Sassuolo host Torino with both sides reeling from opening weekend defeats and forced into mass rotation — nine regulars are absent from each lineup. The hosts created a league-high 2.73 expected goals yet lost 2-1, hinting at defensive fragility that makeshift backlines will…
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Sign inSassuolo host Torino on Saturday, 29 August 2026, in the second round of the 2026-27 Serie A season. Both sides opened their campaigns on Matchday 1 and will be eager to put early points on the board in what shapes as a tight mid‑table encounter.
Torino have kept the core of their squad intact. Attacking midfielder Nikola Vlašić and striker Giovanni Simeone remain at the club, while loan signings Pietro Comuzzo and Gaetano Oristanio could be handed roles from the bench. No new injury concerns have been flagged ahead of the trip to Sassuolo.
Sassuolo’s camp has been quieter on the team‑news front. Manager Alessio Dionisi is expected to field a similar XI to the one that started the season at Atalanta, with no fresh fitness issues reported since the opening weekend.
The Neroverdi started their league campaign away to Atalanta on 23 August. While the result is not disclosed in available sources, the performance at the Gewiss Stadium will have offered early clues about how Dionisi’s young attacking unit is gelling. Sassuolo’s home record against mid‑table sides was solid last term, and they will look to capitalise on that familiarity in their first home outing of the season.
Torino welcomed Milan to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on the same opening weekend. Facing a Rossoneri side now led by Rúben Amorim offered an immediate test of Il Toro’s defensive organisation. With Vlašić pulling the strings and Simeone providing a physical focal point, Torino will believe they can create chances against a Sassuolo backline that can be pulled out of shape.
Vlašić remains the creative heartbeat of this Torino side. His ability to drift into pockets and link with the front line makes him the visitor’s most dangerous weapon. Sassuolo’s midfield double pivot will need to close those spaces quickly; if the Croatian is allowed time to turn and pick a pass, Simeone’s movement in the box could prove decisive.
Both clubs are still finding their rhythm after the summer break. A positive result for either side would provide a platform before the first international pause of the campaign, with Torino heading to Udinese next and Sassuolo travelling to Empoli in Round 3.
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