AC Milan Faces Crucial Test Against Torino Amid Champions League Elimination

TORINO, Italy — AC Milan enters a pivotal Serie A match against Torino this afternoon, desperately seeking three points to enhance their slim chances of a top-four finish. Following an unexpected elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Feyenoord, the Rossoneri are under pressure to reclaim their momentum in league play.

Kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino is set for 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT). Currently sitting in seventh place with 41 points, AC Milan trails Juventus by eight points in the fight for Champions League qualification. Head coach Sergio Conceicao emphasized the importance of this match, stating, “We must treat the match against Torino as if it’s our Champions League final.”

AC Milan’s squad is weakened by the absence of key players, including Alessandro Florenzi, Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Kyle Walker, who is sidelined due to muscle fatigue. To fill the gaps in their lineup, Conceicao has opted for Alex Jimenez at right-back, replacing Walker, and will maintain a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mike Maignan will continue as goalkeeper, with Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic forming the center-back duo.

In midfield, Tijjani Reijnders and Yunus Musah provide the backbone, while Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will operate as wingers. Santiago Gimenez is tasked with leading the attack. The determined lineup reflects the dire state of Milan’s ambitions this season as they aim to overcome a bleak statistical history: the Rossoneri have won just one of their last eleven away league matches against Torino.

Alternatively, Torino, coached by Paolo Vanoli, sits comfortably mid-table with 28 points and has experienced only one defeat so far in 2025. They, too, are facing injuries, with Adam Masina serving a suspension and Perr Schuurs among those unavailable. Nonetheless, they are motivated to secure a seventh league win and improve their standing in the Serie A.

The past encounters between these two clubs reveal a fierce historical rivalry, with Torino exhibiting a remarkable ability to nullify Milan’s strengths time and again in recent matchups. The Granata are keen to maintain their advantage, having distanced themselves from relegation threats this season.

With both teams aiming to cement their respective ambitions — Milan to reestablish themselves in the Champions League conversation and Torino to solidify their mid-table position — this encounter promises to be a gripping battle with significant implications for both sides. Fans from both camps are eager for results, with AC Milan seeking redemption and Torino wishing to continue their excellent form against the Rossoneri.