AC Milan vs. Torino: Serie A Match Preview
AC Milan is gearing up to kick off their 2024-25 campaign under the leadership of new coach Paulo Fonseca as they prepare to face Torino at San Siro on Saturday night. The team has had a promising pre-season, securing victories against top European clubs such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona before clinching the Silvio Berlusconi Trophy against Monza. Despite these friendly victories, Fonseca emphasized the importance of translating success into the league during his pre-match press conference.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, with a kick-off time of 20:45 (CEST) at San Siro, officiated by referee Fabio Maresca with VAR assistance from Doveri. Fonseca will have a strong squad at his disposal for the season opener, with no major injuries to report. Emerson Royal will be absent due to bureaucratic reasons, while Youssouf Fofana is yet to join the team. However, Fonseca is confident in the lineup he has prepared for the match.
AC Milan Starting XI Prediction
According to the latest reports, Fonseca is likely to field a starting lineup consisting of Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Theo Hernandez in defense. In midfield, Ismael Bennacer is set to lead the team alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Up front, the decision between Samuel Chukwueze and Alexis Saelemaekers remains, with Chukwueze currently favored to start. Alvaro Morata will lead the attack as Milan’s new No.7, showcasing his promise in the recent match against Monza.
The bench is also filled with talent, including players like Strahinja Pavlovic, Tijjani Reijnders, Noah Okafor, and Luka Jovic, providing depth and options for Fonseca in the second half. With a strong lineup and capable substitutes, Milan is poised to make a strong start to the season against Torino.
Torino Team Overview
Torino, who finished ninth in the previous season, has undergone changes with the appointment of Paolo Vanoli as their new coach. The team has made some interesting signings, including Che Adams from Southampton, but has also faced key departures such as Alessandro Buongiorno and Ricardo Rodriguez. Torino’s defensive lineup will see adjustments with full-backs Adam Masina and Mergim Vojvoda transitioning to center-back roles in the absence of key players.
Vanoli faces a challenging task in his first game against Milan, especially with the defensive reshuffling and the absence of key players. The team will rely on familiar names to deliver against a formidable opponent in the season opener. Despite the obstacles, Torino remains optimistic under Vanoli’s guidance.
Head-to-Head History and Key Stats
Milan has a rich history against Torino, with 77 wins, 66 draws, and 55 defeats in 198 games across all competitions. The two teams have had competitive encounters in the past, with Milan aiming to capitalize on their home advantage at San Siro. The recent matches between the two sides have seen a mix of victories and defeats, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.
Key statistics reveal Milan’s dominance at home against Torino, with a record of 20 wins and 8 draws in 28 home games in Serie A. The team has maintained an impressive unbeaten streak against Torino at San Siro, showcasing their stronghold in front of their home crowd. As both teams prepare to face off, the historical data and recent performances will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.
Overall, the stage is set for an exciting clash between AC Milan and Torino, with both teams eager to secure a positive start to the new Serie A season. The matchup promises to deliver thrilling moments and intense competition as the teams battle for three valuable points in their opening fixture. Milan’s strong lineup and home advantage give them an edge, but Torino’s resilience and determination could pose a challenge for the Rossoneri. Fans can expect a captivating display of football as the two sides go head-to-head at San Siro.