Juric Outlines Torino’s Future Plan, Names Gineitis as the Way Forward

Torino FC appears set to gain from its own ranks with the rising star Gvidas Gineitis receiving increasing attention on the field, despite constant injuries plaguing the team.

While continuous medical issues, controversial referee decisions and locker room dramas (notably involving Radonjic) have certainly hindered the team’s pursuit of higher league standings, this is not to say coach Ivan Juric and his squad have made excuses. European ambition remains seemingly elusive, especially for the Piedmont-based outfit, even at full strength. Moreover, any team in the season build-up inevitably contends with occasional player knock-outs.

Despite these setbacks, it becomes clear that a certain disturbance in the physical integrity of Torino players has occurred. The seismic ruptures to their defensive unit brought about by injuries to Perr Schuurs, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Ricardo Rodriguez have created obstacles for the Piedmontese club. Not to mention the consequential midfield absence of Ivan Ilic after his recent scuffle against Fiorentina.

The Serbian, formerly playing for Hellas Verona, will be out for not less than a month and a half, creating an opening for one of the few players capable of filling in, Gvidas Gineitis. The young Lithuanian talent, who will turn 20 in April, could be considered Torino’s major coup in the winter transfer market. The player has shown his skills in Central Midfield and also as a Defensive Midfielder, providing glimpses of his talent in Serie A this season.

In his 12 appearances in Italy’s top flight, he has often come on as a substitute in the final minutes. Nonetheless, the young native of Mažeikiai has shown promising signs on the field, offering insightful passes and impressive footwork that have occasionally drawn applause from the Grande Torino fans.

Now, however, Gineitis faces a new challenge. Simply making appearances will no longer suffice. From tomorrow, he is expected to take the reins of Torino’s midfield, especially against Napoli, due to Ricci’s suspension. Juric is likely to keep a closer eye on him from the touchline. This was also implied by the Croatian coach in a press conference on the eve of the match against Napoli.

“Gineitis is a lad we can build on, he has the right qualities: he does not excel in certain situations, but has the ability to learn and improve. I didn’t want to loan him out because I wanted to work with him. He has the potential to become an excellent player. These are his first games, but he will have more continuity, and we wish to cultivate a player for Torino’s future. Like Buongiorno, he is eager to learn and listens a lot. I’m optimistic about his future,” Juric confidently stated.