Though it's a little early to describe Juventus' current state as a crisis, that hasn't stopped the Italian media from doing so. The reigning Serie A champions have had a very poor start to the season by their usual standards, and head into this weekend's Derby della Mole three points adrift of their cross-town rivals Torino in 12th place. Unless his side's performances improve over the next three matches, coach Massimiliano Allegri could well find his head on the block.
Juventus vs. Torino 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Struggling Juventus host Torino in the Derby della Mole on Saturday, with coach Max Allegri under increasing pressure.
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Torino are winless in their last four games, with coach Giampiero Ventura’s side having regressed to the mean after an uncharacteristically bright start to the season. Still, they have plenty of players capable of doing damage, and you can be sure that they’ll be fired up at the prospect of adding insult to their biggest rivals’ ongoing injury. They’ve got a great chance of winning back-to-back derbies for the first time in two decades.
Key matchup: Bruno Peres vs. Patrice Evra
This game’s key battle could well come out on Juventus’ left flank, where veteran fullback Patrice Evra will be tasked with trying to keep Torino wing-back Bruno Peres from doing some serious damage. The Brazilian moved to Italy after a couple of years with Brazilian giants Santos last summer, and delighted supporters with his exceptional dribbling ability and powerful long-range shot. This battle could well be a decisive one.
Recent history
Rather unsurprisingly, Juventus’ dominance in Serie A over the last few seasons has generally tallied with dominance in the Turin derby. The last time these sides met Torino won 2-1, in what was their first victory over Juventus since 1995. Before then Juve had won seven on the bounce, and it was difficult to see them ever being bettered. With the momentum now swinging in the other direction, Torino should be high on confidence.
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Roberto Pereyra, Kwadwo Asamoah (thigh); Giorgio Chiellini (suspended). In doubt: Rubinho (unspecified); Stephan Lichtsteiner (heart).
Torino injuries and suspensions
Out: Alexander Farnerud, Pontus Jansson (knee); Nikola Maksimović (foot); Joel Obi (hamstring). In doubt: Danilo Avelar (knee); Alessandro Gazzi (unspecified)
Juventus received a blow in the week that injured pair Pereyra and Asamoah will both be out longer than anticipated; they’ll be joined on the sidelines this weekend by suspended centre-back Chiellini. Rubinho and Lichtsteiner both face late fitness tests.
Torino have a fair few injury problems, too: Farnerud, Jansson, Maksimović and Obi are all certain to miss out, while coach Ventura is waiting on news of the availability of defender Avelar and midfielder Gazzi.
Match date/time: Sat., Oct. 31, 1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. local
Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); RAI International (US and Canada - Italian)
Online: Fubo TV (US); beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada)
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