Torino vs Sassuolo: prediction, head-to-head stats and probable lineups — 08.05.2026
One of the matches of Serie A's 36th round will take place on Friday at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in Turin, where Torino hosts Sassuolo. The tournament intrigue for both sides is almost gone, but it's precisely these kinds of fixtures that often test character, coaching ideas, and the determination to finish the season with momentum rather than inertia.
Match preview
Since Roberto D'Aversa took charge, Torino have looked noticeably livelier: the team has shed its predictably sluggish style and now responds to opponents not only with discipline but also with grit. The 2-2 draw against newly-crowned champions Inter showed the "Bulls" can take the fight to the top dogs, although the subsequent 0-2 defeat to Udinese was a reminder of their old inconsistency.
The main challenge for the hosts is their squad depth, especially in attack. Ismaily, Aboukhlal, and Adams are unavailable, Zapata and Pedersen remain doubtful, so much will once again depend on Simeone and Vlasic. Ilkhan, meanwhile, gets a chance to prove his return from the bench is not just a forced measure but a valuable asset for the season's run-in.
Sassuolo are having a confident campaign after returning to Serie A and already look like a side capable of aiming higher next season. Wins over Como (2-1) and Milan (2-0) have been important markers: Fabio Grosso's team aren't just picking up points, they know how to disrupt the plans of opponents with much bigger ambitions.
The return of Domenico Berardi has injected the "Neroverdi" with quality and emotional energy — his goal against Milan immediately highlighted his importance in the final third. Meanwhile, Turati has firmly established himself in goal, Nzola is winning the battle with Pinamonti for a starting spot, but all these strong solutions have yet to translate away from home, where Sassuolo are far less convincing than on their own turf.
Probable lineups
- Torino: Paleari, Ebosse, Coco, Marjanucci, Obrador, Gineitis, Ilkhan, Casadei, Lazaro, Vlasic, Simeone.
- Sassuolo: Turati, Walukiewicz, Romagna, Muharemovic, Garcia, Kone, Matic, Thorstvedt, Berardi, Nzola, Laurienté.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Torino have won six of their last eight home matches against Sassuolo.
- In six of the last eight head-to-head meetings in Turin, Torino have scored at least two goals.
- Sassuolo have won only five of their 18 away matches in this Serie A season.
- Both teams have scored in seven of the last nine head-to-head matches in Turin in Serie A.
- At least three goals have been scored in seven of the last nine head-to-head meetings in Turin in Serie A.
Prediction
Torino approach this game with little riding on it in terms of the table, but with a clear motivation to showcase their progress under D'Aversa. At home, the Granata look more reliable, and the head-to-head history with Sassuolo in Turin further tilts the scales in their favor. Sassuolo have the edge in recent form and the quality of some attacking options, especially since Berardi's return, but the away factor remains a major stumbling block for Grosso's squad. Expect an open game with chances at both ends, but home advantage and a more favorable scenario point to the hosts as favorites.
