Season 2016/17: AC Milan vs Torino

[artan]

Serie A Week 1 - 21 Aug 2016 (17.00 UK)
Milan - Torino
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Torino
Milan

There’ll be no shortage of tension when Sinisa Mihajlovic makes his Torino debut at San Siro, against the Milan side that sacked him in April.

Fate certainly dealt the card when the Rossoneri were drawn against the Granata for the opening fixture of the season.

Just four months prior, Mihajlovic was controversially let go by club management, despite having lead Milan to their first Coppa Italia Final in 13 years, and he has since taken charge of Torino.

Vincenzo Montella has subsequently stepped in to replace Cristian Brocchi – the Serbian’s predecessor back in April – while he has also welcomed the addition of three new faces to the team.

The transfer market hasn’t been an easy shopping experience for Adriano Galliani, as Silvio Berlusconi and the club’s sale to a Chinese consortium has seen management freeze and unfreeze their dealings. Still, they have managed to welcome Gustavo Gomez, Jose Sosa and Gianluca Lapadula to the team, although Gomez is probably the only one available to play this weekend.

Meanwhile, Torino have strengthened impressively by drafting in the likes of Iago Falque, Antonio Barreca, Adem Ljajic and Luca Rossettini. However, Nikola Maksimovic has gone AWOL and Leandro Castan probably arrived too late to feature this weekend, while Bruno Peres was a big loss.

With both squads nearly complete, it’s now up to the Coaches to get the tactics right on match day, and what can be expected from this game is a tough-tackling encounter.

Both mentors generally prefer their men to possess an attractive and free passing style of play, which is evident in their over-packed midfields. However, with this fixture presenting a bit of personal rivalry to it, the two sides will undoubtedly be fighting all the way to the final whistle.

Montella has been a positive light to Milan during the on-going chaos that has happened off the field, and he has brilliantly tried to distract his players, all while teaching them new systems of play.

Miha has been quietly going about his business with his charges, and the pre-season results made it evident that his side have been working hard ahead of their first game of the 2016-17 Serie A campaign. They were very impressive in the Coppa Italia opener this week, sweeping Serie B team Pro Vercelli aside 4-1 with Adem Ljajic, Josef Martinez, Bruno Peres – before his move to Roma – and new boy Lucas Boye on target.

This encounter is likely to show moments of brilliance and vulnerability, all while embracing a dramatic atmosphere.

Mihajlovic is out for revenge, but has never beaten Milan as an opponent, managing only three draws from seven attempts.

Keep an eye on: Gustavo Gomez (Milan) – The defender is the first Paraguayan to play for Milan and he will be looking to make history the right way. Standing over 6ft tall, the solid centre back is expected to be a great addition to Milan’s backline, as his aerial ability and calmness on the ball is what caught the scout’s eye. Has only made one appearance pre-season, so could take a while to settle.

Form Guide: Milan (- - - - -) Torino (- - - - -)

Last season: Milan 1 - 0 Torino

Stat fact: Milan haven’t lost any of their last 16 meetings with Torino, winning nine and drawing seven since a 1-0 away defeat in November 2001. The Granata haven’t conquered San Siro in Serie A since March 1985.

Top tip: Given how both teams are still finding their feet with their new Coach and players, a draw at full-time is probable.

Milan (probable): Donnarumma; Abate, Gomez, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Bertolacci, Montolivo; Bonaventura, Suso, Bacca; Niang

Suspended: None

Torino (probable): Padelli; Rossettini, Bovo, Moretti, Barreca; Acquah, Vives, Baselli, Iago Falque; Belotti, Ljajic

Suspended: None

[artan]

Slow start to the game, not much happening. We commence there where we quit last year.

[fillipo]

Donnarumma & Bacca

only 9 players of this caliber and we're back competing for the CL!

Montella offcourse is not going to make the difference so this game was better then expected but it's all luck! no sign of any improvement. (but must say 'his attacking style is much appreciated)

[artan]

lucky win, dona and bacca had a great day, otherwise would have even lost. there is no improvement to last season at all.