Sampdoria 1-2 Torino

Torino produced a magnificent second half performance as they came back from behind to beat Sampdoria 2-1 on Friday night, a result that took them to the top of the Serie B table.

The Luigi Ferraris in Genoa is one of the more picturesque stadiums in Italian football, and a large crowd had come to see this clash between two sides who were both unbeaten in their opening six games.

Torino made a number of changes to the team that were victorious against Nocerina, with Valerio Di Cesare, Alessandro Parisi and Rolando Bianchi all returning to the starting eleven. However, perhaps the most surprising selection was in midfield, as young Romanian midfielder Sergiu Suciu was given his first start for the club.

Sampdoria started the game the well, with their strike force of Massimo Maccarone and Cristian Bertani looking particularly dangerous in the opening stages. It was the latter, Bertani, who had the first opportunity of the match, but his shot from 30 yards was tipped over the bar by Ferdinando Coppola in the Torino goal.

Coppola was once again forced into action as the home side began to dominate, this time the former Siena goalkeeper had to get down low in order parry Pedro Obiang's deflected shot.

Sampdoria deservedly took the lead after twenty minutes, as an unmarked Andrea Costa was able to head home from Franco Semioli's cross. After taking the lead, Samp took their foot off the gas a little and that allowed Torino to get a foothold into the match.

And just five minutes before half time, Torino were level, with virtually their first clear cut chance of the game. Serbian winger Alen Stevanovic dribbled into the area and his cut back found Sergiu Suciu, whose first time half-volley from 15 yards beat Angelo Da Costa in the Sampdoria goal.

In the second half, Samp looked a shadow of the side who had dominated for long spells in the first half, and that allowed Torino to gain the upper hand in the match. Toro coach Giampiero Ventura was also very positive in his substitutions, as he replaced the injured Suciu, with Giulio Ebagua - a striker.

And Toro were rewarded for their positivity, as with just fifteen minutes remaining, they took the lead. After a quick counter attack, Mirco Antenucci dribbled to the edge of the area and then laid the ball off to Rolando Bianchi, who took a touch to set himself, before unleashing a fierce shot into the corner of the net.

Torino saw out the remainder of the match with ease, with Matteo Darmian and Angelo Ogbonna particularly impressive in keeping Sampdoria at bay. Despite starting the game very slowly, in the end, Torino were well worth the three points thanks to a magnificent second half performance.

This result took Torino to the top of the table for the first time this season, but they will not have long to dwell on that achievement, as they will be back in action on Wednesday evening as they face Grosseto at home. Whilst it would be a lot like Torino to slip up in what looks like an easier game, lets hope they can continue their fine form and gain another three points.

Forza Torino