Torino begin their competitive 2026-27 campaign at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino against Serie B side Carrarese, with a place in the next round of the Coppa Italia at stake. On paper this is one of Saturday’s clearer mismatches, but early-season cup football can punish complacency, particularly when a Serie A side is still adjusting to a new coach and several new players.
Torino’s previous Coppa Italia campaign provides reason for optimism. They eliminated Modena, Pisa and Roma to reach the quarter-finals before eventually losing 2-1 to eventual champions Inter Milan. Their league campaign was far less impressive, with Torino eventually finishing 12th after spending part of the season concerned about relegation. Their defensive record was particularly poor, finishing as the second-worst in Serie A.
The summer has brought significant change, with Ignazio Abate taking charge. Pre-season results have generally been encouraging. Torino have won four of their five recorded warm-up fixtures, including victories against Burnley, Vado and Serie B opposition Avellino. That gives Abate a useful platform before the competitive schedule begins.
Carrarese, meanwhile, have established themselves as a credible Serie B club after earning promotion through the Serie C playoffs. They have now finished 12th in consecutive second-tier seasons, but their Coppa Italia record is much less convincing. They were beaten 3-1 by Cagliari in 2024 and eliminated by Udinese last season. Gabriele Cioffi has since replaced Antonio Calabro as manager, meaning Saturday will be his first competitive game in charge.
Carrarese have also played relatively little football this summer. They lost a friendly against Napoli before securing a 1-0 victory over Virtus Entella on August 8. Across a broader five-match sample, they have struggled for goals, averaging only 0.4 per game according to recent form data.
Squad quality represents the largest gap between the teams. Torino could introduce former Ajax midfielder Kian Fitz-Jim, while Pietro Comuzzo and Eray Comert are options in defence. In attack, Giovanni Simeone, Che Adams and Sandro Kulenovic are competing for places, although Pietro Pellegri remains unavailable through injury.
Carrarese are expected to use Cioffi’s preferred 3-5-2. Fabio Abiuso should lead the attack alongside Fiorentina youngster Tommaso Rubino, while Juventus-owned Jonas Rouhi could operate on the left. Their defensive options have been weakened by Simone Zanon’s departure to Pisa.
The tactical question is whether Torino can break through an organised lower block without becoming frustrated. Carrarese have little incentive to make this an expansive game. Their best route towards an upset is to remain compact, slow the tempo, survive the opening period and make Torino increasingly uncomfortable.
Torino, though, should possess too many different attacking solutions. A front line potentially containing Adams, Simeone or Kulenovic, with Nikola Vlasic operating behind the striker, should eventually produce chances against Serie B opposition. Their recent victories also suggest Abate’s ideas are beginning to take shape.
This is one fixture where I would favour the stronger team without needing a complicated selection. Torino should control possession and territory, and Carrarese’s limited attacking output makes the hosts particularly attractive if they score first.
I would expect patience rather than an immediate goal rush. Once Torino break through, however, the visitors may be forced to abandon their compact approach and leave more spaces.
Prediction: Torino to win
Alternative prediction: Torino to win & Over 1.5 total goals
Defensive angle: Carrarese Under 1.5 team goals
Correct-score prediction: Torino 2-0 Carrarese