Torino made it to the half way point of the season with their unbeaten away record still in tact as they drew 1-1 with Lazio on Saturday afternoon.
As expected, Salvatore Sirigu and Koffi Djidji returned to the starting eleven, whilst Lorenzo De Silvestri was preferred to Ola Aina at right wing back.
Toro had the first chance of the game, but former Lazio man De Silvestri saw his header from Cristian Ansaldi's cross come back off the post.
At the other end, it was former Toro striker Ciro Immobile who almost opened the scoring, but he was denied by Salvatore Sirigu.
On the stroke of half time, Toro were awarded a penalty when Adam Marusic pushed Andrea Belotti in the area. Belotti stepped up to take the penalty, and his powerful effort did enough to beat Thomas Strakosha.
Torino should have doubled their lead early in the second half when the ball diverted into the path of an unmarked Lorenzo De Silvestri, but the wing back blazed his effort over the bar.
It did not take long for Toro to be punished for that miss, as just after the hour mark, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic equalised with a sensational long range effort.
It was proving not be De Silvestri's day as the defender hit the post again with a header, after first having a shot cleared off the line.
The game had an ill tempered ending as both Adam Marusic and then Soualiho Meïté saw red as both sides had to make do with a point.
Forza Toro
Sunday 30 December 2018
Saturday 29 December 2018
Lazio v Torino Preview
Salvatore Sirigu has recovered from injury and is included in the squad, whilst Koffi Djidji should also replace Emiliano Moretti in defence.
The home side have recently managed to come into good form, winning their last two matches after previously going five games without a win.
Torino managed to win this fixture 3-1 last season, thanks in part to former Toro player Ciro Immobile being sent off before half time.
Prediction
Lazio 1-1 Torino
Torino 3-0 Empoli
Torino produced one of their most convincing performances of the season on Boxing Day as they beat Empoli 3-0 at the Stadio Grande Torino.
As expected Iago Falque, Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza all started in attack, whilst Lorenzo De Silvestri came back into the starting eleven.
Andrea Belotti came closest to giving Toro the lead, but first he was denied by goalkeeper Ivan Provedel and then he was denied by the post.
However, on the stroke of half time, Torino got the goal they deserved when Nicolas N'Koulou headed home from a corner.
The Granata doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Lorenzo De Silvestri fired into the top corner from outside the area with his weaker left foot.
Torino then wrapped up the points thanks to another goal from outside the area, this time it was Iago Falque who fired a low drive into the net from distance.
Forza Toro
As expected Iago Falque, Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza all started in attack, whilst Lorenzo De Silvestri came back into the starting eleven.
Andrea Belotti came closest to giving Toro the lead, but first he was denied by goalkeeper Ivan Provedel and then he was denied by the post.
However, on the stroke of half time, Torino got the goal they deserved when Nicolas N'Koulou headed home from a corner.
The Granata doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Lorenzo De Silvestri fired into the top corner from outside the area with his weaker left foot.
Torino then wrapped up the points thanks to another goal from outside the area, this time it was Iago Falque who fired a low drive into the net from distance.
Forza Toro
Wednesday 26 December 2018
Torino v Empoli Preview
Salvatore Sirigu misses out again through injury, so Salvador Ichazo will retain his place in goal, whilst Emiliano Moretti or Lyanco could replace Koffi Djidji in defence.
Newly promoted Empoli are currently clear of the relegation places, but have lost their last two games and have not won an away game all season.
Prediction
Torino 3-1 Empoli
Sassuolo 1-1 Torino
Torino had an injury time winner disallowed by VAR after conceding a late equaliser themselves in a 1-1 draw away to Sassuolo on Saturday afternoon.
Salvador Ichazo started in place of the injured Salvatore Sirigu, whilst Iago Falque was only fit enough for a place on the bench, so Simone Zaza retained his place up front.
It was Simone Zaza who had the best chance of the first half for Toro, as he was put through on goal by Andrea Belotti, but he was denied by home keeper Andrea Consigli.
At the other end, Domenico Berardi somehow managed to miss from close range when it appeared easier to score.
Torino took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Zaza returned the favour and played in Andrea Belotti who finished well from a difficult angle.
However, Sassuolo equalised in injury time as Toro failed to clear a corner, and Enrico Brignola who took the set piece, was able to ghost in at the far post to head home.
The drama was not yet over though, as Toro thought they had claimed a late winning goal after Iago Falque tapped in Ola Aina's low cross, but after an agonising wait and VAR referral it was disallowed due to Aina being offside.
Forza Toro
Salvador Ichazo started in place of the injured Salvatore Sirigu, whilst Iago Falque was only fit enough for a place on the bench, so Simone Zaza retained his place up front.
It was Simone Zaza who had the best chance of the first half for Toro, as he was put through on goal by Andrea Belotti, but he was denied by home keeper Andrea Consigli.
At the other end, Domenico Berardi somehow managed to miss from close range when it appeared easier to score.
Torino took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Zaza returned the favour and played in Andrea Belotti who finished well from a difficult angle.
However, Sassuolo equalised in injury time as Toro failed to clear a corner, and Enrico Brignola who took the set piece, was able to ghost in at the far post to head home.
The drama was not yet over though, as Toro thought they had claimed a late winning goal after Iago Falque tapped in Ola Aina's low cross, but after an agonising wait and VAR referral it was disallowed due to Aina being offside.
Forza Toro
Friday 21 December 2018
Sassuolo v Torino Preview
Salvatore Sirigu will miss the trip following the back injury he suffered against Juventus, but Iago Falque has recovered from his own injury and is included in the squad.
The home side have made a promising start to the season under former Foggia coach Roberto De Zerbi and are currently two points above the Granata in 8th place.
Prediction
Sassuolo 1-1 Torino
Thursday 20 December 2018
Torino 0-1 Juventus
Torino once again suffered Derby Della Mole heartbreak as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to
Juventus.
Toro were dealt a blow as Iago Falque missed out through injury, so he was replaced upfront by Simone Zaza.
Juventus had a great chance to take the lead however Cristiano Ronaldo's volley was tipped round the post by Salvatore Sirigu. Sirigu was struggling even to make that save after suffering an injury after a collision with Emre Can, and he was replaced in goal by Salvador Ichazo.
Juventus.
Toro were dealt a blow as Iago Falque missed out through injury, so he was replaced upfront by Simone Zaza.
Juventus had a great chance to take the lead however Cristiano Ronaldo's volley was tipped round the post by Salvatore Sirigu. Sirigu was struggling even to make that save after suffering an injury after a collision with Emre Can, and he was replaced in goal by Salvador Ichazo.
At the other end, Andrea Belotti's clever knock back from a corner almost gave Armando Izzo a chance to score, but the ball was smothered by a combination of Juventus defenders and Mattia Perin.
In the second half, Torino thought they should have had a penalty when Simone Zaza was clearly dragged back by Alex Sandro in the area. However, referee Marco Guida failed to consult VAR and waved play on.
At the other end, Ichazo was proving to be an able deputy and made an excellent save to deny Blaise Matuidi from close range.
However, the turning point occurred with twenty minutes remaining when Juventus were awarded a penalty after Ichazo upended Mario Mandzukic after Simone Zaza's weak back pass allowed the Croatian to intercept.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the penalty, but was then booked following an incident where he made contact with goalkeeper Ichazo as part of his celebration.
Mario Mandzukic had a goal of his own disallowed for offside, but even that reprieve could not save Toro as they were unable to find an equaliser and fell to another derby defeat.
Forza Toro
Saturday 15 December 2018
Torino v Juventus Preview
Torino host city rivals Juventus in the 'Derby Della Mole' on Saturday evening, with the Granata hoping to give their fans the perfect Christmas present.
Toro's record in this fixture makes depressing reading for Torino fans, with only one victory since 1995 which came three years ago thanks to goals from Matteo Darmian and Fabio Quagliarella.
Ola Aina may continue at right wing back, whilst Iago Falque picked up an injury in training so could miss out.
Juventus' recent dominance of Italian football shows no signs of abating as they are currently eight points clear at the top of the Serie A table. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start and experience a Turin derby for the first time.
Forza Toro
Tuesday 11 December 2018
AC Milan 0-0 Torino
Torino maintained their unbeaten away record with a promising performance as they drew 0-0 with AC Milan on Sunday evening.
Ola Aina was preferred to Lorenzo De Silvestri at right wing back whilst Daniele Baselli returned to the starting eleven in place of Simone Zaza.
Toro made the brighter start, and should have taken the lead in the early stages when Cristian Ansaldi's cross was met by Iago Falque, whose header was magnificently saved by Gianluigi
Donnarumma.
The Granata were continuing to create good chances and Andrea Belotti also should have scored after Tomas Rincon's cut back, but he blazed his volley over the bar.
Belotti came close once again with a low shot from outside the area that deflected narrowly wide of the post.
The home side had the better of the second half, and should have taken the lead in the dying moments of the game, but Patrick Cutrone somehow curled his shot off target from close range. However, that would have been harsh on Toro, who more than deserved their point.
Forza Toro
Ola Aina was preferred to Lorenzo De Silvestri at right wing back whilst Daniele Baselli returned to the starting eleven in place of Simone Zaza.
Toro made the brighter start, and should have taken the lead in the early stages when Cristian Ansaldi's cross was met by Iago Falque, whose header was magnificently saved by Gianluigi
Donnarumma.
The Granata were continuing to create good chances and Andrea Belotti also should have scored after Tomas Rincon's cut back, but he blazed his volley over the bar.
Belotti came close once again with a low shot from outside the area that deflected narrowly wide of the post.
The home side had the better of the second half, and should have taken the lead in the dying moments of the game, but Patrick Cutrone somehow curled his shot off target from close range. However, that would have been harsh on Toro, who more than deserved their point.
Forza Toro
Sunday 9 December 2018
AC Milan v Torino Preview
The three games the Granata have lost this season have all been on home soil, and Walter Mazzarri is expected to revert back to the system that worked well in Torino's best performance of the season at Sampdoria, with Iago Falque slightly behind Andrea Belotti in a 3-5-1-1 formation.
AC Milan have a defensive crisis at the moment, so former Toro loanee Ignazio Abate could feature as an auxiliary centre back. The home side have been in good form at the San Siro, winning four of their last five games, with the only defeat coming against Torino's local rivals Juventus.
Prediction
AC Milan 1-1 Torino
Torino 2-0 Südtirol
A much changed Torino team progressed to the last 16 of the Coppa Italia with a narrow 2-0 victory over Serie C side Südtirol.
Walter Mazzarri made ten changes from the team who beat Genoa in Serie A, with Simone Zaza the only player to keep his place.
Toro took the lead mid-way through the first half thanks to Roberto Soriano's low drive, that took a slight deflection to wrong-foot goalkeeper Daniel Offredi.
Torino failed to capitalise on their dominance in the second half, and were almost punished when the visitors had a goal wrongfully disallowed for offside.
However, that scare seemed to awaken the Granata who finally doubled their lead with ten minutes remaining through Simone Edera's nice finish.
Forza Toro
Walter Mazzarri made ten changes from the team who beat Genoa in Serie A, with Simone Zaza the only player to keep his place.
Toro took the lead mid-way through the first half thanks to Roberto Soriano's low drive, that took a slight deflection to wrong-foot goalkeeper Daniel Offredi.
Torino failed to capitalise on their dominance in the second half, and were almost punished when the visitors had a goal wrongfully disallowed for offside.
However, that scare seemed to awaken the Granata who finally doubled their lead with ten minutes remaining through Simone Edera's nice finish.
Forza Toro
Sunday 2 December 2018
Torino 2-1 Genoa
Torino came from behind to claim a vital three points as they beat 10 men Genoa 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Walter Mazzarri urged for Toro to make a positive start in Saturday's pre match press conference, and stayed true to his word by naming an attacking starting eleven.
Iago Falque, Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti started together for the first time, whilst Tomas Rincon returned from suspension in midfield.
Toro did make a bright start, with Cristian Ansaldi a constant threat on the left wing, but it was Genoa who had the first chance of the game on the counter attack when Krzysztof Piątek hit the post.
The Granata responded well and Andrea Belotti went close with a glancing header that went narrowly wide of the post. The game changed when former Hellas Verona player Romulo was sent off for Genoa, after the Brazilian received two yellow cards in the space of just three minutes.
However, it was Genoa who took the lead despite their numerical disadvantage as Christian Kouame took advantage of some terrible Toro defending from a corner to poke home.
In first half injury time, Torino equalised thanks to Cristian Ansaldi's excellent volley from outside of the area.
Incredibly, straight from the kick off, Toro regained the ball and won a penalty when Iago Falque was upended in the area by former Tottenham midfielder Sandro. Andrea Belotti stepped up to score the penalty to give the Granata a surprising half time lead.
The Granata had chances to increase their margin of victory in the second half, but goalkeeper Ionut Radu made two good saves to deny Andrea Belotti.
Torino held on to secure an important, albeit unconvincing victory that moves them up to 6th place in the Serie A table.
Forza Toro
Walter Mazzarri urged for Toro to make a positive start in Saturday's pre match press conference, and stayed true to his word by naming an attacking starting eleven.
Iago Falque, Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti started together for the first time, whilst Tomas Rincon returned from suspension in midfield.
Toro did make a bright start, with Cristian Ansaldi a constant threat on the left wing, but it was Genoa who had the first chance of the game on the counter attack when Krzysztof Piątek hit the post.
The Granata responded well and Andrea Belotti went close with a glancing header that went narrowly wide of the post. The game changed when former Hellas Verona player Romulo was sent off for Genoa, after the Brazilian received two yellow cards in the space of just three minutes.
However, it was Genoa who took the lead despite their numerical disadvantage as Christian Kouame took advantage of some terrible Toro defending from a corner to poke home.
In first half injury time, Torino equalised thanks to Cristian Ansaldi's excellent volley from outside of the area.
Incredibly, straight from the kick off, Toro regained the ball and won a penalty when Iago Falque was upended in the area by former Tottenham midfielder Sandro. Andrea Belotti stepped up to score the penalty to give the Granata a surprising half time lead.
The Granata had chances to increase their margin of victory in the second half, but goalkeeper Ionut Radu made two good saves to deny Andrea Belotti.
Torino held on to secure an important, albeit unconvincing victory that moves them up to 6th place in the Serie A table.
Forza Toro
Saturday 1 December 2018
Torino v Genoa Preview
Torino host Genoa on Sunday afternoon looking for a first home victory since a 3-2 win over Frosinone in early October.
Coach Walter Mazzarri has recovered from illness and will be back on the bench, whilst Tomas Rincon is now available following suspension.
Rincon is one of a number of former Genoa players currently in the Toro squad, alongside Armando Izzo, Cristian Ansaldi and Iago Falque who will all be hoping to start the game.
Genoa are without a victory in their last seven Serie A games, however, they have already achieved one surprise result in Turin this season, as they drew 1-1 with Juventus two months ago.
Prediction
Torino 3-1 Genoa
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