Why Matteo Darmian Is the One Torino Player Juventus Would Love to Sign

This weekend sees Juventus make the short trip across town to the Stadio Olimpico, the venue for the latest instalment of the Turin derby. The Bianconeri boast a proud record against their neighbours, last tasting defeat back in 1995 and going over a decade without even conceding a goal to Torino FC until Bruno Peres found the net back in November.

La Madama still won that game 2-1, once again underlining the superiority she has enjoyed in recent years, a period in which players have occasionally left Torino and moved to Juventus. Gianluca Pessotto and Federico Balzaretti are perhaps the most notable, with the July 2013 acquisition of Angelo Ogbonna the most recent.

The Bianconeri paid their cross-town rivals €13 million for the Italian international, and if they were to take one player from the current Torino side, it would in all likelihood be another defender. Over the last two years, Matteo Darmian has emerged as arguably the peninsula’s premier full-back, establishing himself not only in the Torino lineup but also becoming a regular starter in the Azzurri setup.

Born in Legnano just outside of Milan, he is a graduate—and former captain—of the youth teams of AC Milan and made his first team debut for the Rossoneri as a 16-year-old back in 2006. Never truly given a chance to prove his worth, Darmian moved on to Padova then Palermo, before being sent on loan to Torino four years ago.

His first campaign saw the Granata earn promotion to Serie A, but his real breakthrough would come in the 2013-14 campaign, as the club enjoyed one of its best seasons in recent memory. Coach Giampiero Ventura switched to a 3-5-2 formation, his well-drilled side ensuring that opponents had little chance to counter the goals of Alessio Cerci and Ciro Immobile.

While that stellar attacking pair received all the headlines, only six teams conceded fewer goals as the team earned a Europa League berth, returning to continental action for the first time in 12 seasons. Darmian was at the heart of that defensive solidity, playing on both flanks and even in central defence on a number of occasions.

He delivered three assists, but it was undoubtedly his work at the other end of the field that saw him come to prominence, turning in consistently excellent performances no matter where he was asked to play. Statistics from WhoScored.com show Darmian averaged an impressive 2.9 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.4 clearances last term, earning a place in the Serie A Team of the Year as a result.

His play also saw him named to Cesare Prandelli’s World Cup squad last summer, making his full debut in the 2-1 victory over England, and he was one of the only Italy players to emerge from the Azzurri’s embarrassing exit with his reputation intact.

Returning to domestic action, he has been arguably even more impressive this term, with the above graphic—courtesy of Squawka.com—showing he has once again performed with superb consistency, and he has raised his game to new heights during the club’s European adventure. Indeed, in 10 Europa League matches this term, Darmian added two goals and three assists, impressing a wider audience once again.

He has been linked with moves to both Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to Football Italia. However, Torino sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has told La Stampa he has yet to receive a bid for the player (h/t Football Italia): “There have been no offers for Darmian. He’ll remain with us unless he asks to be sold.”

The Spanish giants clearly see his impressive talent, and he would undoubtedly be a useful addition to Juventus. Kwadwo Asamoah is a more natural fit in midfield under Massimiliano Allegri, while the future of Paolo De Ceglie—as well as the on-loan Romulo—remains uncertain, leaving Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner as the club’s only genuine options at full-back.

Darmian would be an expensive option, but he possesses the ability to play as an alternative to either of those two players. Combining that versatility with his overall level of talent, it is clear that Matteo Darmian is the one Torino player Juventus would love to sign.