OUR man in Italy, Marco Di Cosmo (@scioltz) returns to look at Friday's action from the peninsula.
Torino vs Genoa | Friday 22nd October 17.30 | BT Sport
I am pretty confident about Torino this season, especially because of their new manager Ivan Juric. The Croatian already proved to be a fine tactician in his Verona experience, finishing 9th and 10th with a mediocre roster and displaying shades of great football.
Torino have always underperformed in recent years, as their quality is clearly above relegation level in most of their players. Despite still struggling at mid-table I see some improvements in the team, and their recent 1-0 losses against Juve and Napoli do not say the whole truth as they deserved at least one point in one of the two matches.
On the other hand, Genoa are way below their recent levels and I see them struggling to avoid relegation. Their first part of the season is already worrying, and I cannot see them avoiding defeat in Turin.
Torino to win (4/5 Betfair)
Sampdoria vs Spezia | Friday 22nd October 17.30 | BT Sport
A way more entertaining encounter in the city of Genova where two offensive football minds meet. The visitors have the worst defence in the league, with 20 goals conceded in just 8 games, but their attack has proven to be a menace also for bigger teams such as Juventus and AC Milan.
Also, Sampdoria do not seem so cautious as in past times, just look at their recent results (13 goals conceded and 9 scored in their last 5 games).
I cannot see anything other than an over-priced goal galore here.
Over 2.5 Goals (7/10 SBK)
Best Bets
Torino vs Genoa – Torino to win (4/5 Betfair)
Sampdoria vs Spezia – Over 2.5 Goals (7/10 SBK)
