Torino-Milan: Thrilling Openers & Historic Encounters

For the third time in a decade, Torino will face Milan on the opening day of the championship. This is a rare occurrence, having only happened twice before in the single-round format of the league.

The most recent encounter was two years ago when Paolo Vanoli's Torino managed a valuable 2-2 draw at San Siro, despite a seemingly tough start to the calendar. However, the match left the Granata with significant regrets, as they had taken a 2-0 lead only to see Milan come back and nearly snatch a win in the closing moments.

In the 2016/2017 season, Torino and Milan also met on the first matchday, delivering a spectacular and emotional contest. Carlos Bacca scored a hat-trick, while Andrea Belotti netted the goal that temporarily leveled the score at 1-1. In the 92nd minute, Daniele Baselli pulled one back, and sensationally, in the 95th minute, Torino was awarded a penalty that could have secured an equalizer. However, Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Belotti's spot-kick.

To find an even older precedent, we must go back to 1939, when Ferruccio Novo's legendary Grande Torino was beginning to take shape, with Novo having just become president. This is also the only previous home opening day fixture for the Granata against Milan. Torino won 2-1 after coming from behind, with Walter Petron scoring the decisive goal in the final minute. Among Milan's players was a very young Ezio Loik, who would go on to become a cornerstone of the Grande Torino just a few years later.

Therefore, this fixture boasts quite unique opening day histories, from the era of Grande Torino and a missed comeback against Bacca's Milan, to the recent 2-2 draw under Vanoli.