Torino became serious Champions League contenders with an impressive 2-0 victory over AC Milan on Sunday evening.
With Daniele Baselli suspended, Sasa Lukic replaced the Italian midfielder, whilst Alex Berenguer continued to support Andrea Belotti in attack.
In a first half of few chances, the best of which fell to Suso, who had an early opportunity for the visitors, but the Spanish winger was denied by Salvatore Sirigu
At the start of the second half, Toro were awarded a penalty when Armando Izzo was pushed in the area by Franck Kessie. Andrea Belotti stepped forward and hit his penalty straight down the middle to give Toro the lead.
AC Milan came close to equalising, but Tiémoué Bakayoko's header from the edge of the area hit the crossbar. However, it was Toro who doubled their lead, as a poor defensive header from Mateo Musacchio was punished by Alex Berenguer's magnificent volley.
The away side were reduced to ten men when Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli was dismissed for dissent after sarcastically applauding the referee. The Granata were able to hold on and claim a vital victory, to increase their hopes of European football next season.
Forza Toro
Tuesday 30 April 2019
Sunday 28 April 2019
Torino v AC Milan
The Granata will be without the suspended Daniele Baselli and Simone Zaza, but Iago Falque and young striker Vincenzo Millico have both made a timely return to the squad following injury.
Gennaro Gattuso will be looking for a reaction from his side, who were eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Lazio in mid week, and have only picked up 1 point from their last three away games.
Prediction
Torino 1-1 AC Milan
Tuesday 23 April 2019
Genoa 0-1 Torino
Torino boosted their hopes of qualifying for Europe with a vital 1-0 win against Genoa on Saturday afternoon.
Andrea Belotti returned from suspension to the lead the line for the Granata, whilst Ola Aina returned to the starting eleven.
The home side had the first chance of the game, but Ervin Zukanovic put his free header wide of the post. Toro then had Salvatore Sirigu to thank for ensuring parity, as the former PSG goalkeeper made a sensational Gordon Banks-esque save to deny Lukas Lerager.
After a disappointing first half, the Granata started the second half much better and Daniele Baselli curled a low free kick narrowly wide.
Just before the hour mark, Toro took the lead when a swift counter attack was finished off by former Genoa man Cristian Ansaldi. Salvatore Sirigu once again made a sensational save to deny Genoa, this time from substitute Christian Kouamé's header.
Torino had a chance to increase the margin of victory in the dying stages, as Andrea Belotti set up Vittorio Parigini, but the youth team product was denied his first Toro goal by Ionut Radu.
Andrea Belotti returned from suspension to the lead the line for the Granata, whilst Ola Aina returned to the starting eleven.
The home side had the first chance of the game, but Ervin Zukanovic put his free header wide of the post. Toro then had Salvatore Sirigu to thank for ensuring parity, as the former PSG goalkeeper made a sensational Gordon Banks-esque save to deny Lukas Lerager.
After a disappointing first half, the Granata started the second half much better and Daniele Baselli curled a low free kick narrowly wide.
Just before the hour mark, Toro took the lead when a swift counter attack was finished off by former Genoa man Cristian Ansaldi. Salvatore Sirigu once again made a sensational save to deny Genoa, this time from substitute Christian Kouamé's header.
Torino had a chance to increase the margin of victory in the dying stages, as Andrea Belotti set up Vittorio Parigini, but the youth team product was denied his first Toro goal by Ionut Radu.
Friday 19 April 2019
Genoa v Torino Preview
Two successive draws have hampered Toro's European aspirations, but the Granata did achieve one of their best victories of the season in this stadium back in November - a 4-1 win over Sampdoria.
Andrea Belotti returns to the squad following suspension, whilst Ola Aina could be preferred to Lorenzo De Silvestri at right wing back.
Genoa have been in poor form since surprisingly beating Juventus last month, and have lost three of their last four matches - including the derby with Sampdoria last weekend.
Prediction
Genoa 1-1 Torino
Tuesday 16 April 2019
Torino 1-1 Cagliari
Torino lost ground on the teams chasing European football as they dropped two points at home to Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.
With Andrea Belotti suspended, Simone Zaza was given a rare start up front, and with Iago Falque still out, Alex Berenguer retained his place.
Alessio Cragno in the Cagliari goal made an excellent save to deny Daniele Baselli from just inside the area. At the other end, Artur Ionita almost gave the Sardinians a shock lead, but his powerful effort hit the bar.
Toro took the lead early in the second half as Armando Izzo kept the ball alive from a set piece and crossed for Simone Zaza to score just his third goal of the season.
However, the former Sassuolo man then turned from hero to zero as he was given a straight red card for dissent after being penalised by the referee.
Toro were punished almost immediately as Leonardo Pavoletti headed home a Luca Cigarini cross to equalise. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but was then correctly given following a VAR review.
Cagliari ended the game with 9 men as both Luca Pellegrini and Nicolo Barella were both dismissed for second yellow cards. The Granata almost snatched all three points in the dying seconds, but Daniele Baselli's free kick was tipped over the bar by Cragno.
With Andrea Belotti suspended, Simone Zaza was given a rare start up front, and with Iago Falque still out, Alex Berenguer retained his place.
Alessio Cragno in the Cagliari goal made an excellent save to deny Daniele Baselli from just inside the area. At the other end, Artur Ionita almost gave the Sardinians a shock lead, but his powerful effort hit the bar.
Toro took the lead early in the second half as Armando Izzo kept the ball alive from a set piece and crossed for Simone Zaza to score just his third goal of the season.
However, the former Sassuolo man then turned from hero to zero as he was given a straight red card for dissent after being penalised by the referee.
Toro were punished almost immediately as Leonardo Pavoletti headed home a Luca Cigarini cross to equalise. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but was then correctly given following a VAR review.
Cagliari ended the game with 9 men as both Luca Pellegrini and Nicolo Barella were both dismissed for second yellow cards. The Granata almost snatched all three points in the dying seconds, but Daniele Baselli's free kick was tipped over the bar by Cragno.
Saturday 13 April 2019
Torino v Cagliari Preview
The Granata are just four points behind AC Milan in 4th, and Toro could be unlikely challengers for the Champions League if they can continue their impressive home form.
However, Toro will be without top scorer Andrea Belotti through suspension, and with Iago Falque still injured, the Granata will have to rely on Simone Zaza - who has scored just twice in a disappointing campaign.
Cagliari are in good form, having won three of their last four games, although they have struggled on their travels this season. Before winning 3-0 at Chievo in their last away game, the Sardinians had lost five consecutive games away from home without scoring.
Prediction
Torino 1-0 Cagliari
Thursday 11 April 2019
Parma 0-0 Torino
Torino missed an opportunity in the race for European football as they could only manage a goalless draw away to Parma on Saturday afternoon.
The Granata name an unchanged starting eleven following Wednesday's impressive 2-1 victory over Sampdoria.
The first half was one of few chances, but Toro came closest to opening the scoring through Daniele Baselli, but his volley from outside the area went just wide of the post.
In the second half, Daniele Baselli once again had a good chance, but blazed over when he could have found Lorenzo De Silvestri in space.
Parma were presenting a threat on the counter attack, and full back Federico Dimarco forced a save out of Salvatore Sirigu.
Toro had a chance to claim all three points on their own chance on the counter attack through substitute Vittorio Parigini, but the youngster opted to go for goal rather than crossing for Simone Zaza who was better placed, and therefore had to settle for a point.
The Granata name an unchanged starting eleven following Wednesday's impressive 2-1 victory over Sampdoria.
The first half was one of few chances, but Toro came closest to opening the scoring through Daniele Baselli, but his volley from outside the area went just wide of the post.
In the second half, Daniele Baselli once again had a good chance, but blazed over when he could have found Lorenzo De Silvestri in space.
Parma were presenting a threat on the counter attack, and full back Federico Dimarco forced a save out of Salvatore Sirigu.
Toro had a chance to claim all three points on their own chance on the counter attack through substitute Vittorio Parigini, but the youngster opted to go for goal rather than crossing for Simone Zaza who was better placed, and therefore had to settle for a point.
Saturday 6 April 2019
Parma v Torino Preview
Lorenzo De Silvestri has been included in the squad, despite picking up an injury in Wednesday's victory against Sampdoria, therefore Walter Mazzarri may name an unchanged starting eleven.
The home side have lost their last three games, but did cause an upset by beating Toro 2-1 in Turin back in November.
Prediction
Parma 1-2 Torino
Torino 2-1 Sampdoria
Torino produced one of their finest performances of the season as they beat fellow Europa League contenders Sampdoria 2-1 on Wednesday evening.
As expected, Nicolas Nkoulou returned from suspension, whilst Alex Berenguer was preferred to the out of form Simone Zaza in attack.
Toro made the brighter start and took a deserved lead ten minutes before half time when Lorenzo De Silvestri's floated cross was sensationally headed home at the far post by Andrea Belotti.
On the stroke of half time, Toro doubled their lead when Cristian Ansaldi's cross was only partially cleared by Joachim Anderson, and Andrea Belotti finished well with the outside of his right foot.
The Torino captain came close to sealing a perfect hat trick, but his left foot shot from just outside the area narrowly whistled past the post.
The away side were struggling to create many chances, but Salvatore Sirigu made a good save to deny Gaston Ramirez's half volley. Another former Southampton player, Manolo Gabbiadini did ensure a nervy last ten minutes for the Granata, as he reduced the deficit with a fine left footed strike from outside the area.
However, Toro were able to hold on to seal a crucial three points in their quest for European qualification.
Forza Toro
As expected, Nicolas Nkoulou returned from suspension, whilst Alex Berenguer was preferred to the out of form Simone Zaza in attack.
Toro made the brighter start and took a deserved lead ten minutes before half time when Lorenzo De Silvestri's floated cross was sensationally headed home at the far post by Andrea Belotti.
On the stroke of half time, Toro doubled their lead when Cristian Ansaldi's cross was only partially cleared by Joachim Anderson, and Andrea Belotti finished well with the outside of his right foot.
The Torino captain came close to sealing a perfect hat trick, but his left foot shot from just outside the area narrowly whistled past the post.
The away side were struggling to create many chances, but Salvatore Sirigu made a good save to deny Gaston Ramirez's half volley. Another former Southampton player, Manolo Gabbiadini did ensure a nervy last ten minutes for the Granata, as he reduced the deficit with a fine left footed strike from outside the area.
However, Toro were able to hold on to seal a crucial three points in their quest for European qualification.
Forza Toro
Tuesday 2 April 2019
Torino v Sampdoria Preview
Nicolas Nkoulou will return to the starting eleven following suspension, although Iago Falque picked up an injury against Fiorentina and will miss out.
Sampdoria are one of the form teams in the division, having won four of their last five games which has catapulted them into the conversation for European qualification.
However, the reverse fixture back in November was arguably Torino's finest performance of the season as they claimed an impressive 4-1 victory.
Prediction
Torino 1-1 Sampdoria
Fiorentina 1-1 Torino
Torino fought back to earn a point against Fiorentina on Sunday afternoon as they stayed in touch with their fellow Europa League challengers.
As expected, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Emiliano Moretti replaced the suspended Ola Aina and Nicolas Nkoulou, whilst Iago Falque partnered Andrea Belotti upfront.
The Granata were behind after only seven minutes, as comical defending allowed Giovanni Simeone to beat the offside trap and round Salvatore Sirigu to score.
That goal seemed to wake the Granata up from a sluggish start, and they were level just after the half hour mark. Iago Falque held the ball up well, before setting up Daniele Baselli who curled a sensational strike into the top corner from just outside the area.
Salvatore Sirigu was once again Toro's hero as he first denied Giovanni Simeone and then former Toro man Marco Benassi to ensure the two teams went in at half time level.
Alban Lafont almost had an embarrassing moment as Cristian Ansaldi almost caught the young Frenchman off his line with a quickly taken free kick from the half way line, however the Argentine's effort went just over the bar.
Toro perhaps had the better of the second half, but it was the hosts who probably should have claimed all three points, but substitute Dusan Vlahovic headed over from close range and both sides had to settle for a point.
Forza Toro
As expected, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Emiliano Moretti replaced the suspended Ola Aina and Nicolas Nkoulou, whilst Iago Falque partnered Andrea Belotti upfront.
The Granata were behind after only seven minutes, as comical defending allowed Giovanni Simeone to beat the offside trap and round Salvatore Sirigu to score.
That goal seemed to wake the Granata up from a sluggish start, and they were level just after the half hour mark. Iago Falque held the ball up well, before setting up Daniele Baselli who curled a sensational strike into the top corner from just outside the area.
Salvatore Sirigu was once again Toro's hero as he first denied Giovanni Simeone and then former Toro man Marco Benassi to ensure the two teams went in at half time level.
Alban Lafont almost had an embarrassing moment as Cristian Ansaldi almost caught the young Frenchman off his line with a quickly taken free kick from the half way line, however the Argentine's effort went just over the bar.
Toro perhaps had the better of the second half, but it was the hosts who probably should have claimed all three points, but substitute Dusan Vlahovic headed over from close range and both sides had to settle for a point.
Forza Toro
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