Motta urges Juventus to find a winning habit
Thiago Motta stressed the need for Juventus to put together a run of victories after recording more draws than any other Serie A side this season.
Juventus has had a mixed campaign so far. It is currently unbeaten after 18 league games for only the third time. However, it sits fifth in Serie A having recorded 11 draws, and is 12 points behind league leader Napoli.
This weekend's game marks the 183rd Turin derby in all competitions since 1929-1930 - since 2000, Juventus has only lost one of its 36 official matches against Torino, winning 27 and drawing eight.
Juve has also kept three successive clean sheets against Torino in the league. It has not managed at least four shutouts in a row since a streak of 10 between 2002 and 2014.
Motta insisted the team had improved under his management this season, but acknowledged it needed to start earning more wins.
"It's essential for us to find continuity in our results. We need to improve and give our best every day to achieve victory," Motta said.
"In these 26 matches, we've only lost twice [once in the UEFA Champions League and in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final] with a very young squad."
Motta confirmed that Dusan Vlahovic, Juventus's top scorer in the league this season with seven goals, Francisco Conceicao, and the suspended Manuel Locatelli would be unavailable for the Torino match, with Douglas Luiz potentially getting a chance in midfield.
Since joining Juventus from Aston Villa in June, the Brazilian has made just nine Serie A appearances, two of which were starts. He is yet to register any goals or assists in the competition, but has created nine chances in 294 minutes on the field.
"He [Douglas Luiz] is a high-level midfielder who can play in the three positions we use," Motta said.
"He can score goals and provide the final pass, he has creativity, and he knows how to build up. He can do more defensively, like everyone else. He can cover three positions and have freedom in a context."
Motta also hinted at appointing a new captain, with veteran defender Danilo seeking to leave the club, according to reports.
"Without Manu [Locatelli], you will see who is the captain tomorrow," Motta said.
"What matters is the recognition from the team-mates. The coach observes and tries to show the right path to becoming a leader, especially by setting an example.
"There is always room for new leaders who are developing."
