Torino produced a sensational second half performance to secure an excellent 3-1 victory against Hellas Verona on Monday evening.
The Granata made a few changes from the side that lost to Bologna, as Cesare Bovo replaced Nikola Maksimovic in defence, whilst Jasmin Kurtic also made his first start for the club in midfield.
The home side had an excellent chance to take the lead, but Vangelis Moras headed wide from a corner after Daniele Padelli had failed to collect the cross. Toro came close on the counter attack, but Salvatore Masiello blazed over the bar from Ciro Immobile's cut back.
Hellas were awarded a controversial penalty ten minutes before half time when Cesare Bovo was adjudged to have pulled back Juanito Gomez at a corner. Luca Toni stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Padelli the wrong way to give the home side the lead.
Torino started the second half extremely brightly and after only four minutes they were level, when Omar El Kaddouri's chipped pass found Ciro Immobile in space (as he was offside) and the striker fired home past Rafael.
And moments later Toro took the lead, and El Kaddouri was once again the provider as he set up Alessio Cerci to fire a vicious left footed shot from the edge of the area. On the hour mark, Cerci returned the favour as he set up the excellent El Kaddouri who swept the ball into the bottom corner, to give Toro a two goal advantage.
Padelli made a fine save from Luca Toni's header to maintain Toro's lead, and the same player also volleyed wide of the target when well placed. Toro held on for an impressive and deserved victory which will hopefully act as a much needed confidence boost ahead of the derby on Sunday.
Forza Toro!
Forza Toro!
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