Why Bruno Peres vs. Alex Sandro Will Be the Key Battle in Torino vs. Juventus

Having suffered a heartbreaking UEFA Champions League exit on Wednesday, Juventus return to domestic action on Sunday with another tough test. Awaiting them after a short trip across town to the Stadio Olimpico will be derby opponents Torino, who won this fixture last season.

But while looking to add to Juve's misery following that Bayern Munich defeat, the Granata will be fully aware they have lost twice to their city rivals this term and that their 2015 victory came courtesy of two players no longer at the club.

Goals from Matteo Darmian and Fabio Quagliarella were responsible for ending Toro's 20-year barren spell against the Bianconeri, but the pair have since moved to Manchester United and Sampdoria respectively.

They can still rely on Bruno Peres, however, the Brazilian who scored a stunning goal against the Old Lady in the November 2014 edition of this clash, running 80 yards before netting an incredible solo strike.

Remarkably, it was one of just three occasions the 26-year-old has found the net since joining the club in 2014, but that has not prevented him from establishing himself as one of Italian football's finest wing-backs.

Torino's struggles this term have not appeared to affect his form, with WhoScored.com statistics showing he has created an average of 1.2 chances per game, which is the club's third-highest mark.

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The same source also highlights his three completed dribbles per outing—more than all but two players in Serie A, Roma's Diego Perotti (3.6) and Franco Vazquez of Palermo (3.1).

He has also been a fine defender, WhoScored.com reporting averages of 1.9 tackles, one interception and one clearance per game over his 24 appearances this term. He will need to be at his best on Sunday, when he is likely to go head-to-head with Juve's Alex Sandro.

His compatriot has been a hugely effective weapon for coach Massimiliano Allegri since his move from FC Porto last summer, making some key contributions in vital matches, including October's win over Torino.

It was his pass that Juan Cuadrado turned home to seal that victory, the first in what became a club record of 15 consecutive triumphs. Sandro has netted twice himself and registered four assists in total, his crosses also responsible for creating vital goals against AC Milan and Manchester City.

Given Patrice Evra is 34, Sandro is clearly being groomed to take over the left-back role when the Frenchman moves on. But he has already begun to repay what the Juventus website revealed was a €26 million fee to secure his services last August.

As well as those attacking contributions, WhoScored.com’s figures highlight a strong defensive showing from the 25-year-old, as he averages 1.9 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.5 clearances. He credits the environment in which he plays for improving his impact on games.

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“Juventus are a great club, and I’m delighted that they believed in me,” he told a reporter from Globo Esporte (h/t Football Italia) before going on to explain the reasons in that same interview:

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What immediately struck me was the winning mentality. It’s like you get a chip put in your head when you come here, you know right away that you have to win. There’s great communication at Juve and a close-knit environment. From my teammates to the Coach and his staff, everyone has helped me blend in quickly.

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Now he has done so, Sandro will hope to help Juventus return to winning ways against their neighbours, with his battle against Peres likely to have a major influence on the result.