The Stadio Olimpico di Torino will be the setting for the ‘Derby di Torino’ or simply known as the ‘Turin Derby’ this Sunday when Torino entertains rivals Juventus in what is a match that serves contrasting significance for both teams.
After seeing off AS Monaco and ensuring their progression through to their first Champions League semi-final since 2003 and with the Serie A title in sight, the Bianconeri are flying and will look to take another big step towards claiming Scudetto number 31.
Massimo Allegri’s men currently sit 15 points ahead of second-placed Lazio who they comfortably swept aside 2-0 in their last outing, thanks to first half goals from Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci.
Torino, on the other hand, is well and truly in the hunt for a Europa League place, sitting just six points adrift of fifth-placed Sampdoria.
The Granata dominated proceedings but only came away with 1-1 draw at mid-table Sassoulo thanks to a Fabio Quagliarella spot kick, leaving the side to lament dropping two valuable points.
While they have only recorded two wins in their previous five matches, Toro have faced difficult opposition in the form of Fiorentina, Napoli, Udinese and Lazio and will be looking to claim another big scalp.
Key Battle – Kamil Glik vs Carlos Tevez
Club captain Glik has been the cornerstone of a relatively miserly Torino defence that has conceded just 33 goals this campaign, the fifth meanest in the league. His excellent mobility and concentration levels will be required if he is to subdue the influential Argentine.
According to Squawka, Glik has a performance total of 867, leaving him head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates, underlying his importance. Not only is he crucial from a defensive aspect but he has also chimed in with seven goals, making him equally as threatening from set pieces underling his aerial strength.
Tevez has been a handful for defenders across the country since he arrived at the club in the summer of 2013 and this campaign has been no different. The Argentine has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists while being a constant thorn for defenders with his manic work rate and direct dribbling ability.
Defensively, Torino will be expecting a stern test so the Glik vs Tevez contest should be an intriguing one to watch.
Team News
Torino boss Giampiero Ventura will again be without young Uruguyan wingback Gaston Silva, who is still recovering from a thigh strain but will be boosted by the return of midfielder Omar El Kaddouri who has served his one-week ban. Maxi Lopez is a chance to come into the starting lineup at the expense of Josef Martinez.
Torino Expected XI (3-5-2): Padelli (GK); Bovo, Moretti, Glik; Peres, El Kaddouri, Vives, Benassi, Darmian; Lopez, Quagliarella.
Midfield ace Paul Pogba and defender Martin Caceres remain sidelined with thigh and ankle injuries respectively. Allegri could be tempted to shuffle his pack after the taxing match midweek.
Juventus Expected XI (3-5-2): Buffon (GK); Barzagli, Chiellini, Bonucci; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Evra; Morata, Tevez.
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Head-to-Head
This will be the 231st edition of the Turin Derby, with Juventus winning 96 and Torino triumphant on 72 occasions with 62 draws in between. In recent times, the Old Lady have dominated this fixture, unbeaten in the last 16 meetings. The last time Torino got the better of Juve was back in 1995, running out 2-1 winners.
Previous Meeting
The two last met on the 30th of November earlier in the campaign, when the match was decided by a stunning last gasp strike from Andrea Pirlo to enable 10-man Juve to eventually see off a gallant Torino. Arturo Vidal’s penalty was cancelled out by a stunning solo goal by Bruno Peres before Pirlo’s late heroics saw Juventus record a 2-1 win.
Prediction
With the Old Lady looking to maintain their charge towards the title and Torino wanting to keep pace for a Europa League spot and with local pride at stake, fireworks are expected. There have been four red cards handed out in the last eight clashes between the rivals. Expect Torino to make it difficult but this Juventus side is on a mission and that extra bit of quality combined with its solidity at the back will be enough to see them collect a well-earned three points.
Torino 0 Juventus 1
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