MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 03:20:23| >> :120:17335:17335:
[monks data]
Torino logo
Serie A
Apr 26, 2015 at 2pm UK
 
Juventus logo

2-1

Darmian (45'), Quagliarella (57')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Pirlo (35')

Preview: Torino vs. Juventus

Sports Mole looks ahead to this weekend's Turin derby between Torino and Serie A leaders Juventus.

Juventus travel to city rivals Torino this weekend knowing that a victory will bring them one step closer to the Serie A title.

The Bianconeri are just three wins away from retaining the Scudetto for the fourth straight season, but their opponents are in good form and need the points to mount their own challenge for a Europa League spot.



Torino

Torino FC manager Giampiero Ventura shouts to his players during the Serie A match between Parma FC and Torino FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on March 22, 2015© Getty Images

Torino have enjoyed another successful season in the top flight and once again they are defying expectations under the leadership of Giampiero Ventura.

They have established their place in Serie A for a fourth consecutive campaign and a strong run over the next couple of months could see them book a return to Europe.

As things stand, the club are eighth in the league table and are five points behind Fiorentina, who occupy the final Europa League qualifying spot.

The Viola are in the semi-finals of this season's Europa League, so the club may take their eyes off their domestic duties, enabling the likes of Torino to sneak in and overhaul them before the end of May.

Crucially, Torino are in good form to exploit any mistakes from the teams above them and they are unbeaten in four games. The last two of those have ended in draws, but each time against Roma and Sassuolo they came from behind to salvage a point.

Following their game against Juventus, they will not play any other team in the top six, so a repeat of last season's seventh-place finish is well within their grasp.

Recent form: LLWWDD



Juventus

AC Milan's coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A football match between AC Milan and Atalanta at San Siro Stadium in Milan on January 6, 2014© Getty Images

It is only a matter of time until Juventus finally the lift the title and they could still end up claiming a sensational treble by the end of the season.

They are already assured of a place in the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, while in midweek they booked their spot in the last four of the Champions League by playing out a goalless draw with Monaco to win their quarter-final tie 1-0 on aggregate.

Massimiliano Allegri's side will find it tough to reach their first European final in 12 years, as they have been drawn against holders Real Madrid, but the Spaniards will also be cautious of playing against a club in such great form.

The Bianconeri have lost just twice in the league all season, with the second of those defeats coming two weeks ago against against Parma, but they quickly bounced back in their next match to claim a 2-0 win over second-placed Lazio.

Their defensive displays have also won admiration as they have conceded just one goal in their past 10 games and have leaked a measly 15 in the league all season.

Recent form in Serie A: WWWWLW
Recent form (all competitions): WWLWWD



Team News

Juventus' midfielder Andrea Pirlo celebrates after scoring a goal with Juventus' midfielder Claudio Marchisio during their Serie A match Juventus vs Atalanta at Juventus Stadium in Turin on February 20, 2015© Getty Images

Torino have Omar El Kaddouri back after his recent ban, while Maxi Lopez could be drafted into the starting lineup.

However, they will have to make do without Migjen Basha, who will sit the game out through injury.

Meanwhile, Juventus are without the suspended Claudio Marchisio and the injured Paul Pogba.

Allegri could rotate following their victory over Monaco, with Roberto Pereyra, Simone Padoin and Stefano Sturaro all pushing for starts.

Torino possible starting lineup:
Padelli, Bovo, Glik, Moretti, Peres, Vives, Gazzi, El Kaddouri, Darmian, Lopez, Quagliarella

Juventus possible starting lineup:
Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Sturaro, Pereyra, Tevez, Morata



Head To Head

Andrea Pirlo scored a stoppage-time winner to give Juventus a 2-1 victory when these teams met back in November.

It was a familiar story for Torino, who have not beaten their city rivals in the Turin derby for over 20 years.

Since a 2-1 win for Torino in 1995, Juventus have won 13 of their 17 meetings, so there is much more than just points to play for.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Torino 0-1 Juventus

It is hard to see anything other than a win for Juventus, who have been in such brilliant form. They are almost impenetrable at the back and Torino may not have the firepower to seriously test them. That is why we are backing Allegri's side to claim the points to edge to within touching distance of securing the title.



ID:218983: cacheID:218983:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:9629:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Juventus' midfielder from Argentina Roberto Pereyra celebrates with teammate Juventus' forward from Spain Alvaro Morata after scoring during the Italian Tim Cup semifinal return football match Fiorentina vs Juventus at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Flore
Read Next:
Juventus secure place in Coppa Italia final
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atalanta BCAtalanta1391334161828
2Inter Milan1384131141728
3Napoli128221991026
4Fiorentina1274125101525
5Juventus136702171425
6Lazio1281325141125
7AC Milan125432014619
8Bologna114611513218
9Udinese125161518-316
10Empoli12363910-115
11Torino124261518-314
12Roma123451417-313
13Parma132651721-412
14Hellas VeronaHellas Verona134091732-1512
15Como122461323-1010
16CagliariCagliari122461222-1010
17Genoa12246922-1310
18Lecce12237521-169
19Monza121561015-58
20VeneziaVenezia122281121-108


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!