Torino vs Parma – D’Aversa backs Adams & draws inspiration from tennis star Sinner | OneFootball

Roberto D’Aversa confirmed Che Adams will start tonight’s Serie A clash with Parma, explaining that the Scottish forward’s technical qualities make him the ideal choice against a side renowned for their defensive organisation.

“Parma concede very little, against a team that defends so well, we need to exploit Adams’ technical qualities,” D’Aversa told Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, ahead of the 20:45 (local time) kick-off at the Olimpico Grande Torino.

In a colourful pre-match address, D’Aversa drew an unlikely but compelling parallel between his side’s required mentality and that of Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner.

“Sinner is an example of mental strength and hard work,” he said.

“Tonight we must also take to the pitch with the will to get a result, but also to be patient and stay lucid for 95 minutes.”

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma Calcio competes for the ball with Victor Nelsson of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 15, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Torino vs Parma – D’Aversa identifies Pellegrino threat

It is the kind of motivational thinking that has characterised D’Aversa’s management style since taking charge, and his players have responded well, losing just once so far.

When asked about the threat posed by Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino, one of the most dangerous aerial threats in the division from set-pieces, D’Aversa acknowledged that corners represent Torino’s most vulnerable area.

“In terms of goals conceded from dead balls overall, we are around the average,” he said. “But the data on corners is more concerning. In every match we work on the details to limit the qualities of our opponents.”

With safety still not mathematically secured, every point matters, and D’Aversa will be hoping Adams and the Sinner mentality deliver the goods on Friday night.