The Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino is set to host a captivating Serie A encounter on Sunday as league leaders Torino welcome Lazio in a match that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons.
Torino have been the revelation of the Serie A season so far, sitting atop the table after five rounds. Under new manager Paolo Vanoli, the Granata have exceeded all expectations, remaining unbeaten in the league with three wins and two draws. Their most recent triumph, a 3-2 away victory over Hellas Verona, solidified their position at the summit – a feat not achieved by Torino since the 1976/77 season.
The Turin side’s success has been built on a solid defensive foundation, having lost just one of their last 16 home matches in Serie A, keeping 11 clean sheets in the process. However, their cup run came to an abrupt end midweek with a 2-1 home defeat to Empoli in the Coppa Italia, despite a goal from in-form striker Che Adams.
Lazio arrive in Turin with mixed form but buoyed by an impressive 3-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev in their Europa League opener. The Biancocelesti currently occupy 8th place in Serie A, having won two and lost two of their opening five fixtures. Their last league outing ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina, conceding a stoppage-time penalty.
Despite their inconsistent league form, Lazio boast an impressive record against Torino, unbeaten in their last five away matches against the Granata. This includes two consecutive clean sheets in their most recent visits to Turin.
Team News
Torino will look to captain Duvan Zapata to continue his prolific form. The Colombian striker has scored eight consecutive league goals with his head and leads Europe’s top five leagues in headed goals since the start of last season. Che Adams provides another potent attacking option, having scored off the bench last weekend.
For Lazio, the strike partnership of Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia could prove crucial, with both overcoming minor injuries to feature in midweek. Captain Mattia Zaccagni is expected to return to the starting lineup, adding further firepower to the Biancocelesti attack.
Torino may be without Mergim Vojvoda and Nikola Vlasic due to muscular issues, while Lazio’s only absentees are likely to be defenders Patric and Samuel Gigot.
Expected Starting XIs
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Coco, Maripan, Masina; Lazaro, Ilic, Ricci, Linetty, Sosa; Sanabria, Zapata
Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Match Prediction
Given Torino’s impressive home record and Lazio’s struggles on the road this season, a tight contest is expected. However, Lazio’s quality in attack could prove the difference.
Prediction: Torino 1-1 Lazio
