Torino vs. AC Milan: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie a Game

Milan risk sinking to mid-table anonymity if they are not able to secure all three points away to Torino on Saturday.

The Rossoneri are coming off a very disappointing 1-2 loss at the San Siro to Sassuolo and face another tricky fixture.

Torino haven't lost in any of their last five matches in all competitions and have several players who could pose problems to Milan's defense. The first that comes to mind is Fabio Quagliarella. The ex-Juve striker has an excellent shot from long range and will force Milan's midfielders to mark him tightly when he's drifting outside of the box.

For Milan, the first key issue that Filippo Inzaghi is faced with revolves around Alessio Cerci. According to the latest report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inzaghi says he's very tempted to use Cerci from the opening minute against his former team but realizes that he's not in ideal physical condition.

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Inzaghi didn't specify what was wrong with Cerci, but he did look a bit heavy and slower than usual when he came on in the second half against Sassuolo.

Cerci could be looking to punish the club where he played last season and formed an exciting partnership with striker Ciro Immobile. Cerci scored a career-high 13 goals in that campaign but hasn't been able to find the same success this season when he rarely found time under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. With Milan, he's expected to get much more of a shot in the starting XI.

According to this same report, Stephan El Shaarawy missed practice due to a bruise he sustained, and it's not yet clear whether or not he'll start from the opening whistle. If El Shaarawy isn't fit, Inzaghi could use Giampaolo Pazzini in the middle of the attacking trident, with Jeremy Menez on the left and Cerci on the right.

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The top five AC Milan moments at Torino, featuring a beautiful Ronaldinho free-kick [Video] http://t.co/HCUL0TNKQq pic.twitter.com/xFqRdCA7OT

— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) January 8, 2015"

Another big issue has to do with the defense. Usual starting full-backs Ignazio Abate and Mattia De Sciglio are still not completely healthy, and Inzaghi says they'll need time to rekindle their best form. Luckily, Milan have recovered Philippe Mexes. The polarizing French defender was injured in Milan's friendly against Madrid but has recovered in time for Torino's match.

Considering how volatile Mexes has been in the past, the recent resurgence is definitely one of the surprises of the season. He's been Milan's best central defender in the past few months and was one of the reasons why the club were able to keep clean sheets against Roma and Napoli in two consecutive outings. 

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The final decision that will shape the game will be the return of Nigel de Jong. When he's starting in the midfield, Milan are a much better side. De Jong brings a sense of calm to the position and rarely makes mistakes when he's in possession.

Expect De Jong to be lined up alongside Giacomo Bonaventura and Riccardo Montolivo in the center of the park.

In the end, Milan's match against Torino is one they must take seriously. The Rossoneri have struggled mightily against provincial sides this season, often having a hard time breaking down teams that keep a defensive shape.

How they respond after that embarrassing performance against Sassuolo will say a lot about Milan's chances of getting that vaunted third place in the Serie A table.