Torino were eliminated from the Europa League as they lost 2-1 on the night in Wolverhampton and 5-3 on aggregate.
As expected, Ola Aina, Tomas Rincon and Sasa Lukic came into the starting eleven, whilst Kevin Bonifazi replaced the wantaway Nicolas Nkoulou who remained in Turin.
Toro started the better but could only create half chances with Ola Aina and Tomas Rincon firing wide. The home side then took the lead against the run of play when Adama Traore's cross was poked home by Raul Jimenez against the run of play.
Toro had a good chance to equalise before half time, but Simone Zaza's header was straight at goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
Ten minutes into the second half, the Granata did score a deserved equaliser when Daniele Baselli's free kick was headed home by Andrea Belotti. However, almost immediately, Wolves re-gained the lead in slightly fortuitous fashion as Bremer's poor clearance went straight to Leander Dendoncker and his shot hit both posts before going in.
With Toro needing two goals to force extra time, they were giving everything in order to prolong their European adventure and Simone Zaza missed two half chances before going off injured.
Soualiho Meite and Andrea Belotti also missed great chances when well placed in the dying stages, and that could have produced a frenetic ending - but it wasn't to be.
Forza Toro
Saturday 31 August 2019
Thursday 29 August 2019
Wolves v Torino Preview
Toro will be without Nicolas Nkoulou who has not travelled to England with speculation surrounding his future still remaining, whilst the injured Cristian Ansaldi should be replaced by Ola Aina in defence.
Wolves could only manage a 1-1 draw with Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend, and Nuno Espirito Santo may make changes for the second leg, with Adama Traore once again expected to feature.
Prediction
Wolves 1-1 Torino
Tuesday 27 August 2019
Torino 2-1 Sassuolo
Torino began the Serie A season with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Sassuolo at the Stadio Grande Torino on Sunday evening.
Kevin Bonifazi started in defence with Nicolas Nkoulou asking not to be considered for selection due to transfer speculation linking him with a move to Roma. In midfield, Sasa Lukic and Tomas Rincon replaced Alex Berenguer and Soualiho Meite who were disappointing in the defeat against Wolves.
Toro made a good start and were ahead on fourteen minutes when Cristian Ansaldi's cross was headed home by Simone Zaza. Toro almost doubled their lead after good play by Andrea Belotti, but Lorenzo De Silvestri was denied by Andrea Consigli.
At the start of the second half, Salvatore Sirigu made a miraculous save to deny Pedro Obiang from a corner and ensure parity.
Torino then doubled their lead in extremely fortuitous circumstances, as Andrea Belotti's shot from outside the area deflected off the heel of Simone Zaza and into the net. Incredibly, the goal has now been awarded to Belotti, rather than a brace for the former Sassuolo man.
The away side ensured a nervy ending for the Granata as Jeremie Boga's initial shot hit the post, but Francesco Caputo was on hand to tap home. Boga was continuing to cause problems for the Toro defence, and he forced a save from Salvatore Sirigu in the dying moments, but Torino did enough to hold on for all three points.
Forza Toro
Kevin Bonifazi started in defence with Nicolas Nkoulou asking not to be considered for selection due to transfer speculation linking him with a move to Roma. In midfield, Sasa Lukic and Tomas Rincon replaced Alex Berenguer and Soualiho Meite who were disappointing in the defeat against Wolves.
Toro made a good start and were ahead on fourteen minutes when Cristian Ansaldi's cross was headed home by Simone Zaza. Toro almost doubled their lead after good play by Andrea Belotti, but Lorenzo De Silvestri was denied by Andrea Consigli.
At the start of the second half, Salvatore Sirigu made a miraculous save to deny Pedro Obiang from a corner and ensure parity.
Torino then doubled their lead in extremely fortuitous circumstances, as Andrea Belotti's shot from outside the area deflected off the heel of Simone Zaza and into the net. Incredibly, the goal has now been awarded to Belotti, rather than a brace for the former Sassuolo man.
The away side ensured a nervy ending for the Granata as Jeremie Boga's initial shot hit the post, but Francesco Caputo was on hand to tap home. Boga was continuing to cause problems for the Toro defence, and he forced a save from Salvatore Sirigu in the dying moments, but Torino did enough to hold on for all three points.
Forza Toro
Sunday 25 August 2019
Torino v Sassuolo Preview
After the disappointing result against Wolves, Walter Mazzarri may make a few changes with speculation that Kevin Bonifazi may replace Nicolas Nkoulou in the back three.
Captain Andrea Belotti has scored spectacular overhead kicks in the last two home games against Sassuolo, and could complete a remarkable hat trick in this fixture.
Sassuolo will be without the suspended Domenico Berardi, but new signings Jeremy Toljan, Hamed Traore and Pedro Obiang should all make their league debuts.
Prediction
Torino 2-1 Sassuolo
Torino 2-3 Wolves
Torino will face a tough test to make it to the Europa League group stage, after they suffered a 1st leg defeat against Wolves at the Stadio Grande Torino on Thursday night.
With Iago Falque injured, Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti continued up front with Alex Berenguer supporting in a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Wolves had the first chance of the game, with right wing back Adama Traore causing problems for Torino, and his low cross found Diogo Jota, but Salvatore Sirigu produced a good save with his legs.
At the other end, Nicolas Nkoulou hit the crossbar with a header following an inch perfect cross from Armando Izzo. It was then Izzo himself who went close to giving Torino the lead, but he was denied by Rui Patricio.
On the stroke of half time, Wolves took the lead as Joao Moutinho's excellent free kick delivery was headed into his own net by Bremer.
On the hour mark, Wolves doubled their lead when Traore, causing havoc on the right, again found Diogo Jota in the area, and this time he made no mistake.
However, Torino immediately pulled a goal back when Cristian Ansaldi's excellent cross found Lorenzo De Silvestri who headed into the net.
Wolves re-established their two goal advantage ten minutes later when some hesitant Toro defending allowed Raul Jimenez to add a third goal.
Just when it seemed Torino's European adventure was going to be over, they were handed a lifeline when Ruben Vinagre upended Andrea Belotti in the area. The Toro captain stepped up and fired past Patricio to reduce the deficit once again.
In injury time, Belotti almost conjured up an incredible equaliser, but his long range effort was tipped round the post by Patricio.
Torino have now left themselves a difficult, but not impossible task to achieve in Wolverhampton as they must win by two clear goals in order to reach the group stage.
Forza Toro
With Iago Falque injured, Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti continued up front with Alex Berenguer supporting in a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Wolves had the first chance of the game, with right wing back Adama Traore causing problems for Torino, and his low cross found Diogo Jota, but Salvatore Sirigu produced a good save with his legs.
At the other end, Nicolas Nkoulou hit the crossbar with a header following an inch perfect cross from Armando Izzo. It was then Izzo himself who went close to giving Torino the lead, but he was denied by Rui Patricio.
On the stroke of half time, Wolves took the lead as Joao Moutinho's excellent free kick delivery was headed into his own net by Bremer.
On the hour mark, Wolves doubled their lead when Traore, causing havoc on the right, again found Diogo Jota in the area, and this time he made no mistake.
However, Torino immediately pulled a goal back when Cristian Ansaldi's excellent cross found Lorenzo De Silvestri who headed into the net.
Wolves re-established their two goal advantage ten minutes later when some hesitant Toro defending allowed Raul Jimenez to add a third goal.
Just when it seemed Torino's European adventure was going to be over, they were handed a lifeline when Ruben Vinagre upended Andrea Belotti in the area. The Toro captain stepped up and fired past Patricio to reduce the deficit once again.
In injury time, Belotti almost conjured up an incredible equaliser, but his long range effort was tipped round the post by Patricio.
Torino have now left themselves a difficult, but not impossible task to achieve in Wolverhampton as they must win by two clear goals in order to reach the group stage.
Forza Toro
Wednesday 21 August 2019
Torino v Wolves Preview
Toro have an almost full strength squad at their disposal, however Lyanco and Iago Falque are missing through injury. Walter Mazzarri may choose to reinforce the midfield against their English opponents, so Tomas Rincon, Daniele Baselli and Soualiho Meite could all feature.
Wolves played Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday evening, and an improved second half performance meant they picked up an impressive 1-1 draw. Wolves coach Nuno Espírito Santo does not tend to rotate his preferred starting eleven that often, so an unchanged team is perhaps likely.
Prediction
Torino 0-0 Wolves
Tuesday 20 August 2019
Shakhtyor Soligorsk 1-1 Torino
Torino could only manage a 1-1 draw in Belarus against Shakhtyor Soligorsk, however, the Granata still progressed to the next round of the Europa League 6-1 on aggregate.
Walter Mazzarri rotated his team as Kevin Bonifazi, Tomas Rincon and Sasa Lukic all came into the starting eleven from the first leg.
The home side started well, and Max Ebong Ngome came close to opening the scoring and was unlucky to see his effort come back off the crossbar.
Toro started to create more chances in the second half, as both Simone Zaza and Lorenzo De Silvestri went close. With ten minutes remaining, Torino opened the scoring with a sensational solo effort from Zaza, who picked the ball and navigated past two challenges before finishing well in the bottom corner.
However, in injury time Shakhtyor were awarded a penalty when substitute Nikolai Yanush was upended in the area by Salvatore Sirigu. Yanush emphatically converted the penalty to give the Belarusian side the goal they ultimately deserved on the night, but it was Toro who progressed to the Playoff Round.
Torino will now face a tough tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a place in the Europa League group stage at stake.
Forza Toro
Walter Mazzarri rotated his team as Kevin Bonifazi, Tomas Rincon and Sasa Lukic all came into the starting eleven from the first leg.
The home side started well, and Max Ebong Ngome came close to opening the scoring and was unlucky to see his effort come back off the crossbar.
Toro started to create more chances in the second half, as both Simone Zaza and Lorenzo De Silvestri went close. With ten minutes remaining, Torino opened the scoring with a sensational solo effort from Zaza, who picked the ball and navigated past two challenges before finishing well in the bottom corner.
However, in injury time Shakhtyor were awarded a penalty when substitute Nikolai Yanush was upended in the area by Salvatore Sirigu. Yanush emphatically converted the penalty to give the Belarusian side the goal they ultimately deserved on the night, but it was Toro who progressed to the Playoff Round.
Torino will now face a tough tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a place in the Europa League group stage at stake.
Forza Toro
Wednesday 14 August 2019
Shakhtyor Soligorsk v Torino Preview
The Granata may choose to rest a few key players given their 5-0 advantage from the first leg, so Kevin Bonifazi, Tomas Rincon and Sasa Lukic could feature.
The home side may have lost convincingly in Turin, but that did not seem to bother Shakhtyor domestically as they beat Neman Grodno 6-0 at the weekend.
Prediction
Shakhtyor Soligorsk 1-2 Torino
Tuesday 13 August 2019
Torino 5-0 Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Torino produced an impressive European performance as they thrashed their Belarusian counterparts Shakhtyor Soligorsk 5-0 at the Stadio Grande Torino on Thursday night.
The Granata made a dream start when Andrea Belotti headed home with just sixty seven seconds on the clock.
Toro then doubled their lead thanks to another set piece, this time it was Armando Izzo who was able to nod in at the far post. The away side should have pulled a goal back ten minutes before half time after a nicely worked move, however Pavel Rybak somehow chipped over the bar when well placed.
Rybak's night went from bad to worse as he conceded a penalty after fouling Alex Berenguer in the area, and Andrea Belotti made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-0.
Lorenzo De Silvestri added a fortuitous fourth goal after an attempted clearance by a defender ricocheted off the wing back and into the net. Substitute Kevin Bonifazi added a fifth goal after Andrea Belotti's free kick could only be parried by the goalkeeper.
The result was harsh on the visitors who did have their chances, but Toro will travel to Belarus with a healthy first leg advantage.
Forza Toro
The Granata made a dream start when Andrea Belotti headed home with just sixty seven seconds on the clock.
Toro then doubled their lead thanks to another set piece, this time it was Armando Izzo who was able to nod in at the far post. The away side should have pulled a goal back ten minutes before half time after a nicely worked move, however Pavel Rybak somehow chipped over the bar when well placed.
Rybak's night went from bad to worse as he conceded a penalty after fouling Alex Berenguer in the area, and Andrea Belotti made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-0.
Lorenzo De Silvestri added a fortuitous fourth goal after an attempted clearance by a defender ricocheted off the wing back and into the net. Substitute Kevin Bonifazi added a fifth goal after Andrea Belotti's free kick could only be parried by the goalkeeper.
The result was harsh on the visitors who did have their chances, but Toro will travel to Belarus with a healthy first leg advantage.
Forza Toro
Wednesday 7 August 2019
Torino v Shakhtyor Soligorsk Preview
Walter Mazzarri is not expected to make many changes from the side that beat Debrecen 7-1 on aggregate in the previous round, especially as Iago Falque is still unavailable.
The Belarusian side are currently mid-way through their league season, and are currently third after fourteen matches. There will be a familiar face in the Shakhtyor team, as Ukrainian defender Vasyl Pryima is a former Toro player, but only made one appearance, with that coming in a Coppa Italia tie.
Prediction
Torino 2-0 Shakhtyor Soligorsk
Monday 5 August 2019
Debrecen 1-4 Torino
Torino qualified for the third qualifying round of the Europa League after a comfortable victory in Hungary secured a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza had both had good opportunities to give Toro the lead before the latter finally opened the scoring with a nicely taken left footed finish.
The Granata then doubled their lead just five minutes later when Armando Izzo tapped home at the far post.
Simone Zaza almost added a sensational third goal, but his chipped effort from almost 40 yards went just wide of the post.
The home side pulled a goal back just after the break when Nigerian striker Haruna Garba headed home from close range.
However, the Granata restored their two goal lead on the night after great interplay by Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti allowed the Toro captain to score.
Torino added a fourth goal in injury time, with youngster Vincenzo Millico coming off the bench to score his first senior goal with a looping header.
Toro will now face Belarusian side Shakhtyor Soligorsk in the next round.
Forza Toro
Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza had both had good opportunities to give Toro the lead before the latter finally opened the scoring with a nicely taken left footed finish.
The Granata then doubled their lead just five minutes later when Armando Izzo tapped home at the far post.
Simone Zaza almost added a sensational third goal, but his chipped effort from almost 40 yards went just wide of the post.
The home side pulled a goal back just after the break when Nigerian striker Haruna Garba headed home from close range.
However, the Granata restored their two goal lead on the night after great interplay by Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti allowed the Toro captain to score.
Torino added a fourth goal in injury time, with youngster Vincenzo Millico coming off the bench to score his first senior goal with a looping header.
Toro will now face Belarusian side Shakhtyor Soligorsk in the next round.
Forza Toro
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