An open criticism of Tammy Abraham, Roma’s top scorer from last Serie A (SA) season, paid off as he went from the bench to net the opener in the 80th minute against Sassuolo during the week. However, after his side conceded an equaliser only a few minutes later, it was reported that José Mourinho felt betrayed by ’one unprofessional player’ who was told afterward to find another club in January.
It seems like Roma are being let down more by their unproductive attacking force, as their mere 17 league goals scored are by far the lowest across the top eight clubs. There is some hope, though, as Paulo Dybala may appear in their last match before the World Cup break against Torino after suffering an injury more than a month ago. His presence could certainly help Roma’s pursuit of the top four, particularly as they suffered 0-1 losses in both SA home matches without him.
Torino returned to winning ways after avenging last weekend’s narrow 1-2 defeat at Bologna by defeating Sampdoria 2-0 on Wednesday night. Ivan Jurić’s men have won four of their last five competitive outings (L1) and a point here would give them certainty to spend the lengthy international break in top-half.
That’s easier said than done as Torino have lost four of their last five away league matches (W1) whilst scoring even fewer goals (15) than Roma across the SA season. Making it look even more complicated is a run of one win across their last 12 away SA H2Hs (L11) since May 2007. However, with their injury crisis starting to settle, the visitors might try to make the best of their current form.
Players to watch: Resurrected Abraham should be looking forward to this clash as he scored three goals in his two SA matches against Torino – each before half-time. That is also the period when Torino’s Nemanja Radonjić scored his last two competitive goals, both assisted by his so-called football twin Nikola Vlašić.
Hot stat: Three of the last five H2Hs have seen 4+ goals scored – something yet to happen in Roma’s home SA matches this season.
