Torino's to build platform for escape
The first of Torino’s two crucial games in hand on the teams around them gets underway this midweek. They welcome Roberto De Zerbi’s exciting Sassuolo side to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino knowing that a win will lift them out of the bottom three at Cagliari’s expense. The Bull’s decline has been drastic in recent years, having competed for European qualification often but it is a relegation battle this time around and it looks like going down to the final day. Sassuolo on the other hand have been brilliant this season, looking in pole position to finish eighth outside the big seven, repeating the feat from last term.
Process
This is a case of underperformers versus overperformers and therefore my angle is with the hosts. Both sides trend in the bottom half but the gap between Torino and Sassuolo is a lot smaller than the league table suggests. Davide Nicola’s side have been impressive in their finishing this term, Antonio Sanabria and Andrea Belotti are two forwards a class above a Serie A relegation battle, and have helped see the hosts slam home 36 goals from 32.2 expected goals, sitting 12th for goals for. Interestingly they have conceded 47 goals from just 39.8 expected, an unsustainable underperformance. That coupled with the Black and Greens’ offensive overperformance sees me lean further towards Torino.
Sassuolo have scored 42 from 37.5 expected goals, a top half attacking process albeit a touch unsustainable, conceding 41 from 41.3, in line perfectly with the figures. Torino can contain their free flowing attacking unit.
Goals?
Not for me, the visitors are entertainers but unders have been flowing through both sides’ recent results.
- Torino have scored in six of 10.
- Torino have conceded in six of 10.
- Torino have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- Torino have seen over 2.5 goals in four of 10.
- Sassuolo have scored in eight of 10.
- Sassuolo have conceded in 10 of 10 and all of their last 16.
- Sassuolo have seen both teams score in eight of 10.
- Sassuolo have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
It is time for the finish line dash to save Torino, if they apply themselves and show the ability we have seen in flashes this season, Sassuolo are a nice opponent.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Torino came back from two goals down to score three late on and win it! Simone Zaza was a dream impact sub. 3-2.