With a number of first team players returning from suspension, Toro made a number of changes from the team that beat Siena last weekend. Winger Mario Santana also returned from injury, whilst Paulo Barreto also made his debut for the club and partnered Riccardo Meggiorini upfront.
Just as they did seven days ago against Siena, Torino made an excellent start and were ahead within five minutes. Alessio Cerci was allowed to cross the ball from the right wing, and Mario Santana beat the offside trap to mark his return from injury with a goal - although the Argentinean was somewhat fortunate with the finish.
The Granata continued to dominate proceedings, and should have doubled their lead when stand in Captain Danilo D'Ambrosio got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Riccardo Meggiorini, but from only six yards out the former Bari striker was unable to hit the target.
Despite being the home team, Pescara were finding it difficult to create chances - although winger Vladimir Weiss was looking dangerous and his long range shot went wide of Gillet's goal. Torino did double their lead four minutes before half time as a one-two between Alessio Cerci and Riccardo Meggiorini (which included a sublime assist by the latter) put Cerci through on goal, and the former Fiorentina man finished calmly to score.
After nearly letting a two goal lead slip against Siena last week, Toro were rightfully nervous despite their two goal lead, and Pescara should have reduced the deficit early in the second half. A right wing corner was flicked on at the near post to find an unmarked Birkir Bjarnason, but he was somehow denied by the legs of Jean Francois Gillet, who continued his run of fine form.
Former Torino striker Elvis Abbruscato twice came close to giving Pescara a goal back, but he was first denied by the side netting, and then by Gillet. With ten minutes remaining, Slovakian winger Vladimir Weiss was sent off, after receiving two yellow cards - both of which were for simulation.
Toro should have extended their lead in the closing stages, as Riccardo Meggiorini almost capped an impressive performance with a goal, but his left footed shot hit the post. This victory moved Torino up to 11th place, and an incredible 9 points away from the relegation zone. Whilst it is important not to get complacent, Torino are certainly on track to avoid relegation - and perhaps even achieve their highest league finish in the Urbano Cairo era.
Forza Torino
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