As Giampiero Ventura’s next managerial chapter awaits with the Azzurri, Siniša Mihajlović has taken over the bench of Torino. The Serbian, sacked before completing his first season with A.C. Milan, has made his presence felt thus far as Toro set out to cap off a splendid summer mercato.
Torino president Urbano Cairo and his club have been overshadowed by their city rivals Juventus this entire summer campaign, and in impressive fashion.
The Turin giants, fresh off winning their second consecutive domestic double, have been relentless in their approach to utilize the latest summer mercato to build a side capable of winning a UEFA Champions League trophy, having already added Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and most recently Marko Pjaca. Clearly, they are establishing dominance; flexing their muscle and showing no signs of easing off the gas. However, while the Bianconeri continue to be linked with elite talents spanning the globe, i Granata are making some noise of their own, quietly.
Finishing a disappointing twelfth in the Serie A league table last year, Giampiero Ventura stepped down as manager of Torino after five seasons. Antonio Conte pledged his allegiance to Chelsea FC prior to the European Championship, opening the door for a fresh face to take the seat of La Nazionale. Ventura has been appointed as the Italy boss officially this week, but he has left new coach Siniša Mihajlović a solid foundation ready to be built on.
Mihajlović, who was sacked in April before he could manage Milan in the Coppa Italia v Juventus, took the role at Torino last month. The Serbian figure is very demanding of his players, both physically and mentally, which didn’t mix well inside the Milan camp last season. Yet, while one door closed another opened, and now he’s been seeded the perfect opportunity to make The Maroons a force to be reckoned with. These past three seasons, Torino have finished 7th, 9th and 12th respectively but they are now ready to make a statement this year in the Serie A, with the help of some key additions already confirmed.
Adem Ljajic and Iago Falque were welcomed to the club earlier this week both coming from Roma. Ljajic, who served a lacklustre loan spell with Inter, was purchased for €8.5m while the former Genoa winger arrived on a seasonal loan. While these two moves don’t sell a ton of shirts or strike fear in the opposition all that much, they are value buys that will push Torino over the edge towards a Europa League run. They sold Kamil Glik to Monaco after the Pole impressed at Euro 2016, which delivered a blow but aside from that, the club remains in tact.
Below you have a projected starting eleven for Mihajlović based on the current personnel:
Over the past few years, Torino’s defensive setup has flown under the radar; a mildly underrated unit across Italy, especially play in the same city as Juventus. In the past, Ventura often fielded a four-man setup with Darmian, Maksimovic, Glik and Bruno Peres. Darmian and Glik are no longer in the fold but Mihajlovic has 24-year old Nikola Maksimovic and the speedy Brazilian fullback Bruno Peres to carry the torch.
Maksimovic could very well have the explosive season in 2016-17 that puts him on the map. He’s strong and confident going into tackles, but also provides the passing ability to be the lynchpin when building out the back. Emiliano Moretti is a serviceable veteran but Torino could certainly mix in Gaston Silva, Cesare Bovo or Cristian Molinaro to provide a different look based on the opposition that match-day.
Davide Zappacosta and Bruno Peres can cause havoc down their flanks with pace and an exceptional work rate. Zappacosta is still in need of improvement on the defensive end, Peres’ abilities are primarily attacking but what’s most important is the effort they bring to the table. Mihajlović is known for his commitment and emphasis on defending, and it’s likely that wont’ change with this side. Both will be expected to contribute more on the back end, especially as they cope with the departure of Glik.
Perhaps the strongest bank of the team is the midfield which has a blend of youth and creativity. Daniele Baselli and Marco Benassi are two of the most promising centrocampisti on the peninsula. Baselli likes to pick a pass but is by no means a one-trick pony. He likes to get forward and have a go at goal, sometimes even from set pieces. Benassi has similar qualities to Baselli, but the 21-year old is best when he is involved in the attacking buildup. The former Inter youth can play off supporting players and is has a solid finishing touch around goal. Afriyie Acquah and Joel Obi also provide energy and Serie A experience. These two players will greatly benefit from Mihajlović in training. Finally, we analyze the attack stockpiled with youthful talent.
Andrea Belotti and Josef Martinez are two exciting strikers who offer a different skill-set, but compliment each other so well.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 16: Andrea Belotti of Torino FC celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 16, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Belotti is a physical striker who likes to bang bodies and fight off defenders for a chance at goal. When around goal, the ex-AlbinoLeffe striker is clinical and seldom wastes a chance. In 2014-15 with the Rosanero, Belotti showed glimpses of being a prolific striker, scoring six goals but it was last year when he caught the attention of calcio fanatics. He collected eleven goals after the winter break, more than any Italian striker playing in Europe’s top leagues. Not to mention he added five assists which gives you an indication of his ability to link up with players, fall into the midfield and jumpstart attacks. It’s only a matter of time until Belotti is called upon by Ventura to start for the national team.
Martinez has yet to really have that breakout campaign, but he also hasn’t had the chance to play with consistency. Last season, he featured in 21 matches for Torino but only played 920 minutes. It wasn’t until April where he started with regularity and began producing to his capability. The three goals he scored do not paint the full picture for the Venezuelan. It’s unclear whether Mihajlović will use a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 as pictured above, but Martinez is a 23-year old who is versatile enough to play out wide or as a second striker. He will have to battle with Maxi Lopez and Argentina youngster Lucas Boyé for minutes but internal competition is a healthy thing for all.
Ljajic, a Serbian national like Mihajlovic, has tremendous upside but his ego has gotten the better of him time and time again. Last year, he went out on loan with Inter but disappointed the Nerazzurri faithful, scoring just three goals in 26 matches. Still only 24, age is certainly on Ljajic’s side but given that he’s played in over 160 Serie A games for clubs like Fiorentina, Roma and Inter, the time is now. Opposite Ljajic will likely be Falque who will look to replicate what he accomplished for Genoa two years ago: a 13 goal season. The former Barcelona youth has moved around Europe quite a bit in his career, yet the 26-year old fits best in Italy. A successful seasonal loan could turn into a permanent stay should he shine in Northern Italy.
Torino have already done a magnificent job retooling for the upcoming season. Cairo has given Mihajlović two skilled wingers who have a lot to prove but more to gain. The club is being linked with a move for Napoli’s want-away midfielder Mirko Valdifiori. He could be had at a very affordable price given his location in the depth chart with the Partenopei. Mihajlović would also like to bring with him Juraj Kucka, who put it all together for Milan last season despite the club finishing in seventh. The Slovakian, nicknamed “The Tank” for his disruptor qualities, would round out the already talented midfield and provide the club with needed grinta.
Simply put, Torino have all the makings for a Europa League contender, in fact some may even begin to peg them for the junior European tournament as they stand today. Cairo and the club have shown the willingness to invest more in the transfer market than recent terms. Get ready, Torino are ready to turn heads this season.
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