Torino vs Inter Milan
Cynics could say the Serie A season is one of relative comfort for both these clubs.
Inter Milan are handily placed in third with room to spare to seal a return to next season’s Champions League, yet too far adrift to challenge runaway leaders Juventus, let alone second-placed Napoli.
Meanwhile, few SBOBET followers would expect midtable Torino to push for a Europa League spot – despite being only five points off sixth place – nor would they expect them to be drawn into a battle for survival.
As they prepare to meet at the Stadio Grande Torino with perhaps an element of pressure off, can we expect some Serie A 2019 highlights to savour?
Talking Points
Certainly, Torino have already proved this season that they can raise their game against more illustrious opponents.
Their results have included draws at Inter, Lazio and Milan.
And with the club reportedly leading the race to sign Paris St Germain outcast Jese Rodriguez, there is every suggestion they could be active in the transfer market before next week’s window closes.
Coach Walter Mazzarri will have more concerns about his defence than in attack after last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Roma, though: it was a result he blamed on ‘naïve errors’.
Keeping hold of striker Andrea Belotti, who has nine goals in 22 matches so far this term, is also key to their progress with the promising frontman linked to Premier League West Ham in recent days.
Inter are themselves on the verge of business in the transfer market with Southampton and Portugal right-back Cedric Soares arriving in Milan. It’s reported the Nerazzurri will loan him for the rest of the season and have negotiated an option to buy this summer.
The ever-influential Mauro Icardi, becoming a real fans’ favourite after an uncertain time three years ago, is also very close to signing a new contract with the club, although it remains to be seen if the much-talked-about release clause will remain.
There’s also been a boost with the news that Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin has passed a medical ahead of a free transfer move at the end of the season. Such a move would provide one of the biggest transfer stories but, for now, the focus is on this clash.
There’s a real tradition in this clash. In fact, the first derby in the Italian top flight was played in Turin in May 1898 between the F.B.C. Torinese and Internazionale F.C. Torino – teams that would merge to create Torino Football Club.
It’s a reunion for Inter and Mazzarri: sacked by the club in 2014, who may wonder what life might be like had he been at the club at a different time.
Italian football writers may well tell you that you only need to look to Gian Piero Gasperini’s progress with Atalanta these days to release Inter weren’t a good place to be post-2010.
Nowadays, they are trying to become regular challengers for the top prizes again, something Torino know all about in their pride but tragic history.
History
Torino won this fixture last April.
An Adem Ljajic goal was enough and nearly cost Inter a place in this season’s Champions League (they eventually finished in fourth).
The match in the San Siro last season finished all square when Eder cancelled out Iago Falque’s opener for the visitors.
It was also 2-2 earlier in the campaign when Torino fought back from two goals down to level through Belotti and Soualiho Meite – this after Ivan Perisic and Stefan de Vrij had put the hosts in the driving seat.
Inter last won at Torino in November 2015.
It was in 2007/08 that Inter last enjoyed a league double over Torino.
Betting Tip
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Torino vs Inter Milan | Over 2.75 @ 2.40 |
| January 28, 01:00(GMT+8) |
The Serie A 2019 betting odds reflect the side’s current league positions.
Inter are priced 1X2 @ 2.12 with Torino @ 3.45 and the draw @ 3.25.
A bet that caught my eye was Asian Handicap -0.75 Inter @ 2.49, while Torino + 0.25 @ 2.12 will appeal to those who know Mazzarri’s team so often raise their game against the top sides.
Goals are expected, and it’s expected to be a really tight game.
Total goal 0-1 will pay out @ 3.15, total goal 4-6 @ 3.75, yet total goal 2-3 offers odds @ 1.90 which also suggests a close affair.
That is emphasised by the double chance Torino or draw offered at a relatively low @ 1.66.
A repeat of this season’s earlier encounter – correct score 2-2 – is available at an attractive @ 14.50.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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