Unlikely that Torino or FC Copenhagen will be lifting the Europa League trophy in 2015 but the match between the pair does offer perhaps the best betting opportunity on Thursday night.
The Danes succumbed to Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League qualifying to drop into this competition but they had shown enough class to get the better of Dnipro prior to that, without conceding a goal over two legs, and I suspect there is little between these two teams.
Norwegian manager Stale Solbakken saw his side start with a win at home versus HJK a fortnight ago but they began the domestic season slowly.
It is only three wins in nine Superliga matches to date but now just one defeat in five in all competitions and perhaps Thursday’s visitors are finding their stride.
A draw versus Juventus and victory over Galatasaray this time last year against Europe’s elite hints at Copenhagen’s overall ability and they should have nothing to fear from fairly limited opponents at the Stadio Olimpico.
Torino currently languish in the bottom half of Serie A after picking up just five points from as many opening fixtures and they were uninspiring when drawing with Club Brugge on opening night.
Much hope rests on new signing Fabio Quagliarella in attack, a summer transfer from Juventus, but Torino struggle for goals and it is just a solitary victory in six matches in all competitions.
Without a win at home this term, I find it hard to fathom how Giampiero Ventura’s side are such overwhelming favourites and don’t need too much encouragement to take them on.
A trip to Naples on Sunday awaits and perhaps Torino will have an eye on their clash with Napoli too.
3pts Lay Torino (vs. FC Copenhagen) @ 1.66 (Betfair)