AC Milan will switch their attention to Coppa Italia duties when they host Torino at San Siro in their quest to reach the quarter-finals.
Stefano Pioli will hope that Coppa Italia duties against Torino act as a refreshing distraction for AC Milan after a disastrous result against AS Roma the other day. It was terrible despite Milan only drawing with Jose Mourinho’s side, as they surrendered a commanding two-goal lead to let the Giallorossi in the game.
Moreover, Milan have a point to prove with the Coppa Italia, a trophy they last won around 20 years ago. The Rossoneri were ousted by city rivals Inter Milan last season in the semi-finals, with the Nerazzurri going on to win the prize in 2022.
🗣️ "We have unfinished business with Torino"
Tommaso's thoughts as we approach our Coppa Italia opener🗣️ "Abbiamo un conto in sospeso col Torino"
Le parole di Pobega alla vigilia della prima in #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa#MilanTorino #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/o16J2hE5rp— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 10, 2023
While Milan enter this encounter at the back of an impressive home form, they will remain wary of Torino. The Granata ended the Rossoneri’s 17-game unbeaten run when they last met in October. And Pioli would want to straighten things up this time.
Meanwhile, it has been three decades since Torino won their last Coppa Italia trophy, and they continue to dream of a victory this term. However, the Turin outfit could be more in the form that would inspire such objectives, although they might give their all against Milan.
Reaching the quarter-finals will remain the primary objective, but they need better memories of the recent season against Milan. While the win in October exorcised some of the demons from a 7-0 home defeat at the hands of the Rossoneri back in 2021, Ivan Juric will hope things get better from here on.
Torino, like Milan, come into this contest at the back of a disappointing draw with Salernitana, where an inspired Guillermo Ochoa helped the team to take a point. Juric’s side currently sits in the 10th spot, some 14 points clear of the relegation zone, as the Coppa Italia will act as an excellent distraction to reset their charges.
Team News & Tactics
AC Milan
Back with a vengeance. Cup football coming up soon 😤#CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa | #MilanTorino | #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @play_eFootball pic.twitter.com/48UPp6s2MR
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 9, 2023
Stefano Pioli continues to struggle with a long list of injured stars. However, the midweek cup clash could allow the AC Milan manager to shuffle his pack and allow a few fringe players to take the field against Torino.
Meanwhile, Junior Messias has resumed full training and could become available for the clash against Torino. Divock Origi is supposedly still short of making a comeback into the squad.
Pioli could bring in a few players not mainly selected for Serie A games from the start. In the prolonged absence of Mike Maignan, Ciprian Tatarusanu should continue in goal, while Sergino Dest and Matteo Gabbia should come into the defensive setup.
Pioli will look to retain Ismael Bennacer in midfield and partner him with Aster Vranckx. Alexis Saelemaekers should continue on the side, which may also include Tommaso Pobega. Rafael Leao should complete the attacking setup with Charles De Ketelaere leading the line as Pioli provides rest to Olivier Giroud.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Kalulu, Tomori, Gabbia, Dest; Vranckx, Bennacer; Saelemaekers, Pobega, Leao; De Ketelaere
Torino
Torino are also missing a few key players ahead of the Coppa Italia clash with AC Milan. The likes of Ola Aina and Pietro Pellegri, on loan from Milan, are reportedly out of contention for this game. But Ivan Juric could see Wilfried Singo, linked with an exit from the club, returning to action.
🗣️🗣️🗣️#SFT | #SalernitanaTorino pic.twitter.com/ZduE0xFoSg
— Torino Football Club (@TorinoFC1906_En) January 8, 2023
There is also the case of Nikola Vlasic, who was in top form against Salernitana, creating seven chances. He will play a role against Milan in the attacking third. At the back, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will play in goal, with a back four comprising Koffi Djidji, Perr Schuurs, Ricardo Rodriguez and Singo.
In the attack, Juric could give young forward Yann Karamoh a chance to stake a claim. However, considering the magnitude of this game, the manager will likely go with his tried and tested choices to get the goals upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Djidji, Schuurs, Rodriguez; Singo, Ricci, Lukic, Vojvoda; Miranchuk, Vlasic; Sanabria
Key Stats
- Torino have won one, drawn one and lost one of their last three meetings with AC Milan.
- Torino have lost four of their last seven away games in Serie A.
- Torino ended Milan’s 17-game unbeaten run during their win over the Rossoneri back in October.
- Milan have won ten of their last 12 home fixtures in Serie A.
- Milan have not won the Coppa Italia in over 20 years.
Player to Watch
Charles De Ketelaera
The Belgian has had an underwhelming start to life at AC Milan, although there is enough justification from the club for investing heavily in his talents. De Ketelaere has plenty of promise but needs a relaxed atmosphere, away from the pressure to showcase his talents.
Milan signed him in a season when they were defending their Serie A title under tremendous pressure. Of course, for a young star like the Belgian international, the conditions are not suitable for his progress. But games in Coppa Italia are where he should take his chances.
Prediction
AC Milan 2-0 Torino
AC Milan have the quality in depth, despite all the injuries, to get past Torino. Even Stefano Pioli’s second-string side could take advantage of the Granata’s lack of form and make it to the quarter-finals. The Rossoneri desperately need to bring back some of their ruthlessness on the field, and the cup tie will serve as the perfect platform.
Meanwhile, Torino may have a chance at San Siro, but there are other favourites to get something out of this clash. They should take it as a challenge to test themselves against the big boys, but Milan will likely comfortably take the win.
