Sinisa Mihajlovic accepts Roma “are a stronger team, but Torino can still win” and reveals why Francesco Totti “owes me a dinner.”
It kicks off at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Roma are a stronger team and better equipped than us, but we always start matches at 0-0,” said the Granata Coach in his Press conference.
Sinisa Mihajlovic accepts Roma “are a stronger team, but Torino can still win” and reveals why Francesco Totti “owes me a dinner.”
It kicks off at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Roma are a stronger team and better equipped than us, but we always start matches at 0-0,” said the Granata Coach in his Press conference.
“The difference is made on the pitch and we need to make the most of our home advantage. We’re coming off a difficult game, but a positive one, and will try to play our style of football.
“We want to get a victory against a top level side, as coming up we’ve got Roma and Fiorentina, so we will try to win them both.
“I expect something special from everyone and a great performance. These are the games everyone would love to take part in. Roma can cause us problems, but we can do the same to them. We’re going out there to win.”
It’s a special encounter for Leandro Castan, who is on loan from Roma after losing his place due to a career-threatening brain injury.
“He is in good shape and relaxed. He’s a balanced guy and won’t be affected by facing Roma. He’ll play his game, the way he always has done.
“Every match we must try to give our best and pick up points. Even in moments of difficulty, we must believe in ourselves, because hard work will pay off in the long run.”
Is Mihajlovic concerned by the packed fixture list after the midweek round, a 0-0 draw at Pescara when down to nine men?
“If a 20-year-old can’t play two matches in four days, he’d be better off changing profession to become an accountant.”
Adem Ljajic is back in the squad, but “I don’t want to risk him,” while Maxi Lopez is still absent despite “sticking to the diet and losing weight. When he returns, he’ll help us out.”
Miha specialises in tough love tactics with his players and had more stern words for Daniele Baselli.
“If someone has character, I expect a positive reaction. If I talk like this, it’s to motivate him. He has the ability to do well and I want him to grow some balls, as I don’t like the way he is now and if he stays like this he won’t go anywhere in life.
“I was the one who opposed his transfer this summer, but now he needs to give me a response.”
Totti turns 40 on Tuesday and former Roma teammate Mihajlovic is looking forward to their meeting.
“He still owes me a dinner, because I told (then-Roma Coach Vujadin) Boskov to play him on his debut. He’s the best Italian player of the last 25 years and that’s why he’s still playing. It’d be fun to see Totti play with Andrea Belotti.”
Torino squad for Roma: Cucchietti, Hart, Padelli; Barreca, Bovo, Castan, De Silvestri, Moretti, Rossettini, Zappacosta; Baselli, Benassi, Gustafson, Lukic, Obi, Valdifiori; Aramu, Belotti, Boye, Falque, Ljajic, Martinez