AC Milan will be up against Torino this evening for their first game in the 2024-25 season of Serie A. Speaking to the media yesterday, Il Toro’s manager Paolo Vanoli admitted that the Rossoneri are much further ahead compared to his team.
Torino parted ways with Ivan Juric at the start of the summer and hired Vanoli as his replacement, poaching him from the newly promoted Venezia. However, the mercato is yet to take off for Il Toro and many reinforcements are missing.
Speaking at the press conference yesterday, as cited by MilanNews, Vanoli was asked about the state of his Torino side and the difference with Milan. He admitted that reinforcements are needed and that tonight’s clash will be very difficult.
How is your Torino coming along?
“It’s at the point I expected, it’s a growing process. And, like all processes, there will be ups and downs. I’m not afraid, I know it takes patience that sometimes you don’t have. As for commitment, we’re on the right track.”
It will be a baptism of fire against Milan…
“They are all important, they are built to fight for the Scudetto. I saw them in the Trofeo Berlusconi, we will need maximum attention.”
How complete is Torino at the moment?
“We know that this team is incomplete. I prefer to be patient and make targeted signings, without rushing. The Premier League has the advantage over everyone. I want to complete the squad, for me there are 20-22 players: a competitive squad is needed, we are working on it.”
What kind of Torino do you expect at San Siro?
“I don’t put pressure on my Toro, but I want to see the building block of growth. We’re facing a great team, which will also challenge you for values and sacrifices. If we think of going to San Siro and playing great football for 90 minutes, it’s just a dream. We have to understand that there will be more games and more moments, we will have to manage them with humility,” he stated.
The game is scheduled for 20:45 CEST and at half-time, Youssouf Fofana will be presented to the fans at San Siro. The Frenchman’s arrival has completed the squad but he won’t be ready until the next game at the earliest.