Just over a month ago, all most people could talk about when it came to Serie A was the resurgence of the Milan sides. Inter were on top of the table, and AC Milan were looking strong, as well. People were dreaming of the days when the Milans were a force in Italy and Europe again.
A.C. Milan vs. Torino 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Milan are still trying to get some consistently positive play going this season, but a trip west to face a tough Torino side won’t make that easy.
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Since then, though, things have been a rougher ride, with Milan losing three of their last five matches and getting absolutely humbled by Napoli at the San Siro just before the international break. Now with a trip over to Turin and Torino’s Stadio Olimpico, things might take a turn for the worse.
Il Toro have enjoyed a strong start to their season, too, sitting fifth in Serie A at the moment, six places and four points above Milan right now. Despite some key losses in the summer transfer window, they rebuilt themselves well and have been just as solid a team as they were a year ago, and perhaps a little more dangerous besides -- especially at home. This is going to be a brutal test for Milan, and the rossonero might not have such a fun day.
Key player -- Juraj Kucka (Milan)
While signings like Carlos Bacca and Mario Balotelli took the headlines for Milan this summer, Kucka has quietly been the best new face in the team. He’s become a vital presence in their midfield, bossing the defensive end and providing far more help in their attack than anyone anticipated. He’s going to be all over the pitch, and the better he plays, the more likely it is that Milan win.
Key Matchup -- Fabio Quagliarella (Torino) vs. Cristian Zapata (Milan)
Quagliarella is a striker who keeps seeming to defy the odds, with another strong season so far despite slowing down with age. He’s a pretty streaky guy when it comes to the quality of his performances, but going up against an equally streak defender like Zapata means that things could easily swing his way in this match. If Zapata is shaky again, as he has often been in recent weeks, it could easily be Quagliarella’s day.
Torino injuries and suspensions
Out: Joel Obi, Pontus Jansson, Bruno Peres, Nikola Maksimovic, Alexander Farnerud In doubt: Maxi Lopez, Salvador Ichazo, Marco Benassi, Daniele Baselli, Danilo Avelar
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: Jeremy Menez, M’baye Niang In doubt: Mario Balotelli, Ignazio Abate, Philippe Mexes
Both of these teams are badly battered, though Milan are finally on the upswing in terms of injuries after weeks and weeks or having to field patchwork sides. Torino, though, are in full-on crisis mode with their defense, especially on the right side where both Peres and Maksimovic are out.
Match Date/Time: Sat., Oct. 17, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stadio Olimpico de Torino, Turin, Italy
TV: Sky Calcio 1, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia (Italy), BT Sport Europe (U.K.), RAI International
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US & Canada), Sky Go Italia (Italy)
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