Milan Aims to Rebound in Serie A Clash Against Torino After Champions League Exit

MILAN, Italy — AC Milan faces off against Torino today at 17:00 GMT at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, seeking to recover from their recent elimination from the Champions League. The Rossoneri, now coached by Sergio Conceicao, are determined to secure a victory after crashing out to Feyenoord, despite starting strongly with a goal from Santiago Gimenez.

Their exit came after a tumultuous playoff and a controversial red card issued to Theo Hernandez for simulation, leaving Milan with only ten men in a critical match. Hernandez retains his starting position, primarily due to Kyle Walker’s absence as he is replaced by Alex Jimenez. Fikayo Tomori returns from suspension; however, key players Emerson Royal, Alessandro Florenzi, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek miss out due to injuries.

In a hopeful return to form, Conceicao has opted to begin with a so-called “Fab Four” lineup featuring Gimenez alongside Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Christian Pulisic, despite previous struggles to integrate them effectively on the pitch. “We’re trying to make the Fab Four work, and I believe today could be a turning point for us,” Conceicao commented during a pre-match interview.

On the opposing side, Torino welcomes back midfielder Samuele Ricci after a ban, though defender Adam Masina serves a one-match suspension. The injury list for Torino has been extensive, with Duvan Zapata, Perr Schuurs, Adrien Tameze, and Alieu Njie sidelined.

Following their recent 3-2 loss to Bologna, Torino sits lower in the standings, closer to the relegation zone than the top six. Coach Paolo Vanoli‘s squad, now eight points adrift of 10th-placed Udinese, must consistently secure points to avoid a potential bottom-half finish, which would be a significant setback.

Despite their struggles, Torino has exhibited resilience at home, remaining unbeaten in their last four Serie A matches in Turin, albeit with a single win and three draws. “We need to focus on every match and play with more conviction,” Vanoli stated, eyeing a crucial victory over a historically formidable opponent.

Milan, needing nothing short of three points to strengthen their chances for a top-four finish, faces considerable pressure in this contest. Currently five points behind fourth-placed Juventus, the Rossoneri know that further disappointment could jeopardize their European football aspirations.

With speculation surrounding the effectiveness of the squad, Milan fans seek a turnaround after a commendable run under Conceicao, who has led them to four wins in seven matches (D4, L1) since taking charge. Milan is also buoyed by their recent strong away performances against lower-table teams, seeking to capitalize on Torino’s home vulnerabilities.

Today’s game will be an essential chapter in the ongoing saga for both teams, with Milan sharply focused on overcoming their Champions League disappointment while Torino aims to reclaim their footing in Serie A.

As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the stage is set: a desperate Milan searching for respite against a Torino team eager to fend off further challenges.