Torino moved to within just one point of leaders Pescara with a 1-0 victory at a snowy Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday evening.
Toro made just the one change from the side that drew with Varese in similar conditions on Saturday, as Nnamdi Oduamadi was given a rare start on the left wing in place of Alen Stevanovic.
It was the visitors who should of taken the lead in the opening stages but former Toro striker Elvis Abbruscato's shot was straight at Francesco Benussi. At the other end, it was the lively Nnamdi Oduamadi who created the Granata's first chance as he beat two defenders before forcing Alberto Frison to make a good save.
The Nigerian winger continued to be a threat on the left wing, and he could of had a penalty when his shot hit the hand of Alessando Bastrini, but it would have been harsh as the Vicenza defender was looking the other way.
Torino almost made an ideal start to the second half, as within 30 seconds, Riccardo Meggiorini had a great chance to score his first goal for the club. Strike partner Mirco Antenucci broke free on the right and delivered a fantastic cut back for Meggiorini, and from only eight yards out he failed to score as his shot was saved by Frison. Whilst it was a great save by the Vicenza keeper, the on loan striker should have still found the target.
Five minutes after that miss, Meggiorini was replaced by Rolando Bianchi, and the Torino fans gave their captain a great ovation after he turned down a move to Catania to stay at the club. With 25 minutes remaining, Toro finally got their breakthrough as substitute Alessandro Sgrigna found Juan Surraco on the right wing, and his cross was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Denis Tonucci.
The home side had their chances to extend the margin of victory as Alessandro Sgrigna, Rolando Bianchi, Mirco Antenucci and Giuseppe Vives all came close to scoring a second goal. It was Vives' effort - a chip from 20 yards out that was tipped over the bar by Frison, that came closest to finding the target.
Whilst it may not have been the most impressive performance, Torino recorded a much needed victory, and with a number of players who could still come into the team (Pasquato and Guberti), they are in a good position to mount a serious promotion challenge in the remaining seventeen games of the season.
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