Torino complete double signing

Torino have made two more additions to their squad after completing the signings of striker Ciro Immobile and Omar El Kaddouri.

Immobile has signed on a co-ownership deal after Juventus purchased the remaining 50% of his contract from Genoa, and then immediately sold it to their city rivals. The twenty-three year old made his name at Pescara during the 2011/12 where he was the Serie B Capocannoniere after scoring a remarkable 28 goals, including three against Torino.

The Granata have also completed the signing of Belgian-Moroccan trequartista Omar El Kaddouri on a loan deal from Napoli. Like Immobile, El Kaddouri is another talented youngster who has excelled in Serie B, but has of yet has not been given much of an opportunity in the top flight.

Toro have also announced the departure of winger Alen Stevanovic, as the Serbian international has joined Palermo on loan.

 

 

Torino FC Goal of the Season 2012/13

Despite a disappointing end to the season, Torino did manage to achieve their aim of avoiding relegation this season, and a number of excellent goals were scored by Torino players.

Watch the video below, and then vote for your favourite goal on the poll. Competition will run for a couple of weeks, or until I remember to take the poll off the website. Enjoy.

Bourne's Season Review Part Five : Wingers

Part Five : Wingers

Valter Birsa, 17 appearances, 2 goals, vote 6.5 

One of the few players Toro fans would have liked to have seen more of. Arriving from Genoa in the final days of the summer transfer window, the Slovenian took a while to overcome injuries before becoming a regular in the squad in the run up to Christmas. His arrival was something of a gamble. In his first year in Serie A with the Rossoblu, Birsa had failed to show the form that made him a consistent performer in Ligue 1 with Auxerre. The 26-year old is a different style of winger to Santana and Cerci, less mobile but with a crafted left foot and the most accurate crosser on the club’s books. Of the Toro widemen he most suited the aerial game of Rolando Bianchi. While not a classic Ventura player, Birsa provided a quality alternative to the club’s first choice wingers.

Verdict: Unlikely to be retained by Genoa, Toro should tie up Birsa’s services for next season.

Alessio Cerci, 35 appearances, 8 goals, vote 8

Angelo Ogbonna started the season as Toro’s marquee player, Alessio Cerci finished it. Far and away, the Granata’s most important and decisive player, Cerci’s contribution offered the side a rare slice of quality in the final third. His first few months of the season were relatively uninspiring before a goal against his former club Fiorentina galvanised the Roman and he never looked back. A further seven goals, countless assists and some virtuoso performances inspired Toro to a good run of form in the early months of 2013. His form didn’t drop in the final weeks when all around him seemed to lose energy and motivation. An international call up arrived in the spring as did the predictable interest from the top clubs. Toro must regret not buying out his entire contract from Fiorentina last summer. A bidding war is now set and the pessimist tells me Cairo won’t deliver the funds to secure Cerci’s signing. Much will depend on the player too. His relationship with Ventura is excellent, we’ve seen none of the bad behaviour and indiscipline that characterised his time in Florence and another full season as the main man at Toro – ahead of a World Cup year – could be an attractive proposal. The only negative side to his game were a number of invisible performances against the very top sides, a sign that Toro need more attacking options to take the pressure off their 26-year old winger who became easy to nullify.

Verdict: A combination of the player’s motivation and Cairo’s budget will determine whether Cerci stays. Will be very hard to replace.

Dolly Menga, 1 appearance, 0 goal, no vote

Belgian U-21 international signed from Lierse in January. Has apparently convinced Ventura with his impact in training and performances with the youth team. Would have been given more first-team space had the team secured survival earlier. As it stands, a five-minute substitute appearance in a kamikaze away game at Cagliari is his only first-team action.

Verdict: One for the future. The club will evaluate over the summer whether he provides back up in Serie A next year or moves out on loan.  Current stories suggest Cairo/Petrachi are making hard work out of completing his signing from Lierse.

Mario Santana, 27 appearances, 4 goals, vote 6.5

Former Argentine international with nearly a decade of Serie A football behind him, the 31-year old signed on loan from Napoli was another calculated gamble. Injuries have disrupted his career and rumours from pre-season training suggested his career in Granata may not decoll. They proved untrue. Santana quickly cemented himself as first choice on the left-flank with licence to cut in on his preferred right foot. On his day, direct, tricky and capable of carrying the game to the opposition, there were also too many anonymous performances. Injuries disrupted his season – missing six games – and he tended to look better playing on the break away from home. However, in the attacking third he was one of Toro’s most promising performers.

Verdict: His situation is similar to Matteo Brighi’s. Toro have to decide whether to turn a loan move for an early 30 something into a permanent deal. Santana probably deserves the opportunity to continue in Turin although the arrival of younger players is more probable.

Alen Stevanovic, 15 appearances, 2 goals, vote 5

A mainstay of Ventura’s promotion team where he was the Cerci-figure, a marauding, sometimes genius, often unpredictable outlet on the right flank. His form tailed off at the end of last season and his non-appearance at the club’s promotion party seemed to signal the end of his stay in Turin. During the summer, the club renewed their faith in the young Swiss-born Serbian international who featured in the first ten games of the season. After which just five appearances and none since early March. Goals in away games at Atalanta and Cagliari and a call-up to the Serbian national team offered brief but false dawns. On the field he displayed non of the occasional verve of his performances in Serie B, and long periods out of the team suggest a questionable application in training.

Verdict: Of undoubted potential but in danger of seeing his career slide. A loan move either to Serie B or abroad may be the most attractive outlet. The club may wonder whether it would have been better off retaining the interesting Nnamdi Oduamadi last summer.

Simone Verdi, 4 appearances, 0 goals, no vote

The 20-year old featured only occasionally in Toro’s promotion season and it was something of a surprise he wasn’t loaned out last summer. Featured sporadically before making a welcome loan move to Juve Stabia. Part-owned by Milan, it remains to be seen whether the former star of the Rossoneri Primavera team has shown the credentials to become a Serie A player.

Verdict: Like Menga may have pre-season to convince the club he doesn’t need a spell in Serie B.

Overall verdict: If Ventura moves to a 3-5-2, wide-men may find themselves surplus to requirements aside from providing tactical flexibility from the bench. If Cerci stays he may switch to play as a seconda punta. Of the others, the future is unclear as none are accustomed to play as wingbacks. 

Peter is the author of the outstanding Torino book 'Passion in the Piazza' which is available on Amazon, and you can follow him on Twitter here.

Cagliari 4-3 Torino

Nine-man Torino suffered an agonising last minute defeat in Sardinia, as Cagliari came from behind to win 4-3 in a match that had a breathtaking finale. 

Giampiero Ventura chose to line up with the same eleven that started the game against Atalanta, so last week's hero Valter Birsa had to make do with a place on the bench.

Usually before away matches, Giampiero Ventura would probably tell his team to keep possession in the early stages in order to quieten the home supporters. However, as this game was being played 'behind-closed-doors' due to safety concerns at the stadium, Ventura's pre-match team talk may have been a little bit different.

As has happened so many times in recent weeks, Torino had what seemed to be a solid claim for a penalty turned down by the referee, despite Angelo Ogbonna being upended in the area by Danilo Avelar. However, official Sebastiano Peruzzo did point to the spot when Ogbonna himself fouled Marco Sau. Whilst it was a clumsy challenge by the Italian defender, on the replays it looked as if the in-form Sau had ended up on the ground because he kicked fresh air, and not because he was fouled.

The former Juve Stabia striker picked himself up to take the penalty, and he dispatched it well to give the 'home' side the lead. After going behind the Granata reacted well, and were on level terms just two minutes after half time. Matteo Darmian's initial cross was blocked,  but the ball fell to Alessio Cerci who fired the ball into the bottom corner - although Cagliari keeper Michael Agazzi may feel he could have kept it out.

And less than ten minutes later Torino took the lead, as Agazzi failed to deal with clear Darmian's deep cross, and that allowed an unmarked Alen Stevanovic to side foot home. Many were surprised that Giampiero Ventura stuck with Stevanovic after his disappointing performance last weekend, so that goal was perhaps a reward for the manager's faith in the winger.

Torino had chances to extend their lead on the counter attack, but failed to take any of them - and were then punished fifteen minutes from full time when an unmarked Daniele Conti was able to head in from ten yards. In the last couple of minutes of normal time, Angelo Ogbonna's day got even worse when he upended substitute Mauricio Pinilla in the area to concede his second penalty of the game - and he also received his first red card of his career because he was the last defender.

Chilean striker Pinilla calmly converted the penalty, and that looked to be enough to seal all three points for the Sardinians, especially when Toro were reduced to nine men moments later. Young striker Abou Diop, who had been on the pitch for less than a minute was given a straight red card for an apparent elbow on Albin Ekdal, in what appeared to be an extremely harsh decision.

However, two minutes into injury time nine man Torino were awarded a penalty of their own when Rolando Bianchi was tugged back by Davide Astori. As Sau and Pinilla had done before him, Bianchi picked himself up and scored what looked to be a dramatic equaliser. But incredibly, there was still time for another goal, as with the last kick of the game, Daniele Conti's long range shot took a huge deflection off Kamil Glik to leave Jean-Francois Gillet stranded and Torino's nine men heartbroken.

Whilst this game's dramatic ending as well as some questionable refereeing decisions may divert attention away from Torino's performance, the Granata can be pleased that for 75 minutes of this match they were by far the better team. However, they will be disappointed that they were unable to extend their lead and make the game safe after taking the lead in the second half, and in the end they were punished in the cruelest possible way.

Forza Torino

Torino FC 2011/12 Awards : The Results

Player of the Season

1. Angelo Ogbonna - 37 points

A fantastic season for Torino's vice-captain is concluded with him being voted the Torino FC Player of the Season by the readers of this blog. Ten points clear of his nearest rival, Angelo was the outstanding candidate for this award, and will be hoping to enjoy further success with Italy during Euro 2012.

Runners Up
2. Alen Stevanovic - 27 points
3. Mirco Antenucci - 25 points

Young Player of the Season

1. Alen Stevanovic - 37 points

Runner up in the main award, it is Serbian winger Alen Stevanovic who was crowned Young Player of the Season by Toro fans. A fantastic breakthrough season by a player who had been struggling in the MLS with Toronto FC just twelve months previously.

Runners Up
2. Matteo Darmian - 32 points
3. Danilo D'Ambrosio - 24 points

Signing of the Season

1. Giuseppe Vives - 32 points

Although not a regular at the start of the season, Giuseppe Vives provided invaluable experience towards the end of the season and contributed a number of vital assists that led to him being crowned Signing of the Season by Toro supporters.

Runners Up
2. Manuel Iori - 23 points
3. Kamil Glik/Alessandro Parisi - 19 points

Goal of the Season

1. Alen Stevanovic - Modena (A) : 38%
2. Mirco Antenucci - Padova (H) : 31%
3. Mirco Antenucci - Grosseto (A) : 15%

Torino 3-1 Padova

Torino recorded their fourth successive victory on Monday night as goals from Riccardo Meggiorini, Valerio Di Cesare and Mirco Antenucci gave them an impressive 3-1 victory over Padova.

Giampiero Ventura made just the one change from the team that beat Livorno, as Alessandro Parisi came in to replace the suspended Matteo Darmian.

Torino made a bright start, perhaps eager to get revenge on the team that ruined their hopes of promotion last season, and they took the lead after just twelve minutes.  Alen Stevanovic, cut the ball back from the right wing, and his cross found Riccardo Meggiorini whose stunning volley went into the bottom corner.

Stevanovic continued to give emergency Padova full back Michele Marcolini a torrid time, and he almost doubled Torino's lead, but his shot was well saved by Mattia Perin. Just eight minutes into the second half, Toro did get their second goal thanks to substitute Valerio Di Cesare.The former Vicenza defender came on in the first half to replace the injured Kamil Glik, and he calmly converted Alessandro Parisi's excellent cross - although replays did show that he may have been offside.

However, Padova reduced the deficit just five minutes later when a slight defensive mix-up between Di Cesare and the normally reliable Angelo Ogbonna allowed Daniele Cacia to score with a fine volley. And the playoff hopefuls almost scored an equaliser soon afterwards when Michele Marcolini's stunning thirty yard strike clipped the crossbar.

Torino also had chances to extend their lead, and substitutes Stefano Guberti and Mirco Antenucci combined well, but the latter missed his kick when well placed. That miss was soon forgotten about three minutes from time as Antenucci scored a fantastic individual goal to seal the points for Toro.

The former Catania striker received the ball near the half way line and knocked the ball past the full back, before continuing his run and curling a low shot into the far corner.

This victory puts Torino two points clear at the top of the table, ahead of a huge game on Saturday evening against 2nd place Pescara - arguably the Granata's biggest match since being relegated in 2009.

Brescia V Torino Preview

 Torino will travel to Brescia on Sunday afternoon looking for their fourth consecutive victory, after beating Vicenza, Nocerina and Sampdoria in recent weeks.

This match was originally scheduled to be played at the start of the month, but was postponed due to poor weather. Although Toro have been impressive of late, some fans may be concerned that they have not won away from home since beating Reggina in November, and will be looking to rectify that statistic.

There are injury doubts regarding winger Alen Stevanovic who limped off against Sampdoria, and that could mean that Cristian Pasquato is included in the eighteen for the first time. Riccardo Meggiorini could also come into the team following his winning goal against Sampdoria at the expense of Rolando Bianchi, who despite impressive performances, can not end his goal drought.

Brescia have recovered after a poor start to the season and are currently in eighth place and are looking towards gaining a playoff position. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches, winning six of them -although they have not managed to score in their last two home games.

Prediction
Brescia 1-1 Torino

Torino 2-1 Sampdoria

Torino returned to the top of the Serie B table following a deserved 2-1 victory against Sampdoria on Monday night.

There were two changes from the team that beat Nocerina last Saturday, as Valerio Di Cesare and Nnamdi Oduamadi came into the starting eleven.

Torino started the game nervously and it was the away side who had the first opportunity of the match as Nicola Pozzi wriggled past two challenges, but his shot was easily saved by Francesco Benussi. At the other end it was Alen Stevanovic who came closest for Toro, but his attempt went wide.

After twenty minutes Torino took the lead thanks to some fantastic play down the right wing by the impressive Stevanovic. His cut back found Mirco Antenucci, and although his first effort inadvertently hit strike partner Rolando Bianchi, he was on hand to score at the second attempt.

After technically getting an assist for the first goal, Bianchi came so close to getting on the score sheet himself but his powerful header from Danilo D'Ambrosio's cross rattled off the crossbar.

Torino started the second half confidently and looked the more likely to get the second goal of the match. Mirco Antenucci had a good chance to score again following Bianchi's dummy, but his shot went harmlessly wide.

However, with twenty-three minutes remaining, Sampdoria got an equaliser that was very much against the run of play. Danilo D'Ambrosio gave the ball away cheaply, and that allowed substitute Juan Antonio to fire a shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Toro coach Giampiero Ventura was positive in his substitutions and brought on strikers Riccardo Meggiorini and Alessandro Sgrigna to try and find a winner. And with four minutes of normal time remaining, Torino got the winning goal that their performance had deserved.

Mirco Antenucci crossed from the left hand side, and although it looked to be simple clearance for Samp defender Daniele Gastaldello, he missed his kick, and that allowed Meggiorini to volley home despite still being on the ground after sliding in for the original cross. It may not have been the best goal of Meggiorini's career, but he showed great awareness to score his first goal for the club.

This victory means that Torino have now gone seven matches unbeaten and are now two points clear at the top of the table.

Forza Torino

Torino 3-1 Nocerina

Torino moved back up to the automatic promotion places in the Serie B table after a 3-1 victory against bottom side Nocerina.

Kamil Glik and Danilo D'Ambrosio were given starts in the back four, whilst Alen Stevanovic, Migjen Basha and Rolando Bianchi regained their places in the starting eleven as Toro lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.

Nocerina, who are desperately trying to avoid relegation had an early opportunity to take a shock lead after Francesco Benussi carelessly gave the ball away, but Luigi Castaldo's attempt to lob the ball over the keeper from 40 yards failed as the ball went over the bar.

And with only eight minutes on the clock, the away side were made to pay for that miss as Torino took the lead thanks to Danilo D'Ambrosio's glancing header from Alessandro Parisi's corner. That goal was the first time that Torino have scored in the opening fifteen minutes of a game this season, and it was D'Ambrosio's second goal of the season, as he also scored a headed winning goal against Reggina in November.

Rolando Bianchi, who still hasn't scored since mid-October had a great chance to extend Torino's lead as he was put through by Mirco Antenucci, but the striker's heavy touch meant that it was an easy take for the Nocerina keeper. However, on the half hour mark, Toro did get their second goal as Giuseppe Vives received the ball on the edge of the area, and his low shot from eighteen yards out found the bottom corner of the net.

Two minutes into the second half, and Toro had their third goal as Mirco Antenucci's delightful through ball put Alen Stevanovic through on goal, and the winger finished it well. However, five minutes later, Nocerina showed that the game was far from over as Luigi Castaldo headed home Lorenzo Laverone's cross to give the away side a glimmer of hope. On reflection, the goal was easily avoidable and probably has to go down as a mistake by new keeper Benussi, who came off his line to try and claim the cross, but he failed to get there in time.

Torino could have made the margin of victory more convincing in the last half an hour as Giuseppe Vives had two great chances to add to his goal, but that would have been harsh on Nocerina who kept trying until the final whistle. This result temporarily put Torino top of the table (until Sassuolo's victory this morning) but it does keep them in the automatic promotion places ahead of the big game against Sampdoria next Monday night.

Forza Toro

Torino V Albinoleffe Preview

Fresh from a training camp in Malta, Torino will play their first game of 2012 at home to Albinoleffe on Friday afternoon.

January 6th is a national holiday in Italy in order to celebrate The Epiphany, and Torino will be hoping they can commemorate this holiday with three points after succumbing to two successive defeats before the winter break.

Although the transfer window is now open, Torino have yet to make any new additions and are expected to line up in a 4-2-4 formation with Simone Verdi, Rolando Bianchi, Mirco Antenucci and Alen Stevanovic as the four attacking players.

Their opponents Albinoleffe are on a good run of form themselves, only losing one of their last eight games - and will therefore be hoping that the winter break has not disrupted their form. Andrea Cocco is one player that Torino will have to be wary of, as the striker has already scored nine goals this season.

Prediction
Torino 2-1 Albinoleffe

Modena 2-1 Torino

Despite taking the lead thanks to Alen Stevanovic's wonder goal, Torino lost concentration and conceded two late goals to suffer their third defeat of the season.

Toro made just one change from the side that convincingly beat Pescara last weekend, as Simone Verdi replaced Giuseppe Vives, as the away side reverted to their normal 4-2-4 formation.

It was the home side who made the better start, and within the opening couple of minutes, Francesco Stanco was unlucky to see his diving header hit the bar. Torino responded well as they also hit the woodwork from Simone Verdi's curling free kick.

Alessandro Sgrigna - who scored two goals against Pescara last Saturday, showed some nice footwork outside of the area before unleashing a fierce left footed shot that was well saved by Modena keeper Nicholas Caglioni. And Sgrigna came close to opening the scoring moments later, but his header from Alessandro Parisi's cross was tipped over the bar.

The former Vicenza striker was having a great first half, and he turned provided for Torino's next opportunity. His fantastic left footed cross found strike partner Rolando Bianchi, but his header was off target. The form of Torino's captain is becoming a worry, as Toro's top scorer for the past two seasons has not scored since mid-October.

Ten minutes before half time, Torino took the lead with an early contender for goal of the season. Manuel Iori found Alen Stevanovic with an inch-perfect cross field pass, and the former Inter winger fired a magnificent curling shot into the top corner from 30 yards. Torino had chances before half time to extend their lead, especially through Simone Verdi who could have done better when well placed. Modena also had a chance before the break, but Angelo Ogbonna did well to block Davide Di Gennaro's shot.

Torino were in control of the second half without really creating any clear goalscoring opportunities until the 75th minute, when a mix up between Kamil Glik and Ferdinando Coppola resulted in Giuseppe Greco being brought down and a penalty being awarded. However, for some inexplicable reason, it was Coppola who sent off despite it being quite clear that it was the Polish defended who had committed the foul.

Greco picked himself off the floor to convert the penalty, as he sent Toro's substitute goalkeeper Davide Morello the wrong way. And incredibly, with five minutes remaining, the home side got a winning goal against Torino's ten men when Maurizio Ciaramitaro's scuffed shot somehow found its way into the bottom corner.

Torino will certainly be disappointed to lose their last match of 2011, especially after taking the lead. At half time in this match, Torino had a seven point lead at the top of the table, but it could now just be one point if Hellas Verona beat Varese on Sunday afternoon. That being said, Torino have had a fantastic start to the season, and are certainly on course to gain promotion in 2012.

Forza Torino

Torino 1-1 Bari

Despite dominating the match, Torino could only manage a 1-1 draw in an ill-tempered match with Giampiero Ventura's former side Bari.

With Angelo Ogbonna away on international duty, Valerio Di Cesare and Francesco Pratali were the central defense partnership. whilst Manuel Iori returned to the midfield and Alessandro Sgrigna was preferred to Giulio Ebagua upfront.

Toro came close to opening the scoring in the opening stages, as Alessandro Sgrigna's corner found Francesco Pratali, but his header has volleyed over the crossbar by Andrea De Falco. It was Pratali's central defensive partner Valerio Di Cesare who had the next opportunity, but after a scramble in the six yard box, his scuffed shot was cleared off the line.

Torino continued to dominate, and it was Alessandro Sgrigna who came closest to scoring, when Bari failed to clear a corner, but his exquisite volley was saved by the foot of Bari keeper Eugenio Lamanna.

Then five minutes before half time, totally against the run of play, Torino were hit by the ultimate sucker punch as Bari took the lead. Full back Luca Ceppitelli's cross was deflected into the path of Marcos De Paula, who volleyed it into the net.

However, Torino were not behind for long as ten minutes into the second half, the Granata equalised. Manuel Iori's through ball found Mirco Antenucci who was being played onside by Diego Polenta, and Antenucci rounded the keeper with ease to score.

It was a quiet night for Toro skipper Rolando Bianchi, and he only had one chance in the game, but was unable to latch onto Francesco Pratali's long pass - and we will see later how the former Manchester City striker's night got even worse.

Bari were reduced to ten men when Diego Polenta - who had been given a torrid game by Alen Stevanovic, was dismissed for two yellow cards. However, ten minutes later, Torino were also reduced to ten men as Rolando Bianchi was given a straight red card for an elbow on Bari's Martino Borghese.

Borghese and Bianchi had been involved in a physical battle for the entire match, with the Bari defender consistently getting away with fouling the Torino striker, and when Bianchi finally retaliated, he was given his marching orders. It looked as though Borghese was holding the striker, and Bianchi then raised his arms in attempt to free himself, but it certainly did look like an elbow - though it must be said, Borghese deserves an Oscar nomination for his play acting, as his overreaction played a huge part in getting the Torino striker sent off.

Valerio Di Cesare twice came close to scoring a winning goal for Torino, but they had to make do with a point - and they now face the prospect of being without Rolando Bianchi for the next couple of games due to his suspension.

Forza Torino

Torino 2-1 Empoli

Torino returned to winning ways and extended their lead at the top of the Serie B table, as they came from behind to beat Empoli 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Toro made a number of changes to the side that lost at Gubbio, with Valerio Di Cesare, Migjen Basha, Juan Surraco and Giulio Ebagua all coming into the team.

Torino had the first opportunity in the match after some incisive wing play by Alen Stevanovic enabled him to charge into the area and unleash a shot at goal that was tipped over the bar by Alberto Pelagotti in the Empoli goal. And the away side's keeper also did well to deny Rolando Bianchi, as he turned the Torino Captain's effort around the post.

However, it was Empoli who took the lead just ten minutes before the half time interval, with a fantastic strike from Flavio Lazzari. The midfielder received the ball 20 yards out, and sold a fantastic dummy to get past Valerio Di Cesare who had attempted to close him down, before unleashing an outstanding left footed shot into the top corner.

At half time, Giampiero Ventura brought on Mirco Antenucci to replace the ineffective Juan Surraco, and the former Catania man made an instant impact as just five minutes into the second half, Toro were level. Antenucci found himself with oceans of room on the left hand side in the penalty area, and got to the byline, before cutting the ball back to the grateful Giulio Ebagua who slid the ball home from three yards out.

And Antenucci almost had a goal for himself moments later, as he curled a fantastic shot towards goal from just inside the area, but was denied by Pelagotti. However, Toro didn't have long to wait to take the lead because with 25 minutes remaining, they got their second goal from an unlikely source.

A corner was whipped in from the left, and Rolando Bianchi's header was initially saved by the fantastic Alberto Pelagotti, however Matteo Darmian was the quickest to react as he hooked the ball into the net to give Toro the lead.

Ferdinando Coppola redeemed himself for his awful error against Gubbio, as he made a good save from Mirko Valdifiori's shot, and at the other end, Bianchi and Antenucci both spurned chances to extend Torino's lead.

However, in the end it didn't matter as Torino held on to the three points, and are now four points clear of Zdenek Zeman's Pescara at the top of the league, ahead of a difficult visit to Reggina on Tuesday.

Forza Torino.

Torino 1-0 Juve Stabia

Torino continued their impressive start to the season, as they beat a stubborn Juve Stabia side 1-0 to record their fifth consecutive victory and remain top of the Serie B table.

There was a sombre atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday afternoon as a minutes silence was held to commemorate the lives of Lorenzo Ghedi and Fabio Massimo Pozzo who tragically died after they were involved in a collision with the Torino team coach on Sunday night.

Torino fans also paid tribute to their former player Gigi Meroni, as the 15th October is the anniversary of his death. The enigmatic winger died in a road accident 44 years ago, and the man affectionately referred to as the 'La Farfalla Granata' (The Granata Butterfly) was commonly acknowledged to be one of the best players of his generation before his premature death, aged just 24.

Torino made a number of changes to the side that beat Hellas Verona last weekend, with Alen Stevanovic, Giulio Ebagua and Angelo Ogbonna all coming in to the starting eleven.

The first real chance of the match came after fifteen minutes, after nice interplay between Rolando Bianchi and Giulio Ebagua put Mirco Antenucci through on goal, but his shot was well blocked by the covering defender.

In the opening seconds of the second half, the visitors almost took a surprise lead after a mistake from Kamil Glik gave substitute Jerry Mbakogu a chance to score, but his lob went well over the bar.

Captain Rolando Bianchi almost opened the scoring for Toro, but his fierce shot from 20 yards went over the bar. Moments later, Alessandro Parisi almost came close to scoring his first goal in a Torino shirt when his free kick from 40 yards out was deflected, but Andrea Seculin in the Juve Stabia goal made a good save to deny him.

Torino came close to scoring once again, this time it was Alen Stevanovic who did well to get to the byline and cut the ball back to substitute Alessandro Sgrigna, but unfortunately for Toro, Sgrigna lent back at the vital moment, and the ball ballooned over the bar.

With ten minutes remaining, Torino finally got the breakthrough that their play deserved when the Poland International Kamil Glik delivered an inch perfect assist to find Rolando Bianchi, who peeled away from his marker to head into the corner of the net.

Despite one nervy moment when a Ferdinando Coppola clearance rebounded off a Juve Stabia player to go narrowly wide, Torino held on for their eighth victory of the season - and thanks to Padova losing to Varese on Friday night, Toro are now six points clear at the top of the league.

Forza Torino

Torino V Juve Stabia Preview

After last Sunday’s victory against Hellas Verona – a win that set a new record for consecutive away wins for the Granata , Torino will play another newly promoted side on Saturday, when they face Juve Stabia at home.

Whilst this may not be the Torino – Juve clash that most Toro fans have become accustomed to over the years, Juve Stabia will certainly pose a tough test. This is their first season back in Serie B after a 59 year absence, and it is also the first time that these two sides have ever met in a competitive fixture.

This match sees two teams in great form going head to head, as both Torino and Juve Stabia have won their last four matches. However, Juve Stabia have received setback in their quest to maintain their place in the second tier, as earlier this week, they were deducted five points for alleged match fixing of a game in 2009. 

However, as we have seen with Atalanta in Serie A, receiving a point deduction can have a positive effect on a team, and Juve Stabia will undoubtedly be eager to make up those points as quickly as possible, so Toro will have to be wary.

The home side will be boosted by the fact that Angelo Ogbonna has returned from international duty and should return to the starting eleven. Elsewhere, Giulio Ebagua may also be in line for a start after his outstanding goal against Hellas, whilst Alen Stevanovic should also return having been rested.

Sampdoria 1-2 Torino

Torino produced a magnificent second half performance as they came back from behind to beat Sampdoria 2-1 on Friday night, a result that took them to the top of the Serie B table.

The Luigi Ferraris in Genoa is one of the more picturesque stadiums in Italian football, and a large crowd had come to see this clash between two sides who were both unbeaten in their opening six games.

Torino made a number of changes to the team that were victorious against Nocerina, with Valerio Di Cesare, Alessandro Parisi and Rolando Bianchi all returning to the starting eleven. However, perhaps the most surprising selection was in midfield, as young Romanian midfielder Sergiu Suciu was given his first start for the club.

Sampdoria started the game the well, with their strike force of Massimo Maccarone and Cristian Bertani looking particularly dangerous in the opening stages. It was the latter, Bertani, who had the first opportunity of the match, but his shot from 30 yards was tipped over the bar by Ferdinando Coppola in the Torino goal.

Coppola was once again forced into action as the home side began to dominate, this time the former Siena goalkeeper had to get down low in order parry Pedro Obiang's deflected shot.

Sampdoria deservedly took the lead after twenty minutes, as an unmarked Andrea Costa was able to head home from Franco Semioli's cross. After taking the lead, Samp took their foot off the gas a little and that allowed Torino to get a foothold into the match.

And just five minutes before half time, Torino were level, with virtually their first clear cut chance of the game. Serbian winger Alen Stevanovic dribbled into the area and his cut back found Sergiu Suciu, whose first time half-volley from 15 yards beat Angelo Da Costa in the Sampdoria goal.

In the second half, Samp looked a shadow of the side who had dominated for long spells in the first half, and that allowed Torino to gain the upper hand in the match. Toro coach Giampiero Ventura was also very positive in his substitutions, as he replaced the injured Suciu, with Giulio Ebagua - a striker.

And Toro were rewarded for their positivity, as with just fifteen minutes remaining, they took the lead. After a quick counter attack, Mirco Antenucci dribbled to the edge of the area and then laid the ball off to Rolando Bianchi, who took a touch to set himself, before unleashing a fierce shot into the corner of the net.

Torino saw out the remainder of the match with ease, with Matteo Darmian and Angelo Ogbonna particularly impressive in keeping Sampdoria at bay. Despite starting the game very slowly, in the end, Torino were well worth the three points thanks to a magnificent second half performance.

This result took Torino to the top of the table for the first time this season, but they will not have long to dwell on that achievement, as they will be back in action on Wednesday evening as they face Grosseto at home. Whilst it would be a lot like Torino to slip up in what looks like an easier game, lets hope they can continue their fine form and gain another three points.

Forza Torino

Sampdoria V Torino Preview

With a combined eight Serie A titles between the two teams, Friday night's Serie B fixture between Sampdoria and Torino is one that would not look out of place in the top tier of Italian football.

Because of their impressive histories (and squads), both Sampdoria and Torino were expected to be amongst the leading contenders to gain promotion to Serie A, and so far this season, they have lived up to those expectations, as both sides have yet to be defeated this season.

Toro have enjoyed the better start and find themselves joint top of the division with four wins (three of which away from home) and two draws from their opening six matches. Sampdoria find themselves two points behind Toro as they have won one game less than their opponents.

One might be tempted to use the slogan made famous by boxing announcer Michael Buffer in order to the hype this game between two unbeaten teams, but as there is a 33.3% chance that this game will end in a draw, then the use of the aforementioned slogan -  'Somebody's "O" has got to go' would be quite pointless.

Instead, this game has received some attention due to the fact it could be seen as a head to head battle between two players called Angelo who still have ambitions of being included in Italy's squad for Euro 2012, despite playing their club football in Serie B.

Sampdoria midfielder Angelo Palombo surprised many by choosing to stay with the club following their relegation to the second tier and has already gained 22 caps for his country. Toro defender Angelo Ogbonna is yet to make his Italy debut, but has recently been included in two squads by Cesare Prandelli, and is expected to get a cap for the national team sooner rather than later.

Toro are expected to revert to their normal 4-4-2 (4-2-4) formation after playing an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation against Nocerina last Saturday, whilst Juan Surraco and Biagio Pagano will compete for a place as one of the two wingers, with Alen Stevanovic likely to occupy the other wing.

Nocerina 1-2 Torino

Torino continued their unbeaten start to the season with a narrow victory at newly promoted Nocerina, their third away win of the season, and the first time they have won three consecutive away games since May 2006.

Giampiero Ventura made a number of changes to the team that drew at home to Brescia on Monday night, with Kamil Glik, Luciano Zavagno, Giuseppe Vives and Mirco Antenucci all coming into the starting eleven, with captain Rolando Bianchi left on the bench.

The home side made a bright start to the match, and Toro defender Matteo Darmian made a great tackle to deny Manuel Scalise who appeared to be through on goal. Torino's first chance of the match once again fell to Alen Stevanovic, but the winger could only hit the side netting with his left footed shot.

Torino took the lead after twenty minutes, and it was one of the players brought into the side, Mirco Antenucci, who scored the goal. Initially, it looked as though Antenucci had wasted a great chance to give Toro the lead after his scuffed shot had hit the post. But he didn't have long to dwell on that miss, as just seconds later, after another exquisite pass by Manuel Iori, he was put through on goal, and this time he made no mistake and put Torino 1-0 up.

Torino nearly doubled their lead after a clever free kick routine saw the ball passed along the ground to Giuseppe Vives (who had been a part of the wall) but the midfielder dragged his shot wide of the target. Just before half time, Nocerina had a great chance to equalise, but Ferdinando Coppola made a good reflex save from Luigi Castaldo's header.

Torino extended their lead on the hour mark, and once again the goal was created by outstanding wing play from Alen Stevanovic. The Serbian knocked the ball past the full back as if he wasn't there before getting to the byline and cutting the ball back to Giulio Ebagua, who controlled the ball with his right foot, turned, and then finished powerfully with his left foot to score his first goal in a Torino shirt.

However, less than ten minutes later, Nocerina were handed a way back into the match after Matteo Darmian upended substitute Emanuele Catania in the area to give the home side a penalty. Catania picked himself up to take the penalty himself, and sent Coppola the wrong way to ensure a nervy last twenty minutes for Torino.

Nocerina nearly equalised through defender Roberto Di Maio towards the end of the match, but his volley was cleared off the line by Manuel Iori, and Toro held on for a vital victory.

This result put Torino level on points with Brescia and Padova at the top of the Serie B table, and their next match promises to be an intriguing encounter as they travel to Genoa on Friday night to face Sampdoria.

Forza Torino

Torino 2-0 Varese

Torino joined Padova and Brescia at the top of Serie B after a hard fought 2-0 victory over Varese on Sunday night.

After only managing a draw with Cittadella in their opening home match, Giampiero Ventura's side were looking for their first home victory of the season, and the experienced tactician gave Alessandro Sgrigna and Giulio Ebagua starts up front, and left captain Rolando Bianchi on the bench.

Toro started the match brightly and Serbian winger Alen Stevanovic, making his first appearance of the season after an injury, delivered a fantastic cross in the early stages, but Alessandro Sgrigna was unable to direct his header goalwards.

The next chance fell to former Varese striker Giulio Ebagua, but when he slid in to meet Stefano Guberti's teasing cross, his effort went wide of the post. The build up play before Ebagua's chance was particularly pleasing, as Manuel Iori's pass with the outside of his foot found Guberti in space, who in turn delivered a first time cross into the area, but unfortunately Ebagua could not score.

Toro took the lead just five minutes before half time, after Stefano Guberti's fierce cross was only palmed away by the Varese keeper into the path of Alen Stevanovic, who calmly rearranged his feet, and curled a shot into the far corner.

Torino added to their lead just four minutes into the second half, after a nice lay off by Ebagua found Alen Stevanovic, and the Serbian then found Alessandro Sgrigna who unleashed a vicious shot from 20 yards to give the keeper no chance.

Despite dominating much of the game, Toro nearly presented Varese with a route back into the match, when keeper Ferdinando Coppola's mis-hit clearance went straight to Neto Pereira, but his shot was well blocked by Valerio Di Cesare.

Toro had a great chance to score a third, after a sloppy back pass by a Varese defender sent Ebagua through on goal but he was twice denied by Mathieu Moreau in the Varese goal, who also saved a shot from substitute Simone Verdi in the same move.

Although Toro were guilty of some unconvincing defending in the closing stages, they held on to the victory, and remain unbeaten so far this season, and are currently the joint leaders of Serie B.

Forza Torino.

Torino V Cittadella Preview

Torino will play their first home game of the season when they face Cittadella tonight, and will look to continue their fine start to the season with another victory.

There were a number of positives in Saturday's game against Ascoli, where Torino came from behind to win, and that performance has raised expectations that this could finally be the season that Toro mount a serious automatic promotion challenge.

Unless something drastic happens in the closing moments of the transfer window, Rolando Bianchi and Angelo Ogbonna should remain at the club, and therefore both players will probably be involved in tonight's match. Winger Simone Verdi, who only started on Saturday because of an injury to Alen Stevanovic, impressed many with his performance, and is almost certain to keep his place in the side.

Cittadella also won their opening game of the season - a 2-1 victory against AlbinoLeffe, and whilst they have been weakened by the sale of last season's top scorer Federico Piovaccari, they should not be underestimated.

Forza Torino