05 May 2019
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3 min read
Betting tip
There is a lot of merit in backing Torino to finish in the top four. They have the momentum behind them and Mazzarri is playing tactics that have worked well. This will depend on them winning each of their last three games so betting on Torino to beat Sassuolo is definitely the way to go!
Torino not getting the credit
It is fair to say that Torino are one of the sides in European football that are not getting the credit they deserve right now. Toro have been quietly climbing the table since the turn of the year and Walter Mazzarri is that unfashionable manager who often gets overlooked.
The reason for this is his pretty conservative style. The 5-3-2 that essentially deploys two defensive midfielders has helped Torino only lose six times all season. For the club they are this is a pretty impressive achievement.
Last weekend saw them hold Juventus to a 1-1 draw in impressive fashion and show exactly why the defensive system has been trusted so much by Mazzarri.
In 2019 Torino have now lost just twice and they are unbeaten in their previous six games. Their 2-0 win over AC Milan opened the door for the fans to start dreaming about their chances of reaching the top four.
They may not play in the same attractive style as Atalanta but no one can deny that Torino deserve to be in the top six based on the performances they have produced in 2019.
With three games remaining they will need others to do them a favour but European football could soon be returning to the unfashionable side of Turin.
Front three taking the burden
With Torino setting up in a defensive formation they have to rely quite heavily on the front three to create the bulk of their chances.
Last weekend Sasa Lukic struck in the first-half to give them the lead with the Serbian playing behind Andrea Belotti and Spaniard Alex Berenguer.
Even though Juventus had more chances Torino still managed to cause their rivals problems when they looked to counter. This approach may not always be exciting but getting results in a business that demands just that has seen Torino on the brink of one of their most successful seasons in recent memory.
Andrea Belotti is undoubtedly the star and his 13 goals have been a real highlight in a campaign that has seen the Granata only score 45 times. If Torino can keep hold of the striker they certainly have a marksman to build around next season and European football might see some interesting new talent arrive too.
Is the top four really achievable?
The easy answer is yes. Not just because Torino face two home games but also because they are facing Sassuolo and Empoli as well as a tricky game against Lazio. It is a great opportunity for them while Atalanta face a trip to Juventus which could see them drop points.
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