Torino were moments away from a place in the Coppa Italia Semi Finals, but late heartbreak resulted in an extra time defeat to AC Milan on Tuesday evening.
The home side took an early lead through Giacomo Bonaventura following good work by Ante Rebic. However, Toro got a deserved equaliser from an unlikely source as Brazilian centre back Bremer galloped forward and finished like a prolific striker.
With twenty minutes remaining, Toro took the lead when Ola Aina's excellent crossed was headed home by Bremer, to get his second goal of the game.
In the first minute of injury time, substitute Hakan Calhanoglu equalised for Milan as his long range strike deflected off Koffi Djidji and past Salvatore Sirigu in the Toro goal to take the match to extra time.
In the first half of extra time, Toro had some good opportunities but were unable to find a breakthrough. The Granata were then punished as at the start of the second half, Calhanoglu fired and excellent shot past Sirigu to give the home side the lead. Moments later, Milan added a fourth goal when substitutes Rafael Leão and Zlatan Ibrahimovic combined to ensure it was the Rossoneri who progressed to the Semi Finals.
Forza Toro
Wednesday 29 January 2020
Monday 27 January 2020
Torino 0-7 Atalanta
Torino suffered their heaviest home defeat in history on a night to forget at the Stadio Grande Torino on Saturday evening.
Atalanta took an early lead when poor defending from Diego Laxalt allowed José Palomino to charge down his attempted clearance, and then provide an excellent cross to allow Josip Iličić to score.
The away side doubled their lead ten minutes later when German wing back Robin Gosens volleyed home from outside the area following a corner.
It was 3-0 just before half time when the referee awarded a generous penalty when Sasa Lukic pulled back Iličić in the area, and Duvan Zapata made no mistake from the spot.
Torino actually made a bright start to the second half, and had a chance to pull a goal back, but Andrea Belotti was denied by Pierluigi Gollini.
However, the game was put beyond any doubt after a moment of genius by Josip Iličić. The Slovenian reacted quickly when a free kick was awarded to Atalanta on the half way line, and he shot directly at goal to catch Salvatore Sirigu off his line.
Toro struggled to recover psychologically from that goal, and conceded almost immediately from kick off as Iličić found himself unmarked to complete his hat trick.
The home side then lost their discipline at 5-0 down, as Armando Izzo was sent off for a second yellow card.
Atalanta were awarded a second penalty of the match when Soualiho Meite upended Rafael Tolói in the area. Substitute Luis Muriel sent Salvatore Sirigu the wrong way to make it 6-0, whilst the Columbian striker then made it 7-0 moments later.
Toro were reduced to nine men in stoppage time when Sasa Lukic received a straight red card for a late challenge on Papu Gomez as the Granata faithful looked on in disbelief of what they had just witnessed.
Forza Toro
Atalanta took an early lead when poor defending from Diego Laxalt allowed José Palomino to charge down his attempted clearance, and then provide an excellent cross to allow Josip Iličić to score.
The away side doubled their lead ten minutes later when German wing back Robin Gosens volleyed home from outside the area following a corner.
It was 3-0 just before half time when the referee awarded a generous penalty when Sasa Lukic pulled back Iličić in the area, and Duvan Zapata made no mistake from the spot.
Torino actually made a bright start to the second half, and had a chance to pull a goal back, but Andrea Belotti was denied by Pierluigi Gollini.
However, the game was put beyond any doubt after a moment of genius by Josip Iličić. The Slovenian reacted quickly when a free kick was awarded to Atalanta on the half way line, and he shot directly at goal to catch Salvatore Sirigu off his line.
Toro struggled to recover psychologically from that goal, and conceded almost immediately from kick off as Iličić found himself unmarked to complete his hat trick.
The home side then lost their discipline at 5-0 down, as Armando Izzo was sent off for a second yellow card.
Atalanta were awarded a second penalty of the match when Soualiho Meite upended Rafael Tolói in the area. Substitute Luis Muriel sent Salvatore Sirigu the wrong way to make it 6-0, whilst the Columbian striker then made it 7-0 moments later.
Toro were reduced to nine men in stoppage time when Sasa Lukic received a straight red card for a late challenge on Papu Gomez as the Granata faithful looked on in disbelief of what they had just witnessed.
Forza Toro
Friday 24 January 2020
Torino v Atalanta Preview
The Granata will be without the suspended Ola Aina and Tomas Rincon, whilst Cristian Ansaldi and Simone Zaza are still unavailable due to injury.
Atalanta are looking at making a return to the Champions League this season, but suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat against SPAL on Monday evening.
Prediction
Torino 1-3 Atalanta
Thursday 23 January 2020
Sassuolo 2-1 Torino
Sassuolo staged a second half comeback to beat Torino 2-1 at the Mapei Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Granata made a bright start and took the lead after twenty minutes when Tomas Rincon's low shot from outside the area was deflected into his own net by Manuel Locatelli.
Toro almost doubled their lead moments later, but Andrea Belotti's curling shot went wide of the far post. At the other end, Salvatore Sirigu made a great save to deny Francesco Caputo, although the former Empoli player probably should have scored.
On the stroke of half time, Simone Verdi had an excellent chance to score his first goal for the club - but he elected to try and volley rather than head Andrea Belotti's cross.
The home side came out at the start of the second half like a totally different team and quickly scored a deserved equaliser. Former Birmingham City winger Jeremie Boga picked up the ball, nut mugged Tomas Rincon, and then curled a sensational shot into the top corner.
Boga then turned provider fifteen minutes later as his low cross was swept home by Domenico Berardi to give Sassuolo the lead.
Substitute Vincenzo Millico came closest to scoring an equaliser for Toro, but the youngster saw his curling effort from outside the box hit the bar.
Forza Toro
The Granata made a bright start and took the lead after twenty minutes when Tomas Rincon's low shot from outside the area was deflected into his own net by Manuel Locatelli.
Toro almost doubled their lead moments later, but Andrea Belotti's curling shot went wide of the far post. At the other end, Salvatore Sirigu made a great save to deny Francesco Caputo, although the former Empoli player probably should have scored.
On the stroke of half time, Simone Verdi had an excellent chance to score his first goal for the club - but he elected to try and volley rather than head Andrea Belotti's cross.
The home side came out at the start of the second half like a totally different team and quickly scored a deserved equaliser. Former Birmingham City winger Jeremie Boga picked up the ball, nut mugged Tomas Rincon, and then curled a sensational shot into the top corner.
Boga then turned provider fifteen minutes later as his low cross was swept home by Domenico Berardi to give Sassuolo the lead.
Substitute Vincenzo Millico came closest to scoring an equaliser for Toro, but the youngster saw his curling effort from outside the box hit the bar.
Forza Toro
Saturday 18 January 2020
Sassuolo v Torino Preview
Toro are boosted by the news that Lyanco, Tomas Rincon and Daniele Baselli are all included in the squad following injuries and illness. Iago Falque, who has been linked with a move away from the club is also included.
The home side come into this game in poor form, having lost their last three matches - including a heavy 3-0 defeat at Udinese in their last fixture.
Prediction
Sassuolo 1-2 Torino
Tuesday 14 January 2020
Torino 1-0 Bologna
Torino were not at their best, but managed to do enough for all three points against Bologna on Sunday evening.
Tomas Rincon missed the game due to flu, so Soualiho Meite started in midfield alongside Sasa Lukic.
Toro took the lead after just ten minutes when Andrea Belotti set up Thursday's cup hero Alex Berenguer to score.
Simone Verdi came close to scoring his first goal for the club against his former side, but his curling effort hit the post.
The away side dominated the second half, against a tired looking Torino side, and Argentine Rodrigo Palacio twice missed glorious chance where it had seemed easier to score.
However, Toro somehow held on to claim an important victory, with European qualification now looking like a possibility.
Forza Toro
Tomas Rincon missed the game due to flu, so Soualiho Meite started in midfield alongside Sasa Lukic.
Toro took the lead after just ten minutes when Andrea Belotti set up Thursday's cup hero Alex Berenguer to score.
Simone Verdi came close to scoring his first goal for the club against his former side, but his curling effort hit the post.
The away side dominated the second half, against a tired looking Torino side, and Argentine Rodrigo Palacio twice missed glorious chance where it had seemed easier to score.
However, Toro somehow held on to claim an important victory, with European qualification now looking like a possibility.
Forza Toro
Saturday 11 January 2020
Torino v Bologna Preview
Toro will be without the injured Simone Zaza, so Toro should keep the Verdi, Berenguer and Belotti trident that played against Roma last weekend.
Former Toro coach Sinisa Mihajlovic will make his first return to the Grande Torino since being diagnosed with leukemia, and is sure to receive a great reception from the Granata fans.
Prediction
Torino 2-1 Bologna
Friday 10 January 2020
Torino 1-1 Genoa AET - Torino win 5-3 on Penalties
Torino progressed to the quarter finals of the Coppa Italia thanks to a penalty shootout victory over Genoa on Thursday evening.
Walter Mazzarri named a strong team, with Salvatore Sirigu staying in goal, and Andrea Belotti partnering Simone Verdi up front.
However, it was the away team who took an early lead when Francesco Cassata crossed for Andrea Favilli to score from close range.
However, Toro were level moments later when Alex Berenguer crossed for Lorenzo De Silvestri to score.
Torino had their chances to win the match in normal time, but Andrei Radu made an excellent save to tip Andrea Belotti's header over the bar.
In extra time, Radu made another excellent save to deny Bremer, whilst Soualiho Meite was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
The match went to penalties and Toro converted all their five spot kicks - with Alex Berenguer winning the tie with a 'panenka'. Ivan Radovanovic was the only player to miss for Genoa.
Forza Toro
Walter Mazzarri named a strong team, with Salvatore Sirigu staying in goal, and Andrea Belotti partnering Simone Verdi up front.
However, it was the away team who took an early lead when Francesco Cassata crossed for Andrea Favilli to score from close range.
However, Toro were level moments later when Alex Berenguer crossed for Lorenzo De Silvestri to score.
Torino had their chances to win the match in normal time, but Andrei Radu made an excellent save to tip Andrea Belotti's header over the bar.
In extra time, Radu made another excellent save to deny Bremer, whilst Soualiho Meite was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
The match went to penalties and Toro converted all their five spot kicks - with Alex Berenguer winning the tie with a 'panenka'. Ivan Radovanovic was the only player to miss for Genoa.
Forza Toro
Wednesday 8 January 2020
Roma 0-2 Torino
Torino produced their best performance of the season on Sunday evening, as they began 2020 with an impressive victory at Roma.
With Cristian Ansaldi and Bremer suspended, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Koffi Djidji came into the back five.
The Granata made a great start, and captain Andrea Belotti was only denied an early goal when Pau López made an excellent save to tip his goal bound shot onto the post.
Lorenzo De Silvestri also had a great chance for Toro, and the former Lazio man should have done better with his header when well placed.
The home side came into the game, and Torino were once again thankful for Salvatore Sirigu who made excellent saves from Aleksandar Kolarov and then Lorenzo Pellegrini.
On the stroke of half time, Toro took a deserved lead thanks to their captain who fired a powerful shot past Lopez from a difficult angle.
Toro were continuing to create chances in the second half, and for the second time in the game, Lopez had to tip a shot from Belotti onto the woodwork - this time the bar.
Roma had a number of half chances to force an equaliser, but a combination of good defending and poor finishing kept Toro ahead.
With five minutes remaining, Torino were awarded a penalty after a VAR consultation when Chris Smalling clumsily handled the ball in the area. Belotti stepped up to convert and seal an important three points.
Forza Toro
With Cristian Ansaldi and Bremer suspended, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Koffi Djidji came into the back five.
The Granata made a great start, and captain Andrea Belotti was only denied an early goal when Pau López made an excellent save to tip his goal bound shot onto the post.
Lorenzo De Silvestri also had a great chance for Toro, and the former Lazio man should have done better with his header when well placed.
The home side came into the game, and Torino were once again thankful for Salvatore Sirigu who made excellent saves from Aleksandar Kolarov and then Lorenzo Pellegrini.
On the stroke of half time, Toro took a deserved lead thanks to their captain who fired a powerful shot past Lopez from a difficult angle.
Toro were continuing to create chances in the second half, and for the second time in the game, Lopez had to tip a shot from Belotti onto the woodwork - this time the bar.
Roma had a number of half chances to force an equaliser, but a combination of good defending and poor finishing kept Toro ahead.
With five minutes remaining, Torino were awarded a penalty after a VAR consultation when Chris Smalling clumsily handled the ball in the area. Belotti stepped up to convert and seal an important three points.
Forza Toro
Saturday 4 January 2020
Roma v Torino Preview
Bremer and Cristian Ansaldi are both suspended so Kevin Bonifazi or Koffi Djidi should deputise in the back three, whilst Ola Aina or Diego Laxalt should replace Ansaldi.
Roma ended 2019 in excellent form, winning four of their last five games of the year - whilst also picking up an impressive point at the San Siro against Inter.
Prediction
Roma 3-1 Torino
Torino 1-2 SPAL
Torino's disappointing and inconsistent season continued with a home defeat against bottom of the table SPAL, as they ended the game with ten men.
As expected, Andrea Belotti returned to the starting eleven and the Granata made a perfect start as Tomas Rincon fired home after only four minutes.
However, the away side were looking dangerous in their search of an equaliser and Alberto Paloschi somehow missed a free header from close range.
Toro came close to doubling their lead, but Etrit Berisha made a great save with his legs to deny Andrea Belotti.
SPAL got the goal they deserved just before half time as Gabriel Strefezza curled home to score his first Serie A goal.
The game turned ten minutes into the second half when Bremer received his second yellow card for a needless challenge.
Despite going down to ten men, Torino's performance did improve and Walter Mazzarri brought on Simone Zaza to try and win the game.
However, with ten minutes remaining, it was SPAL who got the winning goal when Andrea Petagna headed home a right wing cross.
Forza Toro
As expected, Andrea Belotti returned to the starting eleven and the Granata made a perfect start as Tomas Rincon fired home after only four minutes.
However, the away side were looking dangerous in their search of an equaliser and Alberto Paloschi somehow missed a free header from close range.
Toro came close to doubling their lead, but Etrit Berisha made a great save with his legs to deny Andrea Belotti.
SPAL got the goal they deserved just before half time as Gabriel Strefezza curled home to score his first Serie A goal.
The game turned ten minutes into the second half when Bremer received his second yellow card for a needless challenge.
Despite going down to ten men, Torino's performance did improve and Walter Mazzarri brought on Simone Zaza to try and win the game.
However, with ten minutes remaining, it was SPAL who got the winning goal when Andrea Petagna headed home a right wing cross.
Forza Toro
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