Everythiiing.com – US Edition | January 18, 2026
The build-up to the highly anticipated Serie A clash between Torino and AS Roma has been overshadowed by significant off-field developments concerning Torino’s midfield. Kristjan Asllani, the Albanian international currently on loan at the Turin club, appears to be on the verge of an exit, a situation dramatically confirmed by his exclusion from the matchday squad for today’s fixture against the Giallorossi.
Asllani Frozen Out: The Final Confirmation
The whispers surrounding Kristjan Asllani’s uncertain future at Torino have solidified into near certainty. Coach Marco Baroni, known for his pragmatic approach, made the definitive decision, leaving the midfielder out of the traveling party announced for the 6:00 PM local time kick-off against Roma. This decision transcends mere tactical rotation; it signals that Asllani is no longer factored into Baroni’s immediate or long-term plans at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
Asllani, who arrived in Turin on loan from Inter Milan, has struggled to secure consistent playing time and make the necessary impact many observers anticipated. While the loan agreement still has legs, the current stance from the management suggests that a January move is not just possible, but probable. For a player seeking regular minutes to maintain form and visibility, being excluded from a major fixture against a top-tier opponent like Roma is the clearest indication that his time in claret and black is drawing to a close.
The Baroni Effect on Squad Selection
Marco Baroni has been clear in his management style: commitment and integration into the team structure are paramount. Asllani’s recent performances and integration levels have evidently not met the required threshold for selection. The exclusion from the *convocati* (called-up players) list serves as a public testament to his peripheral status. This situation is common in the January transfer window, where clubs often prefer not to risk injury or emotional investment in players who are actively negotiating their departure.
Torino vs. Roma: What’s at Stake on the Pitch
While Asllani’s situation dominates the transfer narrative, the match itself remains crucial for both clubs competing in the upper echelons of the Serie A table. Torino prides itself on defensive solidity, often making life difficult for visiting sides, including the capital club.
Roma’s Ambitions Under Pressure
AS Roma enters this fixture looking to maintain momentum and solidify their European qualification spots. The pressure on Daniele De Rossi’s side is always significant, and dropping points against a sternly organized Torino side could prove costly as the season enters its decisive second half. Key players like Paulo Dybala (if fit) and the midfield engine room will need to be at their sharpest to unlock the *Granata* defense.
Torino’s Midfield Challenge Without Asllani
Without Asllani available, Baroni will rely on his established pivots. The absence of another body in the midfield pool, even a peripheral one, means less flexibility for in-game adjustments or covering potential injuries during the high-intensity contest. The focus will undoubtedly shift to the primary midfield pairing, who must deliver a performance marked by discipline and energy to neutralize Roma’s creative threats.
Where Could Kristjan Asllani Land Next?
The immediate question following the squad announcement is: where does a talented, albeit underutilized, player like Asllani go in January? The *Calciomercato* (transfer market) is always active, and several Italian clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation. The primary requirement for Asllani is guaranteed playing time, likely necessitating another loan move or a permanent transfer where he is guaranteed a central role.
Clubs in the lower half of Serie A, or perhaps teams in leagues like the Swiss Super League or even the Saudi Pro League, might present viable options, depending on the financial structure of the deal and Inter Milan’s willingness to facilitate his development elsewhere. His profile—a young, technically sound Albanian international—makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a low-risk, high-upside midfield reinforcement before the window slams shut.
The focus now shifts back to the pitch. As Torino prepares to host Roma, the narrative of a player on the brink of departure serves as a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of professional football, where performance on any given day dictates not just the result, but the very trajectory of a career.
