Vlasic Inspires Torino to Slim Win Over Empoli
The Serie A struggle between Torino and Empoli played out like a chess match, but it was Nikola Vlasic who produced the one unforgettable moment. On March 15, 2025, under the chilly Turin lights, Torino's attacking shift finally paid off when Vlasic hammered in from outside the box in the 70th minute. That goal ended up being the difference, giving the Granata everything they needed for another vital win.
Manager Ivan Jurić didn’t stick to the old script this time. Torino rolled out a 4-3-2-1 setup, ditching their usual playbook to field Christian Kuame up front, with the always energetic Esposito and the unpredictable Jazzy Serena on the wings. It wasn’t just for show. The change put pressure right where Empoli was weakest—their left flank—which has leaked goals throughout the campaign. The plan? Overload Empoli’s vulnerable side, disrupt their backline shape, and open up shooting angles outside the penalty area.
It wasn’t a game stacked with highlights. Empoli, fighting for their Serie A lives, kept things tense. Kuame and Czech midfielder Jakub Jankto buzzed around the Torino box, constantly looking for cracks to sneak through. But when they found daylight, they hit a brick wall named Vanja Milinković-Savić. Torino’s keeper didn’t just stand tall; he made sure nothing easy went past him. The save on Jankto's stinging shot midway through the second half had Empoli’s frustrated supporters shaking their heads. Every parry kept Torino moving toward that three-point prize.
Unbeaten and Uncomfortable: Where the Teams Stand Now
This win made it four Serie A games in a row without a loss for Torino, pushing them closer to mid-table security and away from the drama near the drop zone. That streak matters—a lot—for a team that was wobbling just a month ago. Their defense, once their Achilles’ heel, now looks more like their backbone, rarely giving away cheap chances late in games. Vlasic’s goal? It sums up their season—a moment of individual brilliance layered on a bedrock of collective grit.
For Empoli, it was another version of a familiar nightmare. They played with purpose, generated half-chances, but got zero reward. It leaves them stuck near the foot of the table, the relegation question getting louder every week. Their next fixtures look grueling, and unless they turn possession into points, they’re set for a stressful spring.
If this match felt like déjà vu to Empoli fans, there’s a reason. Back in December 2024, Torino pulled off the same trick: a 1-0 win thanks to a screamer, that time from Adams. Empoli haven’t figured out how to crack the Torino code, and time is running out.
