AC Milan will be aiming to return to winning ways against Torino after their Coppa Italia exit midweek.
The curtains will fall on Matchday 14 of the 2025/26 Serie A season on Monday, which will be an unusually busy day. The day will feature three games, with the action ending with Torino vs AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
The last few weeks have brought misery for Torino fans, as the Granata are on a five-game winless run that has taken them to 14th on the Serie A table, only four points clear of the drop zone. Two successive defeats have produced further frustrations, and Marco Baroni will be eager to turn things around in the coming weeks.
Frustrations have also arrived on AC Milan’s doors, as the Rossoneri bowed out of the Coppa Italia this week after losing 1-0 to Lazio in the round of 16 earlier this week. However, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have been on a roll in Serie A, and they entered Matchday 14 sitting atop the standings. However, with Inter Milan beating Como, AC Milan must respond against Torino.
The corresponding fixture last season ended in a narrow 2-1 win for Torino, with Gvidas Gineitis scoring the match-winning goal. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
Torino FC
Torino enter this fixture still dealing with the absence of their leading striker Giovanni Simeone, whose unavailability continues to deprive Marco Baroni of a natural focal point in attack. The Argentine forward has been sidelined with a lingering muscular concern, and his recovery has not progressed quickly enough to put him in contention for Monday’s clash.
Ardian Ismajli is also a doubt as he works his way back from fitness issues, limiting Torino’s defensive depth at a crucial phase of the season. The good news for the Granata is the return of midfielder Ivan Ilic, who has recovered from a knee problem and is expected to be available, although he may only be trusted with a place on the bench as he rebuilds match readiness. There are no fresh suspensions in the squad.
The likely absence of Giovanni Simeone means that Che Adams is set to continue as one half of Torino’s front line. The Scottish forward could be partnered by Duvan Zapata, who carries a particularly encouraging record against Milan, having scored in both of his previous appearances for Torino in this fixture. Baroni will rely heavily on the physicality, hold-up play and aerial threat they bring, especially given Torino’s struggles in chance creation this season.
Torino are expected to set up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Franco Israel starting in goal. The back three should consist of Adrien Tameze on the right side of central defence, Guillermo Maripan anchoring the middle, and Saul Coco operating on the left of the trio. This structure gives Torino additional stability, particularly in transitions, where they have often been exposed.
The wing-back roles will likely be occupied by Marcus Pedersen on the right and Valentino Lazaro on the left, both tasked with providing width and stretching Milan’s defensive shape. The midfield should see Cesare Casadei, Kristjan Asllani, and Nikola Vlasic forming the central trio, with Asllani acting as the primary pivot while Casadei and Vlašić contribute between the lines and in forward carries.
Up front, Che Adams and Duvan Zapata are expected to form the strike partnership, offering a blend of mobility, strength and penalty-box presence. Their ability to combine and exploit Milan’s high line will be crucial if Torino are to pose a serious attacking threat.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Israel; Tameze, Maripan, Coco; Pedersen, Casadei, Asllani, Vlasic, Lazaro; Adams, Zapata
AC Milan
With no European commitments to manage, Massimiliano Allegri was able to field a strong side during Milan’s Coppa Italia defeat to Lazio, though key figures such as Luka Modric and Christian Pulisic were initially held in reserve and only introduced as substitutes. Both players are expected to return to the starting XI for Monday’s league fixture as Milan aim to maintain their impressive domestic form.
Milan will, however, be without several important squad members. French midfielder Youssouf Fofana has been ruled out due to an adductor injury, depriving Allegri of one of his most dynamic ball-winners in midfield. The decision to replace him will likely come down to Samuele Ricci or Ruben Loftus-Cheek, each offering a contrasting style in the centre of the pitch.
Up front, Santiago Gimenez remains unavailable because of an ankle problem, while young midfielder Zachary Athekame continues his recovery from a calf injury. There are no suspensions affecting the squad.
One of Milan’s most notable developments this season has been the transformation of Rafael Leão into a central forward. Since earning his first league start in that role on matchday seven, the Portuguese international has scored five Serie A goals, becoming a more frequent shooter inside the penalty area while sacrificing some of the wide-drifting dribbles that once defined his game. His partnership with Christian Pulisic is set to remain central to Milan’s attacking threat.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leao
Key Stats
- Torino have the worst defensive record in Serie A this season, conceding an average of 1.77 goals per match.
- AC Milan are unbeaten in their last 12 league games, keeping seven clean sheets during that period.
- Despite Milan’s strong record, Torino have won each of their last three home matches against the Rossoneri, their best such run since the late 1940s.
- Torino have collected just 14 points from 13 matches, their lowest tally at this stage of a Serie A season in five years.
- Rafael Leao has scored five goals in his last seven Serie A appearances since moving into a central striking role, making him one of the most in-form forwards in the league.
Player to Watch
Christian Pulisic
The USMNT star enters this fixture as one of AC Milan’s most decisive attacking outlets, and his influence could once again shape the outcome. Even though he was limited to a substitute appearance in the Coppa Italia defeat to Lazio, Pulisic has been one of Milan’s most consistent performers throughout the season. His ability to attack space, combine in tight areas and arrive in goal-scoring positions makes him a constant threat against a Torino side that has struggled defensively.
Pulisic’s versatility also allows Massimiliano Allegri to shift him between wide and central positions, adding unpredictability to Milan’s forward play. With Rafael Leao drawing defensive attention in his central role, the spaces that open up on the right could be tailor-made for Pulisic to exploit. His directness, eye for goal, and improving chemistry with Leao and Luka Modric make him the natural focal point in transitions and attacking phases.
Given Torino’s shaky backline and their inconsistent handling of quick, technically sound attackers, Pulisic is well-positioned to be the game-breaker. If Milan are to extend their impressive Serie A run and bounce back from their cup disappointment, the American winger-turned-forward may very well be the one to provide the decisive spark.
Prediction
Torino FC 0-2 AC Milan
Torino’s strong recent home record against AC Milan is historically significant, but current form paints a very different picture. Marco Baroni’s side remain fragile at the back, conceding goals at one of the highest rates in Serie A, while also struggling to consistently create clear chances. Their winless run and low confidence contrast sharply with Milan’s momentum in the league.
Despite their Coppa Italia setback against Lazio, the Rossoneri have been remarkably resilient in Serie A, defending with structure and attacking with growing fluidity. The expected return of key figures like Christian Pulisic and Luka Modrić to the starting XI only strengthens Allegri’s side, while Rafael Leão’s evolution in a central role continues to pay dividends.
Torino will look to rely on the physicality of Duván Zapata and the energy of Che Adams, but breaking down Milan’s disciplined back three will be a major challenge. Given Milan’s defensive solidity and superior individual quality in key areas, the visitors are well-positioned to reclaim winning momentum.
