Italian Serie A
2018-08-19 - Torino vs Roma
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Italy : Serie A
Sunday 19th August - Kick off 17:00
Torino
Torino finished last season in 9th place on 54 points matching their 9th placed finish the season before. This time around they kick off against a young Roma side looking to challenge for another top 10 finish and possibly Europe.
Walter Mazzarri's side finished last season with a form line of 2-1-2 winning the expected goals (xG) supremacy in 2/5 which is ok. Going forward Torino have finished with over 1.50 xG in 1/5 which is poor. At the back during this period they have conceded on average 1.75 xG which is dreadful.
At home it's 3-1-1 in the last 5 Serie A games winning the xG supremacy in 4/5. Il Toro have finished with over 1.50 xG for in 2/5 which is ok. Defensively, they have averaged 1.32 xG against which is decent.
Roma
Roma finished 3rd last season on 77 points but a staggering 18 points behind Champions Juventus. Having sold some key players this summer not many are expecting a title push but a top 4 finish is a realistic target.
Eusebio Di Francesco's side finished last season with a form line of 4-1-0 winning the expected goals (xG) supremacy in 4/5 which is sensational. The Giallorossi going forward finished with over 1.50 xG for in 1/5 which is poor. At the back during this period they have conceded on average 0.77 xG which is sensational.
Away from home it's 3-2-0 in the last 5 Serie A games winning the xG supremacy in 4/5. Roma have finished with over 1.50 xG for in 1/5 which is poor. Defensively, they have averaged 0.63 xG against which is excellent particularly when playing away from home.
Betting Verdict
I will take Torino +0.25 AH.
Roma finished the season well and are particularly strong at the back. However, sales to some key players puts me off them. Torino lost just 1/5 at home and won the xG supremacy in 4/5, Roma have similar numbers away from home. My concern is playing away on opening day at a place like Torino.
The hosts are tough to beat and I think both would settle of a point. With that in mind I will take Torino with the head start here in what looks a closely fought clash.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Torino 1-1 Roma
