Roberto D’Aversa addressed the controversial substitution of M’Baye Niang during Cremonese’s goalless draw with Torino, clarifying that the Senegalese forward’s brief appearance was part of a pre-planned tactical adjustment rather than a reaction to in-game events. Speaking to Tuttosport after the Serie A clash at Stadio Giovanni Zini, the Cremonese coach emphasized that Niang entered and exited the match for a specific reason tied to game management, not performance or disciplinary concerns.
“Niang came on and went off? It was done for a reason,” D’Aversa stated, deflecting speculation that the 60th-minute swap signaled frustration with the player’s impact. “We had planned to rotate him in that window to preserve energy for the final push, especially given the congested schedule ahead. It wasn’t about what he did or didn’t do on the pitch.”
The decision drew attention because Niang, who joined Cremonese on loan from Trabzonspor in January, had just entered the game before being withdrawn four minutes later. Torino’s Andrea Belotti had replaced Duván Zapata moments earlier, setting off a chain of substitutions that momentarily confused observers. D’Aversa insisted the timing was coincidental and rooted in preparation.
“We work with GPS data and load management every week,” he added. “Niang had played 90 minutes three days prior in the Coppa Italia. Asking him to do another full shift risked overexertion. We trusted the process.”
While defending his tactical choice, D’Aversa was less restrained in assessing the performance of Torino’s Argentine striker, Giovanni Simeone. The former Hellas Verona and Cagliari forward, now in his second season with the Granata, came under sharp criticism for his lack of influence in the attacking third.
“Simeone was underwhelming,” D’Aversa said bluntly. “He didn’t make the runs we expected, didn’t hold the ball up well, and failed to create space for his teammates. Against a compact low block like ours, you need that physical presence and intelligence — it wasn’t there today.”
The assessment aligns with broader concerns about Simeone’s form this season. Through 28 Serie A appearances, the 28-year-old has managed just four goals and two assists, a significant drop from his 10-goal tally in 2022-23. Torino currently sits 11th in the league table with 34 points, six adrift of the Europa League qualification zone.
Torino head coach Ivan Jurić declined to engage directly with D’Aversa’s comments when asked post-match, instead focusing on the team’s defensive resilience. “We earned a point away from home against a side fighting for survival,” Jurić said. “Clean sheets matter, and we’ll take that. Offense will come.”
The 0-0 result extended Cremonese’s unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions, though they remain rooted in 19th place with 22 points — just one above the relegation zone. Their next fixture is a home clash with Hellas Verona on April 6, a pivotal six-point battle in the relegation scrap.
For Torino, the draw leaves them unbeaten in five league games but winless in their last three. They travel to face Atalanta on April 7 in a match that could define their European aspirations. With Gian Piero Gasperini’s side pushing for a Champions League spot, Torino will need to break down one of Serie A’s most organized defenses.
Statistical highlights from the encounter reflect the tactical stalemate. Cremonese managed 48% possession but registered only three shots on target, compared to Torino’s two. Both teams completed 85% of their passes in the final third, yet neither could convert sustained pressure into clear-cut chances. Palladino’s side won just 28% of aerial duels, a troubling stat given their reliance on set pieces.
Individually, Cremonese goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi was again commanding, making four saves to preserve his second clean sheet in three league outings. The 23-year-old Italy international, on loan from Atalanta, has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable shot-stoppers despite his team’s struggles.
On the other end, Torino’s Vanja Milinković-Savić was rarely tested but remained alert, claiming two crosses and commanding his area with authority. The Serbian international, brother of Lazio’s Sergej Milinković-Savić, has started 26 league games this season and continues to be a steady presence between the posts.
Looking ahead, D’Aversa confirmed that Niang will be available for selection against Verona, having recovered from the minor fatigue that prompted his early withdrawal. “He trained well yesterday and today,” the coach said. “The break did him good. Now we need consistency.”
Simeone, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to rediscover his scoring touch. Jurić affirmed his faith in the player but acknowledged the need for improvement. “He knows what’s expected,” the Torino coach said. “We’ll work on it in training. The quality is there.”
As Serie A enters its final stretch, both clubs face divergent pressures. For Cremonese, every point is a lifeline in the fight to avoid a return to Serie B. For Torino, the focus shifts to salvaging a season that began with European ambitions but now risks finishing in mid-table anonymity.
The next official update on team news and injury status will come ahead of each club’s respective matchday press conference, scheduled 48 hours before kickoff. Fans seeking real-time updates can follow the clubs’ official websites and verified social media channels.
What do you think about D’Aversa’s tactical decisions and Simeone’s recent form? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on our social platforms.
