Prediction: AS Roma vs Torino

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The impressive away win over Serie A leaders Napoli served as a major confidence boost for AS Roma, who now hope to cement their place in the top 4. Their opponents Torino aim to arrest the latest poor run of results that saw them suffer back to back defeats to Juventus and Hellas Verona.

AS Roma

Even though AS Roma will not be able to mount a serious title challenge in Serie A this season, they stand a decent chance of securing Champions League qualification, with Lazio and Inter Milan also fighting for the remaining two berths. After successfully overcoming one rough patch, the Giallorossi went to another one as they suffered back to back losses to Shakhtar Donetsk and AC Milan, and many believed they would be soundly beaten by red-hot Napoli at Stadio San Paolo.

However, it seems that Eusebio Di Francesco had managed to rally his troops as his side produced a remarkable performance to end Napoli’s impressive run and record a 4-2 triumph. In doing so, AS Roma climbed to third in the standings, but it is clear they cannot afford to relax just yet as Lazio, Inter Milan and even AC Milan are breathing down their necks. But, with the players now in much better spirits, the Giallorossi are rightly considered favourites to defeat Torino on Friday evening.

Team News

The hosts will be without Edin Dzeko and Federico Fazio through suspension, but Rick Karsdorp continues to miss out.

Torino

Given the potential of the playing squad, Torino are not exactly living up to the billing this term, and it seems they will not be able to qualify for Europe at the end of the season. Granata chiefs decided to sack coach Sinisa Mihajlovic midway through the campaign, bringing former Napoli and Watford boss Walter Mazzarri to replace him, but there has been no tangible improvement as of yet.

Torino began the New Year with the Coppa Italia defeat to local rivals Juventus, but then did well to record three wins and two draws in next five league fixtures. The good run was short-lived as Granata then suffered defeats to Juventus and Hellas Verona, slipping to ninth in the overall standings. The main objective now is to try and end the losing run as quickly as possible, but this is definitely not the right time to be facing high-flying AS Roma, who are buoyed by the impressive manner of the victory over Napoli.

Team News

Experienced defender Nicolas Burdisso misses out through suspension, whereas M’Baye Niang is doubtful and Molinaro, Lyanco and Bonifazi remain sidelined.

Key Factors to Consider

• AS Roma won four of last five league matches (L1)
• Torino winless in last five on the road (D3 L2)
• Torino won the Coppa Italia clash at Stadio Olimpico in December
• However, AS Roma had won three of their previous four meetings (L1)
• Both teams scored in six of their last seven meetings

Conclusion

AS Roma have seriously raised their form of late and the 4-2 triumph over Napoli will give them even more confidence going into the Torino clash. Granata, on the other hand, are going through a rough patch at the moment and we don’t think they can avoid defeat at Stadio Olimpico.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365