Since taking over Torino, Roberto D’Aversa has turned the Toro’s fortunes around a little, and they will hope to keep their fine running going at San Siro on Saturday evening against AC Milan.
With two wins in his first three games, any immediate fears of relegation have been postponed in Turin, with D’Aversa bringing a courageous style of football to the Granata. Of course, they are not safe.
However, they can now look at mid-table with optimism, rather than looking down at the bottom three with fear.
On this run, they have already tested Napoli and beaten Lazio, so they will hope to cause issues for a Rossoneri side who have looked more vulnerable in recent weeks. Considering they have lost to the Laziali too, perhaps this will be a game to fear.
D’Aversa’s press conference
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, D’Aversa was highly praising of the Diavolo and their coach Massimiliano Allegri, considering his own record against the Italian, as MilanNews relays.
Milan has suffered the teams that close: how will Toro play?
“Not just the teams fighting to save themselves. You have to think about your own characteristics and your opponents: in possession they make situations to open up centrally, we will have to be good at making sure that it does not happen.
“Those who made results, had a tactical plan like that. The tactical plan can lend a hand, but what determines the result is the team attitude and the desire to take home the result.”
Is there a desire to do the feat that has been missing in Milan for 40 years?
“It’s one more reason. We will go to the field to make a full result, they are second and bring a lot of audience that pushes to the stadium. Milan has made more progress than anyone compared to last year, we are Toro: we have to fight until the last minute, Toro is used to playing at San Siro.
“The goal is to bring home the best positive result, but performance is needed and there is no room for error. We saw it and paid for it in Naples. Respect for everyone, but to put anyone in difficulty.”
What does he ask the attackers?
“If you think in a balanced way, put a striker and a midfielder. But it’s not necessarily that you’re more proactive or more offensive, it’s always the attitude. The tips know they have to do both phases, they have shown that they can also score.
“To play with the two attackers, you participate in both phases. Sometimes situations change, Milan defenders work hard and countermeasures are sought. To bring home a result tomorrow, both phases are needed in the best possible way.”
He never beat Allegri…
“Thank you for reminding me [he laughs]. He’s a great coach, he’s showing it. Until the match against Lazio he was fighting for the Scudetto and the goal was to enter the Champions League.
“Even at Juve he did very well between the championships and Champions League finals, he is a pragmatic coach who plays excellent football. He’s a great coach, period, then the aesthetics are personal. Coaches must achieve goals, he is a great coach.”
