InterviewsSerie A

Torino boss Ivan Juric weighs in on upcoming Roma showdown

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 19: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Torino FC, looks on during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 19, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
John Solano

Torino boss Ivan Juric admitted his side have a tall task ahead of them when they host Roma tomorrow evening at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

Jose Mourinho’s men travel to Turin to face the Granata, who are winless in their last two games, aiming to keep pace with their objective of a top four finish.

“Roma are a great team, it doesn’t take much for them to score. They’re also incredibly dangerous from set pieces,” began Juric during his pre-match press conference. “You have to be perfect.”

“We’ll have to see how they decide to lineup. They appeared to find balance in a three-man defence but recently had to switch to four due to absences. Great teams adapt to every formation, experienced players simply do what they have to”

“They’ve got great attackers in (Andrea) Belotti and (Tammy) Abraham, I also like Ola Solbakken. Your awareness needs to be incredibly high because of their counter-attacking ability.”

“Then there’s (Paulo) Dybala. Certainly one of my three defenders will have to close down on him”

He continued, “Mourinho? He’s a guy who gets results, also very adaptable. He’s always been this way, it’s not like he’s different now than in the past. He’s had an incredible career.”

Finally, the Croatian was asked about Andrea Belotti’s return to Turin to face his former club where he spent seven years before leaving to join Roma on a free transfer.

“Andrea and I had a very good relationship, it’s just a shame the way he left the club,” Juric confessed.

“Sometimes relationships with the club and with the supporters are indistinguishable: he has always been an idol, but he could’ve left on better terms.”

“Nonetheless, he’s a great guy with a good heart.”

Match Center

MatchDay 15
7 Dec 21:45
Roma
Lecce
LEC