Vanoli: “I’m pleased with the strikers and team, but we’re keeping our feet on the ground”

Torino’s head coach Paolo Vanoli is all smiles after his team’s 3-2 victory against Verona, which has propelled them to the top of the Serie A table after five unbeaten matches. However, the tactician remains cautious and focused on improvement.

“I’m proud of my boys and compliments to Verona because despite their numerical inferiority, they gave us a hard time until the end,” Vanoli stated after the match. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly when playing with equal numbers. However, he noted a slight dip in concentration when Torino had the numerical advantage, identifying it as an area for improvement.

Vanoli praised his attacking lineup but showed some concern for the defense: “I’m happy with the strikers, but I’m a bit sorry for the defenders because we conceded avoidable goals.”

When asked about goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic’s European ambitions, Vanoli took a more measured approach: “I’ve always said and I repeat, I’m pleased that players think positively and are ambitious, but then there’s the pitch. There’s still so much to improve.”

The coach highlighted Samuele Ricci’s intelligence and versatility in the midfield, praising his ability to play as a deep-lying playmaker. He also mentioned Linetty’s capability to play multiple roles.

Vanoli expressed excitement about the potential return of Vlasic: “He has the characteristics to give us a change of pace. He will provide me with an additional solution.”