The opening Serie A fixture between Inter and Torino is scheduled for August 25th at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. This detailed preview offers a comprehensive analysis, including predictions and key statistics for the Inter vs Torino encounter.
Inter: Team Analysis
Previous Season Performance
Last season, the Nerazzurri narrowly missed out on defending their Serie A title, finishing just one point behind eventual champions Napoli with a total of 81 points. Despite this, the club secured a top-three finish for the sixth consecutive season in Italy’s top flight. Inter also proved to be the league’s most prolific attacking side, netting an impressive 79 goals throughout the campaign. Their home form was particularly strong, with 40 goals scored at San Siro. During the summer, Inter participated in the Club World Cup, exiting at the Round of 16, followed by three friendly matches (2 wins, 1 draw).
Summer Transfers and New Leadership
The transfer window saw Inter bolster their midfield with the additions of Andy Diouf, Luis Enrique, and Petar Sucic, alongside forward Ange-Yoan Boni. Midfielder Nicola Zalewski departed the club. Notably, Cristian Chivu will take the helm as Inter’s head coach for the upcoming season.
Key Home Statistics
- The team has secured victories in 7 of their last 9 home Serie A matches.
- At least three goals were scored in 7 of the club’s last 10 home league encounters.
- The Milanese side conceded goals in 5 of their last 6 home Serie A fixtures.
Projected Inter Starting XI (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni – Denzel Dumfries, Petar Sucic, Nicolo Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco – Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
Inter: Unavailable Players
Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu and forward Francesco Esposito are suspended for this match.
Torino: Team Analysis
Previous Season Performance
Last season, Torino finished 11th with 44 points, marking their first time outside the top-10 in the last four campaigns. Their performance at the end of the previous Serie A season was notably poor, with 4 losses and 1 draw in their last 5 matches. Furthermore, the club managed only four away victories throughout the season, a tally surpassed by all but four other teams. Their pre-season form was equally uninspiring, suffering three defeats in five friendly encounters (1 win, 1 draw).
Summer Transfers and Coaching Change
Over the summer, Torino strengthened their squad with goalkeeper Franco Israel, defender Ardian Ismajli, midfielder Tino Anjorin, and forwards Zakaria Aboukhlal and Cyrille Ngonge. Departing the club were goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, midfielder Samuele Ricci, and forward Antonio Sanabria. Additionally, Marco Baroni took over as Torino’s head coach during the offseason.
Key Away Statistics
- The team failed to win in 9 of their last 10 away Serie A matches (5 draws, 4 losses).
- The club scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 8 of their last 11 away league games.
- No more than two goals were scored in 7 of Torino’s last 9 away Serie A matches.
Projected Torino Starting XI (4-5-1)
Franco Israel – Valentino Lazaro, Saul Coco, Guillermo Maripan, Cristiano Biraghi – Gvidas Gineitis, Cesare Casadei, Nikola Vlasic, Tino Anjorin, Zakaria Aboukhlal – Che Adams.
Torino: Unavailable Players
Defender Ardian Ismajli will miss the match due to injury.
Referee Analysis
Referee Profile: Federico La Penna
The match will be officiated by Italian referee Federico La Penna.
La Penna’s Season Statistics (2024/25 Serie A)
Matches officiated: 14
Yellow cards issued (including second yellows): 62
Average yellow cards per match: 4.4
Red cards issued: 1
Average fouls per match: 28
Penalties awarded: 36%.
Match Prediction: Inter vs Torino
Inter’s Offensive Prowess and Defensive Vulnerabilities
Inter emerged as Serie A’s top-scoring side last season, and they rarely fail to find the back of the net when playing at home. Over their last 41 league matches at San Siro, the Nerazzurri have been shut out only once, and in 9 of their previous 12 home fixtures, they scored at least two goals. However, their defense is not impenetrable; the Milan giants managed to keep a clean sheet in only two of their last ten home Serie A games.
Torino’s Road Form and Attacking Intent
While Torino’s away record isn’t always favorable, the team avoids a defensive-only stance, often pushing forward. In their last 11 away league encounters, they failed to score in just three matches, and notably, netted two goals on five occasions within this period. Conversely, keeping a clean sheet on the road has been a challenge, with Torino conceding in 9 of their last 10 away Serie A fixtures.
Final Betting Recommendation
Anticipating an effective offensive display from both teams, my final prediction is for “Both Teams to Score – Yes” 
Mark Thompson