Torino vs Sassuolo: Pre-match preview, confirmed lineups and prediction
Sassuolo head to Turin in superb form, including a 2-0 win over AC Milan, while Torino have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. Round 36 of Serie A could be Sassuolo's night.
Sassuolo arrive at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on the back of one of Serie A's most impressive recent runs, while the hosts have been unable to string consistent performances together. Round 36 promises a fascinating encounter between a Torino side searching for momentum and a Sassuolo team brimming with confidence.
Form Analysis
Torino's recent record makes for difficult reading. A 2-0 defeat at Udinese on May 2nd was their latest setback, and before that they were held to back-to-back draws — 2-2 at home to Inter and goalless at Cremonese. Their last two wins, against Hellas Verona and Pisa, feel like a distant memory. The Granata have struggled to impose themselves on opponents and the lack of defensive solidity is a concern heading into this fixture.
Sassuolo, by contrast, are in excellent shape. A stunning 2-0 home victory over AC Milan last weekend was the standout result of their run, but it was no fluke. They also beat Como 2-1, defeated Cagliari 2-1 and earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Juventus. Only a goalless stalemate at Fiorentina interrupted what has been a remarkably consistent spell of football from Alessio Dionisi's men.
Predicted Lineups and Key Players
Torino line up with Alberto Paleari in goal behind a back three of Ebosse, Marianucci and Saúl Coco. The midfield is heavily populated, with Vlašić, Casadei, Gineitis, Lazaro, İlkhan and Obrador all named. Giovanni Simeone leads the attack and will need to find his best form to pose a genuine threat.
For Sassuolo, the returning Nemanja Matic brings composure and physicality to the engine room alongside Thorstvedt and Koné. In attack, Armand Laurienté has been one of the division's liveliest wingers this season, and Cristian Volpato offers creative quality. M'Bala Nzola leads the line in search of his next Serie A goal. Stefano Turati is a reliable presence between the sticks and will be essential if Torino find any real momentum early.
The battle in central midfield will be pivotal. Sassuolo's trio of Matic, Thorstvedt and Koné should have the quality to control the tempo against a Torino midfield that has sometimes looked disjointed. Vlašić remains Torino's most creative influence, and Sassuolo's backline — featuring Walukiewicz, Romagna, Garcia and Muharemović — will need to be alert.
Prediction
The numbers support Sassuolo taking something from Turin. The probability of both teams scoring is rated at 58%, which reflects the attacking intent on both sides, but the away win probability (44%) dwarfs that of a home Torino victory (29%). Our AI model predicts a 1-2 scoreline in Sassuolo's favour, carrying 58/100 confidence.
Given Sassuolo's form — seven points from their last four games including a landmark win over Milan — and Torino's inconsistency, that assessment feels well grounded. Torino have the players to cause problems in flashes, particularly through Simeone and Vlašić, but sustaining a cohesive performance over 90 minutes has been their Achilles heel. Sassuolo look the more organised and purposeful side right now, and a narrow away victory is the most plausible outcome.
Predicted score: Torino 1-2 Sassuolo