Petrachi: ‘Torino will make changes for 3-5-2 formation’

New Torino director of sport Gianluca Petrachi confirms they will ‘make changes’ in the January transfer window, preparing a revolution to suit the 3-5-2 formation.

They visit Hellas Verona today at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Granata are missing Ivan Ilic, Zanos Savva and Perr Schuurs, while Cyril Ngonge and Niels Nkounkou have flu symptoms and Adam Masina is on international duty.

Notably, Kristjan Asllani is on the bench and widely expected to be sent back to Inter six months early from his loan spell.

“We will try to make changes and now that we’ve settled on the 3-5-2 formation, bring in players who are functional to this project,” Petrachi told Sky Sport Italia.

“I want to remind everyone that Torino have 30 players on the wage bill, including three who aren’t even on the squad list. So for every player who I want to bring in, I need to push one out, a situation that penalises clubs like ours.”

Among those linked with a move to the Granata in January are Lazio midfielder Rade Belahyane, who would follow coach Marco Baroni to Turin.

They are believed to be targeting a central defender, a winger, and a midfielder.

“Yes, these are the basic priorities,” confirmed Petrachi.

“We must also understand what is happening with Schuurs, who has been injured for a long time and we’re trying to figure out if he can be available.

“It’s not easy in January to find new players, but these are the roles we are looking for, so I will work day and night to improve Torino.”

Among those who are linked with a potential exit there are also Cesare Casadei and Cristiano Biraghi.

“We intend to release some players who are at the end of the line, and bring in those with fresh motivation. It’s a very competitive league and we must try to start stepping up a gear as soon as possible.”