Inter Milan vs Torino: Match Preview

It has been a 2021 to remember for Inter Milan. This year had it all, the good, the bad, and the pazza. From breaking a decade long title drought to losing major pieces in the days and weeks after lifting the Scudetto, to retooling and setting the club record for most goals in a calendar year, there will be plenty for every Interista to reminisce on, for years to come. Before it comes to an end, Inter have one last chance to leave us with a few memories of 2021 against Torino.

Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images

After steamrolling last place Salernitana, Inter now find themselves four points clear of both AC Milan and Napoli, thanks to former Inter boss Luciano Spaletti’s 1-0 win away at the San Siro. The Nerazzurri are earning plaudits left and right for the recovery and progress they have made under boss Simone Inzaghi in the first portion of this season. Six Serie A wins from six to take a 4 point lead over two teams who were as much as 7 points ahead at one point will definitely get that kind of attention. With Inter coming into this match scoring goals for fun, it is hard to see them not getting a result here.

The squad is also getting back into shape, as only Joaquin Correa is still questionable as he continues to return from injury. Andrea Ranocchia and Matteo Darmian will be back in the squad for this match. Given the holiday break coming up until the new year, rotation will not be as key for Inter as it has been in recent weeks.

Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images

After years in the doldrums, Torino have made themselves a bit more of an interesting side by hiring former Hellas Verona tactician Ivan Juric, who has guided the Granata to 10th spot in the table currently. They have achieved this position mostly by beating those around them and below them in the table, with a 1-0 victory over 11th place Sassuolo being their biggest scalp on the season. Their away form is quite bad, with the win over Sassuolo back in September being their only win away from the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. To make Inter their second away win of the season would be quite the task.

Most notably, Torino will be without their talisman Andrea Belotti, who has been out since November with a muscle injury. Also absent through injury will be Dennis Praet and Simone Verdi, two players who can provide goals on their days. With their 1-0 win over Verona on Sunday, Torino will be on two days less rest than Inter, so it will be interesting to see what Juric can put together.

Previous Results

4-2 (H) - 22/11/2020

1-2 (A) - 14/3/2021

Predicted Starting XIs

Prediction: Inter 3-1 Torino

Juric finds ways to build tough teams, and his Verona often played Inter tough. However, the form that Inter are in should be more than enough to put away this Torino side. It may be a tight first half, but Inter’s goal scoring prowess should eventually see the home side through and happy into 2022. Look for Denzel Dumfries to continue his growth in Serie A, as the matchup on his side favors the Dutchman.

Forza Inter and Happy Holidays!