Torino and Parma are set to clash in an important Serie A match on Friday night. Both teams are striving to move away from the relegation zone, with Torino currently four points behind Parma. This encounter promises to be crucial for both sides as they aim to secure their status in Italy’s top flight.
Match Preview
Torino enters the match following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Napoli at Stadio Maradona. They sit just six points clear of the drop zone, recording the most losses in Serie A since the last international break, with 11 defeats. New head coach Roberto D’Aversa, appointed last month, aims to lift the team. Torino has managed to collect three points from two matches under his leadership, including a recent 2-0 victory against Lazio.
Despite a dedicated effort, support from fans at Stadio Olimpico Grande remains tenuous due to ongoing protests against club president Urbano Cairo. The club now faces Parma, who won their first encounter this season with a 2-1 victory in September. A defeat for Torino could worsen their precarious situation.
Parma’s Recent Performance
Parma enters this match with a solid record, having won three of their last five games and drawing once. Currently in 12th place, they are 10 points clear of relegation. Their most recent fixture ended in a goalless draw against Fiorentina, but Parma boasts a strong away performance, having previously secured victories against Bologna and AC Milan without conceding a goal.
In their Serie A history, Parma has never achieved four consecutive clean sheets on the road. This match against a struggling Torino side presents an opportunity for them to potentially accomplish that feat.
Team News
Torino could have a near-full squad available for this match, with only Zakaria Aboukhlal as a doubtful presence due to injury. He has missed three matches but returned to training and may be on the bench. Key players, including club captain Duvan Zapata and top scorer Giovanni Simeone, are expected to take leading roles in the attack.
On the other hand, Parma’s lineup will be led by Mateo Pellegrino, who has previously performed well against Torino. However, he has only managed one goal in his last nine league matches. Injuries for Parma include Adrian Bernabe and Sascha Britschgi, while they will definitely be without Pontus Almqvist and Matija Frigan. Lautaro Valenti returns from a one-match suspension, which may prompt changes at the back for Coach Carlos Cuesta.
Predictions and Conclusion
The match is anticipated to end in a 1-1 draw, maintaining the trend of shared points in previous encounters between Torino and Parma in Turin. With D’Aversa unable to count on favors from his former club, a draw may be a pragmatic outcome for Torino in their quest for security in Serie A.
