Three days after their midweek commitments, Roma and Torino are gearing up for their upcoming match as they continue their quest for European football. It has been five months since the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in Turin, and now they have an opportunity to make strides towards their European ambitions.
Roma faced a tough battle in the UEFA Europa League, needing 120 minutes and penalties to secure their place in the last 16. Despite the grueling match, their recent form in Serie A has been impressive, with four wins from their last five games (L1). As they aim to qualify for the Europa League group stage for the third consecutive time, a fifth-place finish is within their reach.
Although Roma suffered a 4-2 loss against league leaders Inter in their last home game, they remain on track to challenge for a top-five position. Their success will largely depend on their ability to consistently win against the 14 clubs below them in the standings (W8, D2). This upcoming match holds particular significance for Roma’s new head coach, Daniele de Rossi, who scored his first goal for the club against Torino at the same venue back in 2003.
On the other hand, Torino finds themselves in a similar position, struggling to defeat higher-ranked opponents on a regular basis. This was evident in their recent match against Lazio, where they conceded two goals in the second half, resulting in a 2-0 defeat. Despite the loss, Torino’s head coach, Ivan Jurić, expressed confidence in his team, congratulating them and asserting that they will win many games with similar performances.
However, Torino’s away record suggests that they will face an uphill battle in this match. They have lost all five Serie A away games against teams ranked above them, with an aggregate score of 11-1. Furthermore, they have struggled to score more than once in away matches, except against relegation candidates Salernitana (W 3-0) and Cagliari (W 2-1) this season. Their recent visits to Roma have also been challenging, with three consecutive defeats (D1, L2).
As the teams prepare to face each other, there are a few players worth keeping an eye on. Roma’s 18-year-old Dutch defender, Dean Huijsen, has been attracting attention not only for his towering height but also for his proactive approach in attack. Both Huijsen and Torino’s Duván Zapata have been on the scoresheet in their respective club’s last two Serie A victories.
Roma’s home record as a pre-match favorite is impressive, as they are unbeaten in their last 22 competitive home games (W17, D5, including extra time and penalties). This statistic highlights their strength and consistency when playing in front of their home crowd.
In conclusion, the upcoming match between Roma and Torino holds significant importance for both teams’ aspirations of European football. Roma’s recent form and home advantage make them the favorites, while Torino will need to elevate their performance to secure a positive result. As the players take the field, all eyes will be on the young talents and key performers who have the potential to make a difference in this crucial encounter.