Torino chases its third positive result on Monday when manager Ignazio Abate takes his squad to the Stadio Ennio Tardini to face Parma. Kickoff is scheduled for 20:45 on October 19, as the visitors look to build on a Monday night home victory against Udinese while their hosts search for their first points under newly appointed manager Alberto Gilardino.
Abate Demands High Attitude Ahead of Tardini Trip
Addressing reporters in his pre-match press conference two days before kickoff, Abate downplayed the suggestion that the match is season-defining while emphasizing its weight for the group’s ongoing development. “Non è cruciale, ma molto importante,” Abate said. “Voglio vedere ciò che mi hanno dimostrato in settimana. Ogni giorno che passa sono sempre più convinto dei nostri margini. C’è un livello alto e stiamo creando una una mentalità forte.” The manager added that he expects the exact same intensity his side displayed in their recent win over Udinese, noting that the squad is forming solid foundations where no player spares any effort.
Abate also addressed the external enthusiasm surrounding the club, acknowledging the esteem he receives from supporters while insisting the team remains entirely focused on continuous improvement.
Fitness Updates Shape Torino Attacking Options
Torino approaches the trip to Emilia with positive news across the attacking department, though squad management remains paramount. Abate confirmed that Pellegri is responding well to training but requires careful workload modulation following several months of inactivity. Meanwhile, Zapata is steadily building condition and finding training consistency. “Sono fortunato ad avere attaccanti così,” Abate said, highlighting the intense competition for places in training.
When pressed by journalists on whether he will deploy a two-striker formation from the opening whistle, the manager kept his cards close to his chest. “Lo vedrai lunedì sera, se saranno le due punte,” he remarked. Vlašić is growing both physically and mentally, with Abate describing him as a versatile option who can operate freely across different tactical shapes, including as a winger in a 4-4-2.
Defensive Focus and the Hunt for a Clean Sheet
Despite picking up points in recent outings, Torino has yet to record a clean sheet, an objective that remains high on the coaching staff’s priority list. Reflecting on the defensive lapse against Udinese, Abate admitted that his side conceded a cheap opportunity despite otherwise limiting the opposition. “Ci teniamo a non subire gol,” Abate stated. “Lunedì abbiamo concesso poco all’Udinese e abbiamo commesso una leggerezza. Dovevamo leggere meglio l’episodio, ma abbiamo grandi margini di miglioramento.”
Squad depth remains a central theme for the manager, who specifically addressed young midfielder Casadei. Abate challenged the player to make a mental adjustment: “Lui deve essere meno ragazzino e più adulto, ma è un giocatore importante. Deve fare quello switch mentale.” Regarding Kulenović, Abate dismissed the notion of him being merely a late-game substitute, emphasizing that all forwards operate on an equal footing depending on strategic game plans.
Parma Awaits with Quality and Physicality at Tardini
Parma enters the fixture eager to secure a result in front of their home supporters under Gilardino’s fresh leadership, creating a challenging environment for the visiting side. Abate warned that his team must be prepared to endure difficult moments against an opponent that blends physical strength with technical quality. “Difficilissima, non esistono partite semplici,” Abate concluded. “Vogliono far punti davanti ai loro tifosi, ma anche noi e sappiamo che dovremo soffrire. Lo spirito non ci deve abbandonare. Il Parma abbina qualità e fisicità.”
