Football Season Guide

The past season was a strange one for Torino as they finished 7th, just 3 points off the European spots, but eventually managed to play the Europa League qualifying rounds following Milan’s ban due to violation of the UEFA financial fair play. They had been far from spectacular during the whole campaign but 15 draws, a record, 37 goals conceded and 7 defeats, only the final Champions, Juventus, did better, stand to prove how solid and hard-to-defeat they were. Looking at their transfer campaign, one might be surprised as they look almost inactive. In fact, in terms of departures, they loaned out a couple of youngsters, Milinkovic-Savic and Damascan, while Moretti retired. The former Juventus defender should be easily replaced by either Bonifazi or Lyanco, who are back after performing well at SPAL and Bologna respectively. Another player has returned from a stint in Bologna, Edera, and he is expected to provide some depth on the wings. However, to be fair, Torino invested plenty of money in turning some loans they had obtained in the past campaign into permanent deals. This is the case of Djidji, Aina, Ansaldi and Zaza, all players who, with exception of the forward, well deserved starting places. It also has to be considered that Torino had their campaign starting earlier than any other Serie A side due to their European commitments, and having reached the Europa League playoffs, they might be waiting for the last week of the transfer window in order to further strengthen the squad or maintain things unaltered. The clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers could thus determine any further investments. An attacking midfielder, or winger, and a valid alternative to Sirigu between the sticks would be needed.