Torino v Roma: Three opposition players to watch

Torino have one of the most exciting and young rosters in Italian football, and coach Sinisa Mihajlovic gets every ounce of effort from his players.

Although the all-important Giuseppe Vives is facing a suspension, our columnist believes these three players can complicate the Giallorossi's rhythm...

Joe Hart

Embracing the opportunity to play for one of Italy's most storied clubs, the keeper has integrated well in such a short amount of time. Aside from practising his Italian in press conferences, after a slightly uncertain debut the Englishman appears to have established a strong rapport with his defenders, improving their organisation and possessing a stronger grasp on events in his box.

Hart's accolades prove his championship quality – he has two Premier League titles, and has kept the most clean sheets in the division on four occasions – and will undoubtedly enhance Torino once he fully adjusts.

As he continues to settle into the Granata defence, the quality and consistency of the England international's performances will improve – although Roma will hope not on Sunday.

Andrea Belotti

Beginning the season as the most in-form Italian forward, 'Il Gallo' will be returning from an almost month-long absence. At the end of August Belotti scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 thumping over Bologna, displaying his abilities as a centre forward.

Pairing pace and good ball control, Belotti is adept at making space both for himself and for others, and especially excels at positioning himself within the gaps inside the opponent's box.

With four goals in just two games as a starter, the recently-capped Italy international will be anxious to get back on track and establish himself as more than just a top young player, but a striker for all of Serie A to fear.

Daniele Baselli

After impressing in Bergamo, the Italian centre midfielder is now in his second season with the Granata. Under Mihajlovic, he is poised to develop as an even stronger box-to-box player.

The 24-year-old has found the back of the net twice already, making it more likely that he will shatter his record of four goals and three assists set last season.

Roma will have to be wary not to become another victim of his goals from outside the box. But one of Baselli's greatest qualities is that he is an accurate long-range passer, so it will be equally important to stifle the creative side of his game and prevent the creation of goalscoring opportunities.