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INPLAY - Gennaro Gattuso is aiming to keep AC Milan in the top four despite a tricky clash with Torino this weekend. For the second weekend in a row, they’re at home to another top six side. Despite that, Milan moved into fourth last weekend, and they are aiming to stay in the Champions League spots going forward. Gattuso has done a great job in tough circumstances this term, but can he keep his side ahead of Lazio in a tight battle? The visitors have European ambitions of their own, along with a solid away record.
Milan won at home to Parma last Sunday, despite falling behind early on. Having seen off the sixth-placed visitors last weekend, they’re doing the same on Sunday night. They need to keep up their good form in order to stay ahead of Lazio. The European race this season has been incredibly tight, and the Rossoneri are getting it right so far. Just a few months ago they were battling to make it into the top six, but now they’re on course for a huge return to Europe’s top table. That’s all thanks to Gattuso keeping the side on track in spite of an injury crisis.
The visitors’ European ambitions are looking good too, after they moved into the top six. The visitors have made noises about challenging for a Europa League place in recent seasons, but their consistency was lacking. Torino have improved on that this season, producing a more balanced side. Two terms ago they were too attacking, while last season they were light up front. This term they’ve managed to level that out, even scoring twice in their last visit to San Siro – getting a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan.
The hosts have been in fine form of late, with back to back victories helping them into the top four. They’ve managed six wins in eight at home, and that form is expected to continue here. Milan have a boost in the fact that their injury list is finally shrinking rather than growing, while Gonzalo Higuain is returning to the side. Having won four of their five home meetings with Torino, I see Milan edging this one.
The hosts are backed with a solid scoring record at this ground. AC Milan have scored 2+ goals in eight of their last nine Serie A home games (23 goals scored in total). That has boosted their form in spite of their defensive issues, keeping them in the top four. Milan have kept only one clean sheet in the first 14 league games played this season for the third time in their history, after 1932/33 and 1946/47. With that in mind, I can see at least 1 goal in the game.
AC Milan haven't played in the Champions League since 2014 but are up to fourth in Serie A and could be making a return next season. Milian have only lost one of their last six league games and that was to runaway leaders Juventus.
Not once in this century have Torino managed to get a win against Milan. They are sixth in the table four points behind their opponents and would be closer or even ahead of them but for six league draws. Torino have only lost one of their last nine league games and away from home are yet to be beaten. That may sound impressive but they have only won two and drawn the other five. Looking at their opponents on the road, they have played four teams who are currently in the bottom eight. Only five of their last 20 away league games have been won and with Milan in good form at present, the tip here is for a home win.