The city of Turin prepares for another passionate chapter of one of Italy’s oldest football rivalries as Juventus host Torino in the Derby della Mole on Saturday evening. With Luciano Spalletti newly at the helm of the Bianconeri and Marco Baroni overseeing a rejuvenated Granata side, the clash carries significance well beyond the local bragging rights it traditionally offers.
Since the first meeting in 1929, this derby has been defined by fierce passion and stark contrasts between the clubs. Juventus, the dominant force in Italian football, are unbeaten in their last 20 Serie A meetings with Torino – an extraordinary run that the visitors will be desperate to end.
Match Preview
Juventus: Spalletti steadies the ship
After a bleak run of eight games without victory across all competitions, Juventus looked to Spalletti to restore belief and organisation. The former Napoli and Inter boss, handed a short-term deal until the end of the season, made an immediate impact by leading his new side to a 2-1 away victory against Cremonese. Goals from Filip Kostic and Andrea Cambiaso provided a much-needed lift and stabilised Juve inside the top four.
However, the Bianconeri’s European troubles remain a concern. Despite clawing back a draw against Sporting Lisbon in midweek, they sit low in their Champions League group with just two points from three games. Dusan Vlahovic, who netted a well-taken equaliser, looks sharper and more confident – an encouraging sign as Spalletti searches for goals and rhythm in attack.
At home, Juventus remain remarkably resilient. They have lost only once in their last 31 league matches at the Allianz Stadium and have recorded 17 clean sheets in that spell. Spalletti knows the importance of fortress mentality, especially in games of such emotional weight. Having already navigated the derbies of Rome and Milan earlier in his career, he faces his first Turin derby eager to extend Juve’s dominance in the fixture.
Torino: durable but missing the killer edge
For Torino, the Derby della Mole has become a source of frustration. Their last away win against Juventus dates back to April 1995, and they have lost 16 of the 21 derbies since. Yet there is cautious optimism within Baroni’s camp. The former Juve youth coach has moulded a competitive unit, unbeaten in five league outings, showing steady improvement after a sluggish start to the season.
Their latest draw with newly promoted Pisa highlighted both promise and weaknesses. Che Adams and Giovanni Simeone each scored to overturn an early deficit, but the Granata dropped points again due to defensive lapses. A troubling trend remains: 11 of their 16 league goals conceded have come in the first half, something Baroni will be desperate to address on Saturday.
Team News
Spalletti appears set to retain his adjusted 3-4-2-1 formation, blending defensive structure with attacking flexibility. Teun Koopmeiners could fill in as a makeshift defender if Lloyd Kelly fails to recover, while Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal remain unavailable. Up front, Vlahovic should lead the line providing he shakes off a minor muscle issue, with alternatives Lois Openda and Jonathan David ready if needed.
For Torino, Simeone will spearhead the attack after scoring four goals so far this campaign, supported by Che Adams. Marcus Pedersen is back in training, though Zakaria Aboukhlal remains sidelined. Goalkeeper Franco Israel is a doubt, meaning Alberto Paleari is likely to deputise once more. Positive news comes from wing-back Niels Nkounkou, who is fit again to feature on the left flank.
Probable Starting XI’s
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Koopmeiners; Cambiaso, Thuram, Locatelli, Kostic; McKennie, Yildiz; Vlahovic.
Torino (4-2-3-1): Paleari; Ismajli, Maripan, Coco; Pedersen, Casadei, Asllani, Vlasic, Nkounkou; Adams, Simeone
Prediction
Form often counts for little in derby fixtures, but Juventus appear to have rediscovered their spark under Spalletti at just the right time. Their home strength and lifted morale could prove decisive against a Torino side that continues to struggle in front of goal when playing away.
Juve’s energy and renewed confidence may edge out a competitive Torino team that will likely press hard but could once again fall short in turning spirit into results.
Prediction: Juventus 2–1 Torino
