Juric: ‘Torino are a work in progress, Belotti returns after the break’
Torino coach Ivan Juric said Andrea Belotti will be back ‘after the break’ and claimed the Granata ‘are a work in progress’ ahead of the first game against Atalanta.
Toro picked up a win on penalties in their first game against Cremonese in the Coppa Italia and Juric was disappointed after the 0-0 draw after extra time.
But he is ‘curious’ ahead of the first League game with his new side and has seen ‘great determination and dedication’ from his players.
“We are still a work in progress,” the Croatian underlined at a press conference. “We don’t even know our strong and weak points.
“I see great determination and dedication in wanting to change the trend of the last few years. But I also see ups and downs.
“There’s a desire to learn and to play a more proactive football. Right now, I don’t have the certainties that I will be able to have in a while.”
Juric prepares for a tough game against Atalanta, who finished third in Serie A and he stressed Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are now one of the big teams in Serie A.
“I’m really curious to see the lads against one of the best teams,” he said. “We want to attack and dominate like Atalanta, we are on that path.
“Our goal is to play dynamic and European football. It will be a good challenge to see where we are, at what point we are and what we can expect.
“Gasperini’s secret is the work. When he wants something, he knows very well what kind of players he needs.”
Captain Belotti has been linked with a move away from Torino this summer but also suffered an ankle injury in the Coppa Italia game.
Juric doesn’t expect the Italy international to return before the next international break, after the incident at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on August 15.
“He will be fine after the break, if he continues to train with the desire he has shown since joining the group,” Juric said.
“He missed three days with an ankle problem. He can play with [Antonio] Sanabria, but I prefer only one striker in the middle and from time to time you can use two.
“All three forwards in the team are first strikers, that’s not ideal.”