Torino host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday night at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. The two football heavyweights of yesteryear will clash in the biggest tie of the Europa League playoff round.
The Italians head into the fixture having destroyed Hungary’s Debrecen 7-1 and Belarussian team Shakhtyor Soligorsk 6-1 on aggregate, respectively.
Not to be outdone, Wolverhampton Wanderers thumped Crusaders 6-1 and FC Pyunik 8-0 on aggregate, respectively. Wolves go in to the fixture in good form following four wins in the Europa League and two draws in the Premier League.
On Monday night, Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Fatigue could play a factor in the Thursday night first leg. Wolves have already played six matches in all competitions while Torino have played four.
Torino haven’t kicked off their Serie A season yet. That will begin on Sunday against Sassuolo. Walter Mazzarri’s team should be rested and ready to go when Wolves arrive on the peninsula.
Nuno Espirito Santo has one injury issue at Wolves. Defender Matt Doherty is suffering from an illness and is unlikely to play. Doherty has most likely been kept away from his teammates to prevent further players from becoming ill.
Torino could have issues at the back. Veteran centre-back Armando Izzo has only recently returned to training from an injury. Meanwhile, winger Iago Falque is nursing an ankle injury that will keep him out until the second leg.
Both teams have strong attacks led by their No. 9s. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has been in fantastic form in the Europa League. The striker has scored four goals with each coming in European football.
Torino’s Andrea Belotti has tallied four goals as well. His goals have also come in the Europa League. Torino striker Simeon Zaza is also capable of scoring big goals for Torino. The Italian scored in Torino’s second leg draw with Shakhtyor Soligorsk.
It will be difficult to separate these sides on Thursday night. Wolves will most likely go into the match with some fatigue. However, Santo and company worked hard in the transfer market to sign quality players to deal with the extra games.
"Are you looking at that goal again, Ruben?"🛫📱 pic.twitter.com/c6pijvEI3W— Wolves (@Wolves) August 21, 2019
"Are you looking at that goal again, Ruben?"🛫📱 pic.twitter.com/c6pijvEI3W
Torino and Wolverhampton Wanderers should combine for over 2.5 goals with both teams finding the back of the net. With both teams full of quality players, expect a stalemate in Turin and Wolves grabbing an important away goal on their travels.