In their opening match of the season, Torino showed signs of their summer preparations, but the performance was mixed as they faced a resilient Cosenza side. The game took an early twist when Cosenza’s Camporese scored an own goal just 36 seconds in, setting a somewhat fortuitous tone for Torino. While they didn’t quite dazzle, Torino managed to secure a 2-0 victory, thanks to a late goal from Duvan Zapata, boosting their confidence as they advance to the round of 16 in the Coppa Italia where they will meet Empoli.
The arrival of substitutes Ché Adams and Moussa Dembélé in the late stages added a lively edge to Torino’s play. They linked well to create the second goal, clearly indicating their importance to the team’s future success. The match served as a preparatory exercise ahead of their Serie A opener against AC Milan this Saturday, aiming to cultivate team cohesion and readiness.
Defensively, there were signs of stability, with Torino remaining solid at the back, managing to keep a clean sheet for the third consecutive match. However, Cosenza had opportunities to equalize, registering four shots on target in the first half, albeit from distance. Goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić made crucial saves, particularly against Fumagalli’s powerful shot.
Offensively, Torino struggled to maintain fluidity and often appeared hesitant to press for a second goal after their early lead. The team seemed content to sit back and absorb pressure, relying on long balls from Milinković-Savić to their forwards. The formation employed was a 3-5-2, which allowed for versatility between the two strikers, with Sanabria frequently dropping deeper to collect the ball.
In midfield, Szymon Żurkowski played a pivotal role, partnering effectively with others, but the connection in the attacking third was lacking. While Ricci made dangerous runs and found himself in goal-scoring positions, opportunities were scarce for Torino’s forwards to capitalize on.
Cosenza, dealing with injury issues and still adjusting under new coach Massimiliano Alvini, put up a respectable fight despite the defeat. They didn’t shy away from maintaining possession and continued to search for a way back into the game. Overall, while Torino may not have played a perfect match, the victory provides a necessary boost as they prepare for the challenges ahead.