Torino FC struggles with poor Serie A start and tactical shifts

Torino FC has recorded a difficult start to the Serie A season, accumulating only four points after five matches. This performance is statistically one of the club's poorest starts in recent years; in the last eight seasons, only one other instance saw the team with fewer points at this stage, which occurred during the 2020/21 season under Marco Giampaolo.

Under manager Ignazio Abate, the team has secured one victory against Fiorentina and a 1-1 draw against Bologna, while suffering losses to Milan, Sassuolo, and Roma.

Tactically, Abate is facing decisions regarding defensive structures. Observations suggest the team performs better when switching from a three-man defense to a four-man defense during the second half of matches, as seen in the games against Fiorentina and Bologna. This shift appears to provide more elasticity, allowing for better central presence and closer distances between the midfield and attack, though it remains to be seen if this mobile system can be implemented as a starting formation.