Torino continued their promising pre-season preparations with a goalless draw against French side Lyon, a team that finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and qualified for the Europa League. The match, played in Bourgoin-Jallieu, showed that the Granata are improving even as they face stronger opponents, following a mix of performances during their initial outings in Pinzolo.
Defensively, Torino displayed a commendable level of organization, managing to hold back Lyon’s attacks effectively, even under pressure. However, the South American pair of Zapata and Sanabria struggled to create real danger, with fatigue still apparent in their legs, particularly for the Colombian forward.
Coach Vanoli opted for a 3-5-2 formation, featuring Milinkovic in goal, supported by a backline of Vojvoda, Coco, and Masina. The wing-backs, Bellanova and Lazaro, brought width, while Ricci operated on the right, Ilic on the left, and Linetty played a protective role in front of the defense, complementing the attack of Sanabria and Zapata.
One of the match’s highlights was the synergy between Ricci and Bellanova on the right flank. Their combination of power, pace, and playmaking showcased Ricci as a potential cornerstone for this Torino side. The team’s overall style is one that promises excitement, with strong foundation elements that encourage optimism for the season ahead.
Throughout the game, Torino appeared aggressive, attempting to apply pressure despite heavy legs from the players. Early on, they struggled to cope with Lyon’s pressing but eventually managed to assert more control as the match progressed, demonstrating their growing confidence with some impressive ball-handling.
While there weren’t many clear chances, Torino was generally the more dangerous side. Ricci had a powerful shot, Ilic delivered a threatening corner, and Zapata’s efforts were denied by the opposing goalkeeper. At the other end, Torino faced a couple of nervous moments, especially during set-pieces, revealing some defensive uncertainties.
The last minutes were challenging for Torino as fatigue set in, but a highlight of the match was the debut of Scottish player Adams. Looking forward, the team will continue their French tour tomorrow with a practice match against a local selection, followed by a test against Metz on August 3. Vanoli’s focus on maintaining possession and creating clear passing lines bodes well for the upcoming season, as Torino aspires to refine their style of play further.