Torino will host AC Milan for the 26th round of Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino this Saturday, February 22. After Italia's shocking elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Feyenoord, the Rossoneri are eager to bounce back and secure important points for their Champions League qualification quest.
Having faced defeat against Bologna, Torino is seeking redemption and is determined to climb higher up the table. Coach Paolo Vanoli's side is currently positioned mid-table, boasting 28 points and coming off two previous draws before their loss to Bologna.
This matchup is not just about pride; it's pivotal for Milan, who currently sits seventh following some lackluster performances. The pressure is mounting for coach Sergio Conceicao and his squad who continue to eye the top four spots necessary for European competition next season. The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for three precious points, each with contrasting motivations.
Torino’s formation is anticipated to follow the 4-2-3-1 structure. Their starting eleven is expected to feature goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic, with Pedersen, Coco, Maripan, and Sosa forming the defensive line. Capping off the midfield will be Casadei and Ricci, providing both defensive support and playmaking duties. Up front, players such as Lazaro, Vlasic, and Karamoh will likely join Adams to create goal-scoring opportunities.
On the other hand, Milan will likely adopt the same 4-2-3-1 formation. Their lineup is expected to start with Maignan as the goalkeeper, accompanied by defensively anchoring figures like Tomori and Jimenez at the back. With Fofana and Reijnders controlling the midfield, attacking threats from Pulisic, Leao, and Gimenez will look to convert defensive plays to goals.
Expectations are high, especially after coach Conceicao's remarks about the urgency of responding positively to their Champions League elimination. "We must shift our focus back to the league and secure the fourth place for next year’s Champions League. The mood is low at Milanello, but the top four remains the priority of our season," he stated.
Torino manager Vanoli also indicated the importance of this match by noting, "We are aware of the hurdles we face; Milan will be different from our last encounter. We need to capitalize on any slip-ups to secure the points we desperately need."
While the Rossoneri's recent form shows two consecutive victories, they have also endured tough stretches of badly needed confidence. With just ten points from their last four league matches, this game could well define their remainder of the season.
Kick-off for the Torino vs. AC Milan match is set for 18:00 CET, and fans can catch the action live on DAZN. Subscriptions to DAZN enable streaming access via various platforms including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
The telecast will feature commentary from Ricky Buscaglia, complemented by technical insights from noted analyst Marco Parolo.
This match is expected to attract significant attention not only for the points at stake but also as both teams gear up for the final stretch of the season, hoping to solidify their standings and ambitions for European football.
Take note: Torino’s last victory was back on January 24, 2025, against Cagliari, and coach Vanoli will be pushing desperately to refresh his squad’s momentum and resolve. Conversely, the Milan players must prove their mental resilience after their recent heartache on the European stage.
Fans can engage with live updates throughout the match via the Gazzetta dello Sport’s live commentary, ensuring they do not miss any thrilling moments.