Torino prepared for Thursday's crucial Europa League tie against Zenit with a 2-0 home defeat against Champions League chasing Lazio on Monday evening.
Giampiero Ventura's team selection suggested that his attention was already on Thursday's game, as fringe players Pontus Jansson, Gaston Silva, Migjen Basha and Amauri came into the starting eleven.
Marco Parolo had Lazio's best chance of the first half, but his near post shot was tipped over the bar by Daniele Padelli. At the other end, Amauri's header forced a great save from former Toro man Federico Marchetti, whilst Josef Martinez put the rebound wide of the post.
Substitute Keita Baldé somehow missed a one on one opportunity when well placed, and it looked as though Toro may hold on for a point. However, with twenty minutes remaining Felipe Anderson scored a wonderful solo effort that begun on the centre circle, before finishing calmly past Padelli.
Toro's best chance for an equaliser came from Matteo Darmian, but the Italy international's long range shot was tipped round the post by Marchetti.
The result was put beyond any doubt with twelve minutes remaining, and once again it was Felipe Anderson, but this time the Brazilian needed the help of a deflection to get the ball into the net.
With this game sandwiched between the two Europa League ties against Zenit, it did seem as if Toro's attention was elsewhere, and if the Granata do manage to eliminate the Russian side, then this game and performance will be quickly forgotten.
Forza Toro!
No comments:
Post a Comment