Verona vs Torino: A High-Stakes Serie A Relegation Six-Pointer
The Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi is set for a tense, pivotal Serie A clash as Hellas Verona hosts Torino on January 4, 2026. With both teams entrenched in a battle for survival, this fixture is far more than just three points—it’s a direct fight for Serie A oxygen. Recent history suggests a cagey, low-scoring affair, but the pressure of the relegation zone could rewrite the script in an instant.
Kickoff is scheduled for 17:00 local time (11:00 AM EST) and will be broadcast live on DAZN in the United States. The last six meetings between these sides have produced a staggering five draws, with the most recent a 1-1 stalemate in April 2025. Expect a tactical, physical battle where a single moment of quality—or a critical mistake—could decide everything.
Head-to-Head History & Recent Form
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The historical ledger at the Bentegodi is surprisingly balanced. In 44 official meetings in Verona, the home side holds a narrow edge. However, the modern era has been defined by stalemates. The 1-1 draw from April 2025 is a perfect microcosm of this rivalry: fiercely contested, evenly matched, and ultimately unresolved.
| Recent Meeting | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verona vs Torino | April 6, 2025 | Serie A | 1-1 Draw |
| Torino vs Verona | May 9, 2021 | Serie A | 1-1 Draw |
Current form paints a grim picture for Verona. Sitting 18th with just 12 points, they are in dire need of a home victory. Their statistical profile reveals a leaky defense and an inconsistent attack. Torino, while not safe, has shown slightly more resilience, particularly in keeping games tight.
Key Team Statistics
| Statistic | Hellas Verona (Home) | Torino (Away) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Goals Scored | 1.1 | 0.9 |
| Average Goals Conceded | 1.3 | 1.0 |
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | 57.1% | N/A |
| Matches Over 2.5 Goals | 50.0% | N/A |
| Average Cards Per Game | 2.6 | N/A |
Predicted Lineups & Tactical Setup
Injuries and tactics will shape the squads for this crucial match. Verona is expected to set up in a defensive-minded formation, looking to be compact and hit on the counter. Torino, under less immediate pressure, may take a more proactive 4-4-2 approach to control the midfield.
Hellas Verona (Predicted)
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Key Players: Lorenzo Montipò (GK), Martin Hongla (MF), Darko Lazović (MF)
The likely lineup features a back three of Núñez, Nelsson, and Bella-Kotchap, with Oyegoke and Lazović providing width. Their success hinges on staying disciplined and capitalizing on set-pieces.
Torino (Predicted)
Formation: 4-4-2
Key Players: Alberto Paleari (GK), Guillermo Maripán (DF), Valentino Lazaro (MF)
Torino’s strength lies in its organized defensive block and midfield industry. The duo of Gineitis and Ilić will be crucial in breaking up play and launching attacks for the forwards.
| Team | Predicted Starting XI |
|---|---|
| Hellas Verona | Montipò; Núñez, Nelsson, Bella-Kotchap; Oyegoke, Hongla, Duda, Lazović; Suslov, Noslin; Swiderski |
| Torino | Paleari; Coco, Maripán, Ismajli, Lazaro; Gineitis, Ilić, Tameze, Vojvoda; Sanabria, Zapata |
Match Implications & What to Watch For
This is a classic “six-pointer.” A win for Verona would drag Torino directly into the relegation mire and provide a massive morale boost. A Torino victory would create a significant gap between themselves and the bottom three, potentially condemning Verona to an even deeper crisis. A draw, the most common result, helps neither team substantially.
Watch for midfield battles, particularly the duel between Verona’s Hongla and Torino’s Ilić. Discipline will be key; a red card or a costly penalty could easily decide a match where goals are expected to be scarce. Torino’s defensive record suggests they will be happy to absorb pressure and strike on the break, testing Verona’s patience and defensive concentration.
Common Questions
What time does Verona vs Torino kick off in the US?
The Serie A match between Hellas Verona and Torino kicks off at 17:00 local time in Italy on January 4, 2026. For viewers in the United States, that’s 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Where can I watch Verona vs Torino in the USA?
The match will be broadcast live in the United States exclusively on DAZN. You can stream the game through the DAZN app or website with a valid subscription.
What is the recent head-to-head record between Verona and Torino?
The recent meetings have been incredibly even. The last six fixtures have resulted in five draws and one Torino victory. Their most recent match in April 2025 ended in a 1-1 draw.
Why is this match so important for both teams?
This is a direct relegation battle. Hellas Verona is currently in 18th place (the relegation zone) with only 12 points, while Torino is just above them. A win for either side provides crucial points and a psychological advantage in the fight to avoid dropping to Serie B.