AC MILAN v TORINO: KEYS TO THE MATCH

AC Milan’s 2022/23 Coppa Italia journey is starting at San Siro. The Rossoneri are aiming to beat Torino and advance to the quarter-finals of the competition, thus putting the draw against Roma firmly behind them. Pioli’s men are taking on the Granata in the round of 16, just like they did two years ago, when they managed to progress on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Ahead of this tricky knockout tie, we take a look at what could be the decisive factors.

BEING CLINICAL
Since the start of 2023, both teams have travelled to Salerno and, while there, failed to show a real clinical edge. This year, Torino have picked up two points in the league following 1-1 draws against Hellas Verona and, indeed, Salernitana. Notably, the Granata’s attackers haven’t made the most of their chances, allowing their opponents to stay in the game and come away with something. The Rossoneri also wasted numerous opportunities at the Stadio Arechi before conceding in the final stages, although, as opposed to Torino, they were able to pick up three points. Ochoa was in fine form against the two sides, but AC Milan and the Granata will be hoping to avoid letting each other off the hook in tomorrow’s clash, especially as it’s a straight knockout tie. Whoever finds themselves in front of goal, showing composure will be crucial.

PLAYMAKERS AND MIDFIELD RUNS
Brahim Díaz is expected to start behind De Ketelaere and provide plenty of attacking impetus. In order to cause an organised Granata defence problems, the two players’ movements and combinations between the lines will be decisive. The runs made by the team’s midfielders will also be key as the Diavolo look to create overloads and fill the area. Tommaso Pobega, who found the net against Roma, is likely to start, with the Rossoneri No.32 having already shown that he can be a threat high up the pitch in both the AC Milan (two goals so far) and Torino (four goals last season) shirts. Jurić’s attacking playmakers have already proven that they can inflict damage on the Rossoneri: Vlašić provided an assist and Mirančuk got on the scoresheet as Torino got the better of AC Milan in the league earlier on this campaign. It’s highly probable that the Croatian and former Atalanta man will play behind Sanabria, who returned to scoring ways at the weekend.

FRESH ENERGY AND THE DESIRE TO PERFORM
“The next few weeks will be very demanding and, as a result, I’ll need everyone.” This is what Coach Pioli had to say as he discussed the Rossoneri’s hectic schedule. With so many games coming up, those who have been less involved will play a crucial role with their energy and freshness. Matches like these provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding with your teammates and try to lay down a marker. This applies to Charles De Ketelaere, who could start against Torino and is looking to bag his first AC Milan goal. There’s also the spectre of extra time, making fresh legs even more important. Adli and Vranckx are hoping to get more minutes under their belts and make a difference, while Messias, who scored at the Grande Torino at the end of October, is aiming to return to peak condition fitness-wise. The same could be said for some of Jurić’s men, with Radonjić and Demba Seck seeking continuity.

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