ROMA – TORINO | Sunday 3:00pm
It was quite predictable that the defeat in the derby against Lazio would leave some scoriae in Roma’s house. Tensions that inevitably characterised the midweek match against Sassuolo, a game which the Giallorossi had managed to unlock ten minutes from the end with a goal from a rediscovered Abraham and which they ended up equalising due to a serious defensive inattention. According to coach José Mourinho, one of the main ‘culprits’ was Rick Karsdorp: he did not name him in front of the microphones but it was the Dutchman who was the player in his crosshairs at the end of the game, speaking of an unprofessional attitude.
We don’t know how the situation will evolve, with Mou reportedly even telling him that he will have to find another team in January. In short, the atmosphere is not serene and the new classification – Roma are currently seventh, overtaken also by Inter and Juventus – is certainly not helping. Apart from the two victories in the Europa League against Hjk Helsinki and Ludogorets, in the championship the only success in the last four games is the one against the bottom-of-the-table Verona. A turnaround is needed, especially at home, where Roma have not lost three in a row since 2005, when Bruno Conti was on the bench.
On the last day before the break for the World Cup in Qatar, the Stadio Olimpico hosts a healthy Torino, who took advantage of the favourable calendar to bring home three victories in four matches (Udinese, Milan and Sampdoria), only falling at home to Bologna. The granata immediately put the ‘Dall’Ara’ knockout behind them, beating Sampdoria 2-0 to move up to ninth place, where they are starting to breathe European air.
Roma v Torino: the latest line-up news
Samuele Ricci
Dybala has been called up by Argentina coach Scaloni and will be part of the Albiceleste expedition to Qatar. He trained with the group during the week but is unlikely to be used in the match against Torino. Behind Abraham will therefore act Volpato and Zaniolo. Obviously Karsdorp will not be there: on the right flank there will be space for Celik, on the left instead the Lusitanian coach will trust Zalewski again. No changes in defence: guarding Rui Patricio’s goal will be Mancini, Smalling and Ibanez.
In Torino, the absence of Lukic in midfield stands out. Juric, the Granata coach, will place Linetty alongside former Empoli player Ricci. Vojvoda and Singo will be in the running for the role of right outside forward in the well-established 3-4-2-1. At the back, Buongiorno will replace the injured Schuurs. In attack Sanabria is back, supported by Vlasic and Miranchuk.
The prediction
It was 2015 when Roma and Torino last drew. Since then the Giallorossi have almost always come out on top, claiming ten wins in thirteen matches. They are slight favourites again this time, but the Granata are in a good moment and are sure to make life difficult for Mourinho’s team: the surprise, to understand, is just around the corner. Wiser to focus on the number of goals, they should be at least two in total.
Roma v Torino likely line-ups
- ROMA (3-4-2-1): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Cristante, Matic, Zalewski; Volpato, Zaniolo; Abraham.
- TORINO (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Djidji, Buongiorno, Rodriguez; Vojvoda, Ricci, Linetty, Lazaro; Miranchuk, Vlasic; Sanabria.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
