Serie A Preview: Juventus Faces Torino, Milan Looks to Continue Resurgence

Juventus faces city rivals Torino in Serie A, seeking a much-needed win amid injury concerns and a frustrating run of draws.

Juventus is seeking a crucial derby win over Torino in Serie A on Saturday. Thiago Motta's team, currently fifth in the standings, is determined to overcome their frustrating trend of drawing matches this season.

As Juventus prepares for the 183rd Turin Derby, their season statistics appear impressive at first glance. The team remains unbeaten in their first 18 league games, a feat achieved only twice before in their history. However, a closer look reveals that Juventus trails league leaders Napoli by 12 points.

The primary reason for this disparity is Juventus' unusually high number of drawn matches. With 11 draws already this season, the team's inability to secure wins has hindered their progress in the league standings.

Thiago Motta's Juventus faces several challenges ahead of the Turin Derby against Torino. A significant concern is the injury sustained by Francisco Conceicao during the warm-up before the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against AC Milan in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, reports suggest a rift between Motta and veteran defender Danilo, who may be seeking a departure from the club.

Juventus' injury woes extend beyond Conceicao, with Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal also sidelined. This may prompt the team to explore the transfer market for defensive reinforcements. However, any potential signings are unlikely to occur before the derby. With none of the top eight teams facing each other in this round, an upset could significantly impact the season's trajectory.

AC Milan is riding high after new coach Sergio Conceicao led the team to the Supercoppa Italiana trophy with a win over Inter Milan. Conceicao aims to become the first Milan manager to win his first three games since Arrigo Sacchi in 1987. However, Milan will be without wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor, who are nursing minor muscle injuries.

Atalanta, led by Gian Piero Gasperini, is looking to bounce back from a rare setback – a 2-0 loss to Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals. Atalanta sits in second place, three points behind Napoli but with a game in hand. They visit ninth-placed Udinese on Saturday, with top scorer Mateo Retegui potentially returning from injury. Atalanta boasts a 13-match unbeaten streak in Serie A heading into the weekend clash.

Matchweek 20 is here! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/DyLGIhcDT9

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 10, 2025

Third-placed Inter Milan will face second-bottom Venezia on Sunday, and despite missing key defenders Francesco Acerbi and Benjamin Pavard, Simone Inzaghi's side is expected to dominate. Both Acerbi and Pavard are sidelined with injuries and will likely miss the match as they continue their recovery.

Inter Milan's attack, however, may be impacted by the uncertain availability of joint Serie A top scorer Marcus Thuram. The forward sustained a minor injury during the Supercoppa semi-final against Atalanta, and the team may opt not to risk him in order to ensure his full recovery.

With their sights set on a top-eight finish in the Champions League and direct qualification for the knockout stage, Inter Milan will prioritize Thuram's recovery. Currently sitting sixth, just a point above the playoff places, the team will aim to secure a crucial win against Venezia on Sunday.