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After a difficult start to the season, Marco Baroni’s Torino has found results and performances. The granata, facing Bologna this week, come to the match against the rossoblù in good form.

Following a complicated season start, Marco Baroni seems to have found the right formula to make Torino perform. The granata team has regained points and performances since they have returned to a more defensive style, giving up an offensive winger in favor of a defender. The return to a back 3, along with the simultaneous use of Che Adams alongside Simeone, has been successful. In just a few weeks, the Piedmontese team has gone from the specter of relegation to aiming for more than just a mid-table finish.

It may still be early to change goals for Torino, but there is no doubt that the granata team will face the challenge against Bologna on Wednesday night in good health and confidence, following two consecutive victories. The match at the Dall’Ara will be a test to measure Toro’s growth.

Torino, how Baroni may have turned the season around

MARCO BARONI GIVES THE OK SIGN ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

The former Lazio coach, despite arriving in the summer to bring a more offensive style of play, has understood the team’s difficulties in defending with a back 4, and has therefore opted for a pragmatic 3-5-2. A formation that best highlights the characteristics of many players in the granata squad.

For example, Nikola Vlasic, one of the highest-quality players available to Baroni. The Croatian did not shine in the role of false offensive winger, but in the role of a quality midfielder, more centrally on the field, he can once again be a factor. Alongside Casadei and Asllani, he forms a well-balanced midfield trio.

The same group of wingers, from Pedersen to Lazaro and including newcomer Nkounkou, are players who are not inclined to defend, and therefore struggle in a back 4 line. With a back 3 to cover them, they can be much more effective, as seen in recent matches against Napoli and Genoa.

But the department that has benefited the most from the “return to the past” is the defensive one: the inclusion of Tameze, and/or Ismajli, has allowed Coco and Maripan to return to the levels of the previous season.

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On the eve of Como-Hellas Verona, the coach of Como, Cesc Fàbregas, held a press conference to preview the match.

Here is an excerpt of the words from the coach of Como ahead of the clash against Hellas Verona, where Como aims to return to success and confirm their unbeaten run since the second matchday.

CESC FABREGAS LANCIA IL PALLONE ( FOTO DI SALVATORE FORNELLI )

Como, Fàbregas’ Words

Does the score and performance against Parma reflect the team’s current state?
“The result is always a consequence of the performance. We are a team building something upwards, with a philosophy and identity that are fundamental to me. We are starting a journey from scratch: it’s not enough to win and have good players, we have to do it following an idea. We want to give continuity to a process, not just stop at the surface of the result. Suwarso often says: ‘If you leave, whoever comes after you must continue the same idea.’ The same goes for the president or for me. Against Parma, we could have won with Douvikas’ play, if he had kicked better, but that’s football. We have to stay clear-headed and keep building.”

Verona and Napoli in three days: what kind of week are you expecting?
“Verona doesn’t deserve the position they are in. Against Roma and Cagliari, they played very well, they are a dangerous and organized team. In my eyes, performances matter more than the position in the standings.”

How do you approach a match like this?
“To give value to the point earned against Parma, we have to win. Verona has a clear identity, they work well and it shows. We have to manage the moments of the match better, when we are in control and when patience is needed. Addai may get minutes, Jesus returns from suspension, Diao responded well and Kuhn is also improving. Only Sergi Roberto and Dossena remain out.”

Will there be changes in tomorrow’s lineup?
“I have full confidence in my players. They have shown me that everyone can contribute, so we might bring in some freshness. Slowly, we are returning to being a complete team, with everyone available.”

Nico Paz has been involved in 4 goals and 4 assists for Como: does the team struggle if he doesn’t shine?
“We have talked about this already. Nico is an important player, he is growing and hungry. The more you play and participate in the attacking phase, the more impact you can have. It’s normal that he makes a difference, that’s why he’s here. Kane scored 102 goals in 100 games, Messi 90 in a year: you don’t need to ask if they make their teams win, because the answer is obvious. Nico is a great talent, but he needs to keep working with the same mentality. The goals will come, maybe even with other players as protagonists.”

Scaloni said that Nico Paz can coexist with Mastantuono. What do you think?
“It’s not a topic that concerns me, but Real Madrid. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso and I know he is happy with both Ramon and Nico. Real Madrid has great players in that position, but Nico is on a good path and has already made progress. Now he needs to be more consistent: he wasn’t clear-headed against Parma and in these matches, he must always make a difference. That’s the mentality we want.”

First 0-0 of the season against Parma: has the January transfer market already made a big impact?
“Yes, and it showed. We made targeted choices, not just for the result but to build an identity. Valle, Douvikas, Smolcic have been with us for months and are now part of our team culture. Little is said about the fact that we spent 15-20 million on 10 players, a modest amount for those who want to create a style and grow over time. We are building something beyond the result: an identity made of young players who will play in the World Cup with their national teams in five years. We are calm and on the right path.”

Tudor spoke out, but in the end faced the consequences…
“I don’t like to talk about Tudor, but I know it’s a tough world for coaches. I remember when Niko Kovac left me out against Marseille: I almost cried, but I understood that it was a difficult choice for him too. He told me, ‘I hope one day you become a coach, so you will understand how complicated it is.’ He was right.”

Can Goldaniga get some playing time?
“Edoardo, like Strefezza, Da Cunha, and Gabrielloni, always deserves respect. He is an extraordinary guy, a true professional. He wants to play, but the level of competition is high now. He played in the cup match and trains seriously. It’s tough, but he fights every day for the team and to be ready.”