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Torino got life under Roberto D’Aversa off to a flying start this evening, with a 2-0 win against Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, Giovanni Simeone and Duvan Zapata scoring to help secure an important three points.
Speaking at his first post-match press conference as Torino boss, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, D’Aversa was delighted with his side’s performance against the Biancocelesti.
“When there is a change of manager, a reaction is normal,” he said. “I’m pleased with the strikers’ goals, we had the courage to start them both immediately to send a signal. When everyone sees Zapata and Simeone working hard and sacrificing for the team, everyone gives more.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Roberto D’Aversa, Manager of Torino FC greets Maurizio Sarri, Manager of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Torino 2-0 Lazio – D’Aversa: ‘Important win, now we focus on Napoli’
He also credited his 3-4-2-1 system, noting that the same formation can be interpreted in very different ways depending on the approach. “We tried to occupy the width with Duvan attacking the depth. We had prepared it that way.”
On what message he delivered to his players before kick-off, D’Aversa was candid and refreshingly human.
“I reminded them that we were going out to play football, to be enthusiastic, to consider ourselves fortunate given what is happening in the rest of the world. We needed to restore enthusiasm and confidence.”
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 01: Duvan Zapata of Torino FC scores a second goal during the Serie A match on March 01, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
He was equally quick to keep expectations in check, repeatedly stressing that nothing had been achieved yet.
“We haven’t done anything,” he said more than once. “The win was important, but now we think about Napoli.”