05 May 2017
Torino a top side
“Torino are a similar side to Atalanta and Monaco in that they also play a direct style of play and they’ve players blessed with pace and who are strong technically.
“Their striker Andrea Belotti has developed his game a lot and certainly has age on his side to keep improving. He’ll lead the line of the Italian national team for many years to come.
“In Sinisa Mihajlovic, they’ve a great manager who’s doing well there with players of real quality.”
Massive month ahead
“Derby matches are always big games but tomorrow’s is doubly important because we have the chance to put one hand on the Scudetto title with a win.
“The team are in good shape, both mentally and physically. In Monte Carlo we put in a great performance and picked up a brilliant result.
“To have got as far as we have is not simple and the next 20 days or so will be extremely eventful.
“We have to approach our goal with a lot of enthusiasm because it’s not every year that these kinds of things happen.
“Right now, however, we must focus on the Scudetto. Then we’ll move on to our aims of reaching the Champions League final and winning the Coppa Italia."
Team news
“I’ll make up my mind tomorrow after this afternoon’s training session. We played on Wednesday and we’ve got matches on Saturday and next Tuesday so that’s three fixtures in just six days.
“I’ve players that enable me to change up personnel in this period, apart from in attack because Pjaca is out injured, leaving the four forwards (Higuain, Dybala, Mandzukic and Cuadrado).
“Neto will start in goal tomorrow, in order to give Buffon a rest. Meanwhile, Bonucci will be lining up in defence.
“It’s unlikely that Marchisio will play against Torino, but Claudio’s physical condition has improved immeasurably over the last two weeks and so I’m delighted for him.”
