting XIs
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Maripan, Masina; Pedersen, Ricci, Linetty, Ginetis, Sosa; Karamoh, Sanabria
Bologna: Skorupski; De Silvestri, Beukema, Lucumi, Holm; Freuler, Pobega; Odgaard, Ferguson, Dominguez; Castro
Match Prediction
Given the recent form of both teams and their respective strengths and weaknesses, this match could well end in a closely fought draw. Torino’s defensive solidity at home, combined with Bologna’s occasional struggles on the road, suggests that goals may be at a premium. A 1-1 scoreline appears a likely outcome, with both sides potentially satisfied to share the spoils in what promises to be an intriguing tactical contest.
Prediction: Torino 1-1 Bologna
