Torino vs. Inter Milan | Serie A | Pre Match
Torino vs. Inter Milan
In a pivotal Serie A showdown at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday, Inter Milan, buoyed by their breathtaking Champions League semi-final triumph over Barcelona, face Torino in a match that could prove decisive in their increasingly precarious pursuit of the Scudetto. With just three rounds remaining in the 2024-25 season, Simone Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri trail league leaders Napoli by three points, a gap that underscores the urgency of this fixture as they strive to keep their title hopes alive. The midweek heroics against Barcelona, where Inter staged a dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory in what many have dubbed the greatest European tie of all time, showcased their resilience and attacking prowess, but their domestic form has faltered, particularly on the road, raising concerns about their ability to sustain their challenge across multiple fronts. Torino, meanwhile, have little left to play for beyond the pride of a potential top-half finish, sitting comfortably in 11th place and unbeaten in their last nine home games. The Granata’s historical struggles against Inter, coupled with their lack of European ambitions, make them underdogs, but their formidable home record and the possibility of reaching a milestone 10-game unbeaten streak at home since 1995 add intrigue to this clash. As Inter juggle the demands of an impending Champions League final and a grueling schedule, this encounter will test their depth, focus, and ability to overcome a Torino side eager to play spoiler in front of their passionate supporters.
Inter Milan’s season has been a tale of exhilarating highs and frustrating inconsistencies, with their Champions League exploits providing a stark contrast to their domestic struggles. The 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona, sealed in a pulsating second leg at San Siro, was a testament to their character and quality. Trailing 3-2 with three minutes remaining, Francesco Acerbi’s improbable equalizer from a set-piece sparked pandemonium, paving the way for Davide Frattesi’s clinical strike in extra time to secure Inter’s place in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The emotional intensity of that match, which saw Frattesi nearly collapse during his celebrations, underscored the squad’s commitment, but it also highlighted the physical toll of their campaign. With the Club World Cup and a potential fourth European Cup looming, Inzaghi’s experienced squad must now refocus on Serie A, where their title hopes hang by a thread. A narrow 1-0 win over Hellas Verona last week offered some respite, but Inter’s decline in 2025 is alarming: after eight consecutive away wins earlier in the season, they have managed just one victory in their last seven league games on the road, a stark departure from their earlier dominance. Their defensive frailty is equally concerning, as they are one of only two teams in Serie A’s top half not to have recorded consecutive clean sheets this calendar year, a sign of fatigue in a squad stretched by a relentless schedule. Against Torino, Inter’s historical dominance—winning all five of their last league meetings with four clean sheets—offers hope, but Inzaghi’s rotation strategy, which saw 10 first-choice players rested against Verona, suggests he may prioritize freshness for the Champions League final. The fitness of captain Lautaro Martinez, who played through pain against Barcelona, is a concern, with Mehdi Taremi, Joaquin Correa, and Marko Arnautovic vying for a starting role. Marcus Thuram, who scored a hat-trick against Torino earlier this season, remains a key threat, though he too may be rested, while Benjamin Pavard’s ankle injury is the only confirmed absence.
Torino, by contrast, are in a position of relative comfort, with their mid-table status secured and no realistic chance of European qualification. Sitting 11th with 42 points, the Granata are focused on overtaking Como and Udinese for a top-10 finish, a modest goal that reflects their inconsistent season. Their 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Venezia last week, salvaged by Nikola Vlasic’s late penalty, maintained their impressive home form, as they remain one of only four Serie A teams—alongside Bologna, Roma, and Napoli—yet to lose at home in 2025. This nine-game unbeaten streak at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino is a source of pride for Paolo Vanoli’s side, who now have a chance to reach a 10-game milestone not seen since 1995. However, their historical struggles against Inter, with 14 losses in their last 20 home games against the Nerazzurri, including a 3-2 defeat in Milan earlier this season, make them significant underdogs. Torino’s attacking output relies heavily on Che Adams, their nine-goal top scorer, and Vlasic, who is one goal shy of a personal best for a Serie A season. Antonio Sanabria’s occasional starts add versatility, but the long-term absence of captain Duvan Zapata has limited their firepower. The return of Karol Linetty to full training is a boost, but Samuele Ricci’s injury doubt could disrupt their midfield balance. Vanoli’s pragmatic approach, which emphasizes defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities, will aim to exploit Inter’s fatigue and defensive lapses, but Torino’s lack of stakes and historical inferiority complex against Inter pose significant challenges.
The tactical and historical context of this fixture adds depth to what could be a defining moment in Inter’s season. Inzaghi’s high-pressing, fluid system, which overwhelmed Barcelona with its intensity, will face a Torino side that thrives on absorbing pressure and striking on the break. The midfield battle, where Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella will likely confront Valentino Lazaro and Adrien Tameze, will be crucial, as will Inter’s ability to neutralize Vlasic’s creativity. Torino’s unbeaten home record suggests they can frustrate opponents, but Inter’s superior quality and desperation for points give them the edge. The Nerazzurri’s rotation strategy will be a key factor, as Inzaghi balances the need for a win with the preservation of key players for the Champions League final. For Torino, the opportunity to derail Inter’s title bid and achieve a historic milestone adds motivation, but their inability to consistently trouble top teams at home tempers expectations. The individual duel between Thuram, if he starts, and Torino’s center-backs, led by Alessandro Buongiorno, could be decisive, given the Frenchman’s knack for scoring against the Granata.
As the match approaches, the broader implications for Inter and Torino underscore the contrasting narratives at play. For Inter, a victory is essential to close the gap on Napoli, who play later on Sunday, and keep their Scudetto dreams alive. A defeat or draw could effectively end their title challenge, piling pressure on a squad already stretched by their European commitments. The emotional and physical toll of the Barcelona tie adds complexity, testing Inzaghi’s ability to manage his squad’s energy levels. For Torino, a positive result would be a statement of their home resilience and a chance to disrupt the title race, boosting morale as they aim for a top-10 finish. A loss, while expected given the historical precedent, would do little to dent their season’s broader objectives. The clash of Inter’s attacking firepower and Torino’s defensive grit promises a compelling contest, with moments of brilliance from players like Frattesi or Vlasic potentially tipping the balance. Whether Inter can harness their European momentum to reignite their domestic campaign or Torino can summon the spirit to pull off an upset, this encounter will offer a fascinating glimpse into the resilience and ambition of two teams at opposite ends of the Serie A spectrum.
