Torino’s mini-tour in France came to a successful end with a 3-0 victory against Metz, showcasing the steady improvement of Paolo Vanoli’s side. Goals came from Duvan Zapata, Valentino Lazaro, and Samuele Ricci, and the defense once again stood firm, not conceding a single goal, just like in their previous match against Lyon. The game also provided an opportunity for almost the entire squad to gain valuable playing time, serving as the final test before the official start of the season.
The Torino team will kick off their competitive campaign on August 11, when they host Cosenza in the Italian Cup’s round of 32. A week later, they will make their Serie A debut against AC Milan at the iconic San Siro. The buildup to these crucial matches has been encouraging especially with Vanoli fielding a lineup that is likely to feature in the cup match next week.
The game against Metz saw Torino controlling possession from the start, opting for a measured approach rather than rushing upfront. This strategy paid off after 30 minutes of a steady rhythm when the team ramped up the pressure and scored twice before halftime. Zapata opened the scoring after a persistent buildup play, finishing off an assist from Ricci, who was instrumental throughout the match. The initial goal was aided by a clever flick from Sanabria.
The second goal came shortly after, as Ricci delivered a cross into the box. Ilic tried to convert but couldn’t get a shot off, allowing Lazaro to take advantage and slot in a precise finish to make it 2-0. Among the starting players, the only new signing was Saul Coco, a defender from Las Palmas, who showed promise by initiating plays and making solid defensive stands.
The second half saw Torino become a bit less vigilant, leading to their first real scare when Metz created a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Fortunately, goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic remained alert, denying the French side’s attempts. Shortly after, Bellanova energized the attack, setting Ilic up for a chance at a third, but his shot was blocked by Traore.
Despite a couple of attempts from Metz, Milinkovic-Savic continued to keep a clean sheet. Torino sealed their victory in style with a goal in the 87th minute. Ricci provided another cross that led to a mistake by Metz’s goalkeeper Oukidja, resulting in the final score of 3-0, a fitting end to their preparation before the season officially kicks off.