The Olimpico Grande Torino is set to host one of Italian football’s most storied rivalries as Torino welcome Juventus for the 183rd Derby della Mole this Saturday evening. This fixture, steeped in history and passion, promises to be a captivating encounter between two sides with contrasting fortunes and ambitions.
The Bianconeri enter this derby with an impressive unbeaten record in Serie A this season. However, their recent setback in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals against AC Milan has raised questions about their ability to close out crucial matches. Thiago Motta’s men have shown resilience throughout the campaign, but their tendency to draw games has left them trailing the top four as they approach the midpoint of the season.
Juventus’ dominance in this fixture is undeniable. They are currently enjoying a 21-game unbeaten streak against their city rivals, including a 19-match unbeaten run at home. The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Juventus secure a comfortable 2-0 victory, with Timothy Weah and Kenan Yildiz finding the net.
Paolo Vanoli’s Torino side find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to face their illustrious neighbors. The Granata have experienced a significant downturn in form since a promising start to Vanoli’s tenure. Their recent goalless draw against newly-promoted Parma highlighted their ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Torino’s record against Juventus this century makes for grim reading. With just one victory in their last 36 encounters, dating back to April 2015, the odds are stacked heavily against them. Their home form this season has been particularly concerning, with only two victories at the Olimpico Grande Torino.
Juventus will likely approach this match with their trademark defensive solidity, looking to frustrate Torino’s already struggling attack. The absence of Manuel Locatelli could see a reshuffle in midfield, with Adrien Rabiot potentially taking on a more defensive role.
Torino, desperate for goals, may look to adopt a more aggressive stance. The potential return of Samuele Ricci could provide a much-needed boost in midfield creativity. However, with Duvan Zapata sidelined, the onus will fall on their misfiring strikers to end the team’s goal drought.
Team News
Both teams face significant injury challenges. Juventus will be without the suspended Manuel Locatelli and are monitoring the fitness of Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceicao, who have been training individually. Long-term absentees like Arkadiusz Milik and Bremer continue to be sidelined.
Torino hopes to have Saul Coco and Samuele Ricci return from injuries, but they’ll be without Perr Schuurs and Duvan Zapata. The forward line will likely feature a combination of Che Adams, Yann Karamoh, and Antonio Sanabria.
Expected Starting XIs
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Vojvoda, Maripan, Coco; Lazaro, Ricci, Linetty, Sosa; Vlasic, Karamoh; Adams
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Savona, Kalulu, Gatti, McKennie; Thuram, Koopmeiners; Yildiz, Gonzalez, Mbangula; Vlahovic
Match Prediction
Given Juventus’ historical dominance in this fixture and Torino’s current goal-scoring woes, the Bianconeri enter as clear favorites. Expect a tightly contested affair with Juventus’ superior quality ultimately making the difference. A narrow 1-0 victory for the visitors seems the most likely outcome, further extending their impressive derby record and piling more pressure on their struggling city rivals.
Prediction: Torino 0-1 Juventus
