Could Torino seal a surprise Champions League spot in Serie A?

Unbeaten run has put them right in contention

The Serie A title race was essentially done and dusted months ago, but the battle for a top-four spot could rage on until the final day of the campaign.

With Juventus top, and Napoli and Inter Milan seemingly settled into second and third respectively, there are five teams in the running for the fourth and final Champions League place.

Torino’s 2-0 win over AC Milan means they’re firmly in the mix now. But a tough fixture list means our traders have them back at 33/1 to secure a top-four berth.  Can they pull it off and qualify for the Champions League for the first time?

Mazzarri magic

After rough spells at Inter and Watford, Walter Mazzarri has reminded critics of how effective his methods can be this season.

His Torino side have only scored 44 league goals, the lowest tally of any side in the top-half. But they’re meticulously drilled at the back.

Il Toro have only conceded 29 goals in the league, with Salvatore Sirigu very impressive in goal. Their solid defence means that they don’t need to score that many goals – they’ve won six games 1-0, while 11 of their 14 wins in total have come without conceding.

Is Belotti almost back to his best?

Mazzarri’s approach also seems well suited to Andrea Belotti up front. Belotti is a battering ram of a striker and his muscular approach makes him ideal for Torino’s direct attacking play.

He may not match his goalscoring exploits of 2016-17, but the club captain has chipped in with a healthy return of 12 league goals this term.