Midfield, Defense & Attack – Three Key Battles Could Decide Inter Milan Vs Torino Serie A Showdown | OneFootball

From Hakan Calhanoglu against Samuele Ricci to Lautaro Martinez against Guillermo Maripan, key individal battles could decide Inter Milan’s Serie A clash with Torino.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Inter will have a tough test for their final match before the October international break.

Torino changed coaches in the summer, from Ivan Juric to Paolo Vanoli.

That change looks to have refreshed the Granata somewhat. But the basic principles of how they play have remained the same as ever.

Torino are an aggressive team who look to disrupt their opposition with man-to-man marking.

Moreover, the Granata employ a similar formation to Inter, typically lining up in a 3-5-2 shape.

Therefore, this evening will see a very symmetrical tactical battle. At least on paper.

Calhanoglu Vs Ricci & Lautaro Vs Maripan Key Battles In Inter Clash With Torino

The battle for control of midfield will certainly be crucial this evening.

And in the view of the Gazzetta, two players will be particularly important.

For Inter, Hakan Calhanoglu is the player who controls the tempo of matches in possession. It will be up to the Turk to try and get a grip on the match.

Then, for Torino, Samuele Ricci has a similar role. The former Empoli midfielder will similarly aim to keep his team in control of proceedings.

Meanwhile, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has scored in each of his team’s last two matches.

Having Martinez back to his prolific best after a slow start to the season will certainly be a worry for Torino.

And the player tasked with wrapping Martinez up is likely to be Guillermo Maripan, a summer signing from Monaco.

And at the other end it will be a duel of two veterans.

36-year-old former Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi should start for Inter.

Acerbi is certainly a player with real expertise in man-marking strikers and keeping his penalty area under control.

But Acerbi will have formidable opposition. There are few strikers in Serie A with the combination of physicality and experience of former Atalanta and Napoli striker Duvan Zapata.