TURIN, Italy – Torino coach Roberto D’Aversa has indicated that forward Che Adams is in contention to start Friday’s Serie A match against Parma, despite not yet possessing the full 90 minutes of match fitness. The game, held at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, represents a significant opportunity for Torino to move further away from the relegation zone as the season enters a critical phase.
D’Aversa addressed the media on Tuesday, outlining his assessment of Adams’ condition and the importance of the upcoming fixture. He described the match against Parma as “a first match ball to move closer to our objective, which is to save ourselves,” emphasizing the weight of the encounter in the context of the broader league campaign. The coach acknowledged Adams’ technical ability, suggesting the Scottish international could be a key asset in unlocking Parma’s defense.
“He doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs, but that doesn’t mean he won’t start,” D’Aversa explained. “Within a match there are multiple phases, and my choice doesn’t depend solely on his fitness levels.” This suggests a tactical approach where Adams’ impact could be maximized even with a limited playing time, potentially through a substitute appearance or a carefully managed stint in the starting eleven.
The situation highlights the delicate balance D’Aversa faces in managing his squad. Torino is currently battling to secure its place in Serie A, and every point is crucial. The coach is clearly weighing the benefits of Adams’ skill set against the need for sustained energy and endurance throughout the match. For fans unfamiliar with the Italian top flight, Serie A is known for its tactical nuance and often closely contested matches, making squad management particularly important.
Beyond Adams, D’Aversa provided updates on other members of the Torino squad. Left-back Wilfried Nkounkou has reportedly recovered from a minor complaint and participated fully in training, making him available for selection. However, the coach differentiated between Nkounkou and another wide player, Yannick Njie, noting that Njie is “an attacking wide player who works best on the opposite flank,” suggesting they aren’t direct competitors for the same position.
D’Aversa as well touched upon the development of young midfielder Cesare Casadei, acknowledging his potential but stressing the need for consistency. “When he realises the quality he has, he will need to find consistency in his weekly work,” D’Aversa stated, adding that Casadei has also faced some physical challenges. This suggests the coach is keen to nurture Casadei’s talent but wants to spot a more reliable performance level from the promising youngster.
A particularly poignant moment during the press conference came with D’Aversa’s comments on Faustino Anjorin. The coach revealed that Anjorin had recently lost his grandmother but chose to remain with the team and continue training. “In the last two weeks, he is one of those who has grown exponentially, and I am starting to see the Anjorin of last year at Empoli,” D’Aversa said, praising Anjorin’s dedication and resilience in the face of personal tragedy.
D’Aversa also addressed the broader tactical considerations for the match against Parma, emphasizing the need for patience and technical proficiency. “We will need to be patient, they concede few spaces and we will have to be good technically and above all not force the plays to unlock it immediately,” he explained. He anticipates a tight contest and believes set-pieces and technical quality could be key to breaking the deadlock.
The coach also stated he isn’t fixated on a consistent starting lineup, emphasizing that player performance in training and matches will dictate his selections. “The formation is determined by the training sessions and the matches. I also create evaluations based on the responses given in the game,” he said. This suggests a fluid approach to team selection, with players needing to consistently prove their worth to maintain their place in the starting eleven.
Looking ahead, Torino will need to navigate a challenging schedule as they strive to secure their Serie A status. The match against Parma is the first of several crucial fixtures that will determine their fate. The team’s ability to blend tactical discipline with individual brilliance will be paramount to their success. The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino is expected to be electric as Torino looks to capitalize on home advantage and secure a vital three points.
Torino will face Parma on Friday, March 13th. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 PM local time (CET).
This article will be updated with any further developments.
