April 27, 2024 (modified April 27, 2024 | 6:10 pm)
Every week some questions about the next three-way match from our journalists, who tell us their opinion on Toro’s moment
Four questions, three opinions on the matter. Our opinions, sometimes in agreement and sometimes in disagreement with each other. Here you are ToroPreview: before the match, three of our journalists will answer the editorial team’s questions, giving their opinion on the commitment that awaits the team and in general on the Granata’s moment. Personal opinions sometimes at opposite ends of the spectrum, to try to give the reader the most complete vision possible on the subject matter. This week, on the other side of the microphone here are our Federicos From MilanSimon Naples and James Tired.
We play against Inter who already have the tricolor on their chest. Will the Granata be able to win and keep their last European hopes alive?
From Milan – I believe that the disappointing draw against Frosinone effectively put an end to Toro’s hopes. Not so much for mathematical calculations because the ranking is very short and it would take very little to be able to overtake those in front. However, I believe that the 0-0 draw against the Ciociari could have dampened the ambitions of the Granata who are also fresh from the defeat in Empoli and the draw in the derby with Juventus. The calendar is really complicated and for this reason I fear that the points lost in the last three matches will be decisive.
Naples – Juric’s Turin rarely makes a mistake in their attitude against the big teams, see the first leg against Inter until Schuurs’ injury, Lazio, Napoli and the derby. The climate around the team is not the best after the lackluster 0-0 draw with Frosinone, but in the match at San Siro the Granata could take advantage of a sated Inter after the Scudetto won last day against Milan.
Tired – Morale is low after the very disappointing draw with Frosinone. In theory, the points available would be there and Napoli would seem to be going slowly. Inter are a squadron, modern, dynamic and capable of dominating any opponent. The Nerazzurri will probably want to consecrate the Scudetto with a victory. By now, hopes are slim to none. We’ll see, better not to get your hopes up.
Ilic struggled against Frosinone. Without the suspended Linetty, would you raise Tameze alongside Ricci?
From Milan – The positive news is that Ricci is back. In these last five games I would give the Ricci-Ilic duo an opportunity to redeem themselves after a certainly not exciting season. Both are young and significant investments have been made to bring them into the shadow of the Mole, which is why I hope for a turnaround in their trend in these last matches to “earn” confirmation as starters in view of next season and also chase away the sirens of market ahead of the summer. Tameze has a unique flexibility and I trust Juric seeing him still as the right hand in defense together with Buongiorno and Rodriguez.
Naples – It could be a tactical move that would guarantee a quality wildcard in the ongoing race. Ilic’s season hasn’t been exciting, on the contrary, and a shift starting from the bench like it was against Udinese at home could shake him up. Plus I’d be curious to see Tameze in his natural position.
Tired – Yes, Ilic appeared listless, at times even insolent. I would like to see Tameze in midfield, who has always worked very well. Ilic could come on during the match and make his contribution to the match.
Who should you line up alongside Zapata?
From Milan – The best (and most banal) answer would be “the best Sanabria”. Unfortunately, however, this year the Paraguayan has rarely been the driving force seen last season. For me, he is always the starter because he is clearly superior to Okereke and Pellegri. I would field the Nigerian during the match to try to create some gaps with his accelerations, perhaps taking advantage of a more tired defense.
Naples – Against Inter’s defensive trident I would launch Sanabria from the first minute and then perhaps do a relay with Okereke during the match, who with his speed has the ability to hurt. Sanabria has the qualities to be the perfect partner for Zapata, but his constant physical ailments are putting a spoke in his wheels.
Tired – Okereke never did badly, at least in terms of effort. I personally would continue to focus on Sanabria: the Paraguayan in theory has important numbers, although sometimes he doesn’t show it. The number nine may want to demonstrate his value after last Sunday’s benching against the Ciociari.
Without European qualification, would it be a unsuccessful season for Toro?
From Milan – Maybe failure is a strong word. However, it would certainly be a disappointing season. Juric’s three-year period was supposed to have as its objective a return to a European competition and as already mentioned above, I fear that this possibility has now vanished. If Toro were to finish in tenth place again for the third year in a row under the guidance of the Croatian coach, it would be a clear synonym for the lack of that leap in quality that everyone was hoping for. Juric himself was very clear in that now famous press conference in which he said he wanted to take Europe to stay: I therefore believe that for everyone this has been a subdued season (barring unexpected twists in this last portion of championship).
Naples – Given the points lost along the way against the teams fighting for survival, yes. Especially considering that the direct competitors have so far been the protagonists of an equally fluctuating championship. 17 points lost against those fighting not to be relegated is a fact that speaks for itself and shows that, when the Granata are in favor of the forecasts, they are unable to handle the pressure of having to win at all costs.
Tired – Not totally, but the regret would be enormous. It would appear to be a wasted opportunity: eight places to access the European cups, a Napoli in enormous difficulty, a Fiorentina involved in three competitions, a Lazio that is slow… Torino should do everything to access Europe and instead the Granatas seem continually afraid of defending something that isn’t there and when faced with a disadvantage they often give up.
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April 27, 2024 (modified April 27, 2024 | 6:10 pm)
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