Milan vs Torino Prediction: 17/8/2024

After a period of relative struggle, AC Milan has reasserted itself as a top contender in Serie A over the past four seasons. The Lombard club has consistently finished in the Top 4 during this time, even capturing the Scudetto in 2022. Last season, while they were quickly outpaced by Inter in the title race, they still managed a strong campaign, finishing 2nd in Serie A, four points clear of third place.

This season, AC Milan aims to challenge for the Scudetto once again, though it remains to be seen whether the appointment of Paulo Fonseca, a manager who has faced significant criticism from fans, will inject the fresh energy needed.

Torino, typically a mid-table team, finished 9th in Serie A last year, with a notable gap of seven points from 8th place. In the two prior seasons, the Piedmont club had finished 10th. Ivan Juric’s squad is looking to make strides this season with hopes of securing European qualification for the first time since the 2019/2020 season.

AC Milan saw the departure of French striker Olivier Giroud (who joined Los Angeles FC after contributing 15 goals and 8 assists in Serie A last year), who had been a key player since arriving at the club. Additionally, veteran defender Simon Kjaer left at the end of his contract, while Rade Krunic (Fenerbahce) and Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), who were on loan last season, were transferred permanently.

On the other hand, promising right-back Jimenez (19 years old, from Real Madrid) and young defender Simic (19 years old, from AC Milan’s U19 team) have been brought in to strengthen the first team. Despite transfer rumors, Rafael Leao (9 goals and 9 assists in Serie A) remains at the club, along with American winger Christian Pulisic (12 goals and 8 assists in Serie A). English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek also plays a crucial role for the Rossoneri, alongside French internationals Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez.

For Torino, long-time defensive leader and captain Alessandro Buongiorno has left to join Napoli. Additionally, experienced defenders Ricardo Rodriguez and Koffi Djidji were not renewed at the end of their contracts. However, left-back Adam Masina (Udinese) and striker Duván Zapata (Atalanta, 13 goals and 4 assists in Serie A), who were on loan last season, have been signed permanently. Full-back Raoul Bellanova remains with the club, as do key midfielders Ivan Ilic and Samuele Ricci, along with attackers Nikola Vlašić and Antonio Sanabria.

 

Prediction

Torino has been involved in 29 consecutive away matches in Serie A that featured under 3.5 goals. Similarly, 18 of AC Milan’s last 21 matches have also seen fewer than 3.5 goals. Given this trend, it would be surprising to see more than three goals in this match.

Prediction: AC Milan 1 : 1 Torino.