Turin vs Sassuolo – News and Probable Lineups

Torino and Sassuolo are set to open Serie A’s 36th matchday in Turin on Friday evening as both teams aim for a spot in the top half of the table.

Despite struggling recently, earning just one point in their last three outings, Torino now find themselves as the underdogs, while Sassuolo sits comfortably in 10th place following an impressive win against AC Milan.

Match overview

Though it has been a frustrating season for Torino supporters, the club has managed to avoid relegation and secure their place in the league with some matches still to play.

After falling down the standings, the Granata made a coaching change mid-season, bringing in Roberto D’Aversa, whose influence has been beneficial.

Since his appointment, they have garnered 14 points from nine matches, steadily climbing the rankings; this includes a thrilling comeback to draw 2-2 with Inter de Milão, who later went on to win the Scudetto.

Nevertheless, Torino’s hopes of finishing in the top 10 suffered a setback with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Udinese last week.

In order to achieve this goal by the month’s end, Torino will need to secure victories in their final three matches, starting with a win over Sassuolo – an achievement they have accomplished only once before in Serie A.

While Sassuolo claimed a 1-0 victory in the previous matchup back in December, they are now positioned eight points ahead of Torino and are in a stronger position to secure a finish in the top half.

The champions of last season’s second tier can approach this match with confidence now that they have successfully achieved their key objective – staying in Serie A.

In their last 14 matches, they’ve accumulated 26 points, showcasing some strong performances, including a recent 2-0 win at home against Milan.

Once again proving their mettle against the Rossoneri, Sassuolo icon Domenico Berardi found the net early against his favored opponents, before Milan was reduced to 10 men; Armand Lauriente added another shortly after halftime.

Having finished with only 30 points at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, resulting in a drop to Serie B, Sassuolo now boasts 49 points with three matches remaining, potentially eyeing a finish as high as seventh.

However, it is important to note that their last away victory was in February, while Torino has recently improved their home performances.

Team News

Che Adams and Duvan Zapata continue to battle thigh injuries, leaving uncertainty regarding who will partner Giovanni Simeone in the Torino attack.

In the previous match, D’Aversa advanced captain Nikola Vlasic to align with Torino’s top scorer, who has netted in all of his last four home appearances. However, Alieu Njie and Sandro Kulenovic remain in contention for a spot.

Though the hosts may still be without Marcus Pedersen, Zakaria Aboukhlal, and crucial defender Ardian Ismajli, Tino Anjorin is hopeful of returning from a hip issue.

On the other hand, Sassuolo manager Fabio Grosso is concerned about the fitness of Berardi and Jay Idzes, with a few players likely to miss the clash.

Darryl Bakola, Fali Cande, Daniel Boloca, and Edoardo Pieragnolo are all sidelined due to injury, and Alieu Fadera is facing a suspension.

M’Bala Nzola and Andrea Pinamonti are both vying for positions in the attacking lineup, but Lauriente is expected to start on the left flank. After his impressive performance against Milan, the French winger has scored six goals and provided nine assists in Serie A this season.

Torino probable starting XI:

Paleari; Coco, Marianucci, Ebosse; Lazaro, Casadei, Ilkhan, Gineitis, Obrador; Vlasic, Simeon

Sassuolo probable starting XI:

Turati; Coulibaly, Walukiewicz, Muharemovic, Garcia; Thorstvedt, Matic, Kone; Berardi, Nzola, Lauriente

In their 11 previous encounters in Turin at the top level, these two teams have only managed to draw once – yet a drawn result remains a possibility this Friday.

With neither side contesting for European spots nor worrying about relegation, they can perform freely, leading to a potentially high-scoring fixture.