AS Roma - Torino predictions and free betting tips [26/02/2024]

Today within the 26th round of the Italian Serie A, Roma will host Torino. The Giallorossi achieved success on the continental arena last Thursday, while the Bulls couldn't even hold a draw at home against Lazio..

Roma

As they strive for a Champions League spot, Roma currently sit 6th in Serie A, with a game in hand and trailing the 4th place by 4 points. The Roman club is still far off the leaders, but their form has notably improved since the appointment of Daniele De Rossi in January. In particular, the Giallorossi have won 4 of their last 5 league matches, losing only once – at home to the leading Inter (4-2). Just last weekend, they responded with a triumph over Frosinone (0:3), and this week Roma had to work hard to overcome Feyenoord in the Europa League playoffs (1:1 away and 1:1 at home, advancing on penalties). Santiago Jimenez scored in the very beginning, but soon the Romans quickly equalised thanks to a goal from Lorenzo Pellegrini, after which the home goalkeeper, Mile Svilar, saved penalties from David Hanko and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Roma have unsurprisingly transformed their Olimpico into a real fortress, accumulating 27 out of 41 Serie A points at home. The Roman side still remains without forward Tammy Abraham who has been injured for several months now. Adding to this is the uncertainty over the participation of experienced Chris Smalling. Recent Africa Cup of Nations champion with the Ivory Coast, defender Ndika, played for the Italian squad last week. Since De Rossi's arrival, team captain Pellegrini transformed, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists in his last 7 matches. We are likely to see Lukaku (9 goals) and Dybala (8 goals and 6 assists) leading the lines. Among the new acquisitions this winter are left-back Angelino (Galatasaray), defender Dean Huysen (Juventus), and Tommaso Baldanzi (Empoli).

Torino

Torino currently sits 10th in Serie A, 5 points behind the 6th spot. The Piedmont side still harbours hopes of reaching the European spots by the end of the season. However, last week Ivan Juric's charges suffered a loss at home against direct competitors - Lazio, with a 2:0 scoreline. Thus, the Bulls ended their positive streak of 6 undefeated matches in the championship (3 wins and 3 draws). Mario Hila was sent off in the late second-half, but the result was already decided: precision strikes from Matteo Guendouzi and Danilo Cataldi made all the difference. It's noteworthy that Torino's away performance is somewhat weaker than at home: In 12 matches, they've collected just 13 points, scored 9 goals, and conceded 14.

Having exited the Coppa Italia, the visitors can now solely focus on their domestic campaign. The Turin side remains without key defenders Buongiorno, Rodriguez, and Schurr, as well as centre-back Voevod, who haven't fully recovered from health concerns. Going forward, Duvan Zapata (7 goals and 3 assists) plays a pivotal role and is slated to start on Monday. Defender Lovato (Salernitana) and Masina (Udinese) joined the club this winter and will solidify the defence. On the other hand, attacking duo Okerere (Cremonese) and Kabić (Red Star Belgrade) I still not settled in Turin and are unlikely to start.

Head-to-head

Torino hasn't been victorious in any of the last five clashes with Roma. The first-leg match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Prediction for the match Roma - Torino

Having had an emotional evening on Thursday in the Europa League tie against Feyenoord, Roma could possibly be emotionally drained come Monday evening. Torino, having had the whole week to prepare for their trip to the Olimpico, still harbour hopes of a top-six finish. Considering this, I'll risk betting on a guest handicap 2 (+1).