View from the opposition: Torino

Manolo Chirico from ToroNews.net explains what sort of form Torino find themselves in ahead of Wednesday night’s clash - and tells us which Giallorossi player Giampiero Ventura’s side need to pay closest attention to at the Olimpico…

How would you assess Torino’s campaign thus far with five matches remaining this season?

“It’s been a season of highs and lows for the Granata and the best you can call it is sufficient, given than they’re tenth on 42 points – safe from relegation but with no hopes of sneaking a Europa League spot.

“They got off to a good start, with Giampiero Ventura’s side racking up 13 points from six games. They travelled to Carpi in Week 7 knowing that a win would take them top, but they were unexpectedly beaten and that sparked a trouble spell and a seemingly endless slew of injuries. At one point or another Torino have been without Danilo Avelar, Afriyie Acquah, Joel Obi, Daniele Baselli and Bruno Peres, to name but a few.

“One of the key points of the whole season was the 4-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Juventus on 16 December 2015. Torino really struggled after that derby loss, right through until March. Thankfully, they’ve won their last three games so the mood is a bit more relaxed ahead of Wednesday night’s clash at the Olimpico.”

How have the new signings fared this season?

“The best summer signing has definitely been Andrea Belotti and his stats speak for themselves. With ten Serie A goals he’s Torino’s top scorer and he’s made the most assists too, with four. The 22-year-old forward struggled a bit when he joined from Palermo in the summer but once he found his scoring boots towards the end of the year he’s not looked back.

“No signing has really flopped this year. Personally, I think it’s a shame we’ve not seen more of Brazilian defender Danilo Avelar, who signed from Cagliari but picked up a serious injury just six games into his Granata career.”

Who has been Torino’s player of the season?

“For his consistency and the heart and soul he puts into playing for the club, I’ll go with Emiliano Moretti. The experienced 34-year-old centre-back has played in 32 of Torino’s 33 Serie A matches so far this season and his performances are almost always above average. Aside from him, as I’ve already said one of the most positive points from the season has been Andrea Belotti’s scoring form in the second half of the campaign.”

What has been Torino’s best performance of the season and why?

“I think there are two performances worth mentioning here. The first was right at the start of the season on 30 August 2015, when the Granata battled back from a goal down to beat Fiorentina 3-1 at home. Marco Alonso had put the Viola ahead, but Moretti, Fabio Quagliarella and Daniele Baselli all scored in the space of eight second-half minutes to send the fans wild.

“The other match worthy of a mention was the 2-1 win over Inter at San Siro on 3 April. Inter had taken the lead through Mauro Icardi, but Torino pulled off another comeback to secure the points thanks to Cristian Molinaro and Belotti from the spot.”

What has been the worst display so far and what went wrong on that occasion?

“The 1-0 home defeat to Udinese on 20 December 2015. Torino produced a very poor performance – they had no bite and they never threatened the visitors. Udinese scored a great goal through Stipe Perica, but they weren’t even that good themselves that day, so it really was a bad night for the Granata.”

Which area of the team has been the strongest so far and which has been the least effective?

“I don’t think there’s one area that’s been noticeably better than the others, given the fact that the defence, midfield and attack have all had highs and lows without ever really excelling. If I really have to pick one, in the second half of the season the attack has performed the best after enduring a misfiring start to the campaign. The arrival of Ciro Immobile in January and the improved form of Belotti after Christmas have seen the goals flow a lot better.”

What have you made of Roma under Luciano Spalletti?

“The Giallorossi’s squad has always been first rate so they were a danger even under Rudi Garcia, but I have to say that since Spalletti took over the quality of Roma’s play has improved. Perhaps they give away a few more chances at the back, but they’re an entertaining team to watch and they’re managing to pick up points while playing good football.”

Which Roma player should Torino fans be most wary of?

“I grew up in the 1990s so was able to appreciate Francesco Totti at the peak of his footballing powers, so if he plays I’ll go with him. For me, he’s one of the best players anywhere in recent decades.”

If you could pick one Roma player to add to the Torino squad, who would you choose and why?

“I’m spoilt for choice really, I could list seven or eight players. If I were the Torino sporting director I’d make a surprise move for Leandro Castan: I still believe in the Brazilian and I’d have him at Torino.”

What's your score prediction for Wednesday?

“It’ll be very hard for Torino and they’re certainly the underdogs. Roma will be fired up and they’ll be well aware that they can’t afford to drop points for the third game in a row after the draws against Bologna and Atalanta. To be honest, I think a Roma win is the most likely outcome.”