Prediction: Torino vs Sassuolo

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet

As we approach Monday’s Round 11 fixture at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, there are only two places that separate Torino and Sassuolo in the Serie A table.

In the previous round, Ivan Juric’s team put an end to their prolonged winless streak by defeating Lecce, while Sassuolo’s winless streak continued as they faced Bologna.

Torino

After a month-long goal drought in the league, Torino managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Lecce, with Alessandro Buongiorno sealing the win in the 41st minute.

During this goalless period, Torino played some very difficult matches, including losses to Lazio (2-0), city rivals Juventus (2-0), and Inter Milan (3-0), as well as a goalless draw with Hellas Verona. This run of underwhelming results could be forgiven given the quality of the teams they faced, even though the earlier draw against Roma in late September appeared promising before the challenging fixtures.

As they return to Turin for the 11th round, Torino are eager to improve their recent record of just one win in their last five matches, particularly in front of their home supporters where they have suffered only one defeat. Ivan Juric’s team must focus on converting draws into victories at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, despite their recent struggle to find the back of the net, having scored only twice in their last five matches.

Team News

Juric’s team will be missing several players due to injuries. Koffi Djidji, Brandon Soppy, and Perr Schuurs are all sidelined. Unfortunately, Schuurs will be out of action until 2024 due to an ACL injury sustained against Inter.

Furthermore, Juric himself is suspended following his sending-off in the match against Lecce.

In terms of their lineup for Monday’s game, Torino could potentially set up in a 3-5-2 formation.

Sassuolo

Historically, hosting Sassuolo has been a relatively straightforward task for Torino. They had secured four consecutive wins in Turin in this fixture until Sassuolo’s 0-1 win in September last year.

However, Alessio Dionisi and his team are currently facing challenges, having only gathered two points from the last 12 available, leaving them four points ahead of 18th-placed Empoli in the Serie A table.

This situation is quite unexpected, especially considering Sassuolo’s impressive victories over Juventus and Inter, which marked three wins in four matches. Nonetheless, the team has struggled to secure maximum points in recent games.

One significant issue contributing to their struggles is their tendency to concede goals. Sassuolo have not kept a clean sheet this season in the league, and this streak extends to 18 games, going back to April 2023.

While a Coppa Italia victory over Spezia was achieved via penalties, the fact that they did manage a clean sheet there, even against Serie B opposition, would have been a positive for Dionisi and his team.

Team News

Agustin Alvarez is not expected to be available for selection as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury, and a return is not anticipated until early 2024.

Pedro Obiang and Matheus Henrique’s participation is uncertain, and they are considered doubtful for the upcoming match.

Domenico Berardi played a significant role in Sassuolo’s victories over Juventus and Inter, contributing to 50% of the goals in those matches, but his recent decline in form may have played a part in his team’s drop in performance.

Conclusion

Torino’s last home win happened in early September, and it’s likely that the home players will do their best to break that trend and make their suspended coach proud.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet