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Three to Watch: Belotti the jewel in the crown for Torino

WAYNE

Roma face Torino at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, looking to do the double over the Giallorossi after winning at their Olympic stadium earlier in the campaign.

Under Sinisa Mihajlovic, the Granata have made themselves known for their athleticism and commitment to one another. Yet, the Serbian’s squad has failed to win in their last five away matches, and Roma have won their last 14 at home.

In search of breaking their own run of misfortune, our columnist believes these three players will be most determined to overcome the Giallorossi’s home fortress...

Andrea Belotti

Truly coming into his own in the Piedmont capital, Il Gallo ('The Rooster') has been sensational this season. The centrepiece of Mihajlovic's attacking trident, Belotti leads the team in goals - having notched 19 thus far - and is one of the players fighting with Edin Dzeko for the Capocannoniere title.

A strong runner with and without the ball, the striker shows no fear in attacking defenders one-on-one, and has contributed 38% in all of Torino’s goals – the most of any player in the league.

His performances this year have earned him a starting role under Giampiero Ventura's Azzurri - a signal that he’s on his way to becoming, if he isn't already, Italy's supreme striker.

Just two goals behind Gonzalo Higuain, Il Gallo will be searching for another tally in his bid to become this season's top goalscorer.

Iago Falque

After leaving Roma this summer in search of increased playing time, the Spanish wing-forward has settled quickly on the Granata's right attacking side.

His influence has been crucial – having scored the second most goals after Belotti – with 10.

His precise left-foot has also seen him create five assists – once again claiming the second most for his club.

Equally adapt at passing first or looking immediately towards goal, Falque's dribbling and trickery is often difficult for his opponent to handle – an attribute which helps draw his opponent towards him, and releases more space for his teammates.

At 27 years old, the winger will be well aware that it’s his performances in these big matches that will define his career.

Daniele Baselli

The languid, technically-gifted Torino midfielder is another impressive asset for Mihajlovic's side, even if Belotti's rise has perhaps seen him overlooked.

Three goals already this season has shown the 24-year-old has an eye for goal, although it is his ability to do it all - pass off either foot, mark in and around his own box, join the attack with delayed runs into the final third - that has made him so useful to his coach.

Having started his career at Cittadella before going through Atalanta's well-regarded finishing school, the Italy Under-21 international made the move to Torino in 2015. Another step up in his career - both for club and country - is surely the long-term aim, and performing well in matches like this will go a long way to ensuring thath.