Torino 4-1 Chievo

Torino gave their fans a sensational early Christmas present as they secured their third successive home victorywith a win against Chievo on Sunday afternoon.

As expected, Toro lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with the deadly duo Alessio Cerci and Ciro Immobile up front, and Nikola Maksimovic kept his place in the back three after his impressive performance against Udinese.

A mistake from wing back Giovanni  Pasquale allowed Chievo to take an early lead, as Gennaro Sardo's pull back was met by Cyril Théréau, who side footed the ball past Daniele Padelli. Former Udinese defender Pasquale was having a torrid time, and Alberto Paloschi should have doubled Chievo's lead, but he was denied by Padelli.

In injury time of the first half, a terrible error by Dario Dainelli gifted the ball to Alessio Cerci who fed Ciro Immobile who was able to equalise just before the break.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Torino took the lead in sensational fashion when Ciro Immobile cut in from the left hand side before unleashing an excellent low drive beyond Chievo keeper Christian Puggioni. With ten minutes remaining, Toro put the result beyond any doubt on the counter, as the unselfish Alessio Cerci fed Giuseppe Vives to score his first Serie A goal for Toro.

In injury time, Torino ensured that a second home game of the season was to end 4-1 to Toro, as Alessio Cerci ended his mini goal drought by placing a low shot into the bottom corner.

This was an extremely impressive victory for Toro, as they came back from the adversity of going beyond before convincingly beating a side who had previously been in impressive form. Torino end 2013 in 7th place, and a top ten finish seems to be an extremely realistic proposition for the Granata heading into the New Year.

Forza Toro!

Torino 1-0 Lazio

Torino continued their good run of recent form by winning their second successive home game with a fortunate 1-0 victory over Lazio.

A late injury to Omar El Kaddouri meant Toro had to change their team at extremely late notice, with Danilo D'Ambrosio coming into the starting eleven and the Granata reverting to the 3-5-2 formation they had began the season with.

Against the run of play, Toro took the lead after twenty minutes when the Lazio defence failed to deal with a Torino set piece and an unmarked D'Ambrosio was left to inadvertently pass to Kamil Glik who gave the home side the lead.

Lazio should have equalised moments later, but the Bosnian Senad Lulic somehow managed to head over the bar from close range. And Toro also came close to scoring a second goal, when good interplay from D'Ambrosio and Alessio Cerci led to the Italy international forcing a save from former Toro keeper Federico Marchetti.

Before the half time break, Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia came close to scoring with a low drive from long range, but a great save from Danielle Padelli meant Torino held on to their lead at the interval.

The Granata seemed content to try and hold on to what they had in the second half, and Lazio failed to seriously penetrate a well organised Toro defence. However, Brazilian playmaker Hernanes came closest to scoring, but his speculative drive flew narrowly over the top of the bar. Torino should have put the game beyond doubt with a late counter attack in the second half, but top scorer Alessio Cerci wasted an opportunity when well placed.

Toro will be pleased with this victory, as despite not playing well they were able to hold on to secure an impressive victory that moved them up to seventh place. The Granata also managed to secure their first clean sheet since the opening day of the season, which shows an improvement in a defence that has struggled at times this season.

Forza Toro!

Torino 1-1 Roma

After winning their opening ten Serie A fixtures, Roma's record-breaking start to the season came to an end on Sunday evening after a 1-1 draw with Torino.

Giampiero Ventura surprisingly reverted to a 4-2-4 formation that was their trademark for the majority of last season. Ciro Immobile was dropped to the bench, as Riccardo Meggiorini and Paulo Barreto started up front, whilst Migjen Basha returned from suspension in midfield.

The league leaders almost took an early lead after a spectacular volley from Alessandro Florenzi from the edge of the area, but the ball sailed over the bar. However, on the half hour mark Roma did take the lead, when Alessio Cerci fell asleep from a short corner, which allowed Miralem Pjanic the room to cross for Kevin Strootman, who scored from close range.

However, Torino's star man Cerci set about trying to make amends for that error as his curling shot forced Morgan De Sanctis into an excellent save. On the stroke of half time, another brilliant run from the former Roma winger gave Omar El Kaddouri an opportunity, but his shot was disappointing.

The Granata almost equalised in sensational fashion, when Migjen Basha's diagonal ball was met with an exquisite left footed volley by Riccardo Meggiorini, but once again the home side were denied by De Sanctis.

However, with just over an hour on the clock, Torino got a deserved equalised after the usually reliable Medhi Benatia was dispossessed by Meggiorini, and the former Bari striker kept calm to roll the ball across goal and give Alessio Cerci a tap in. Incredibly, that was only the second goal that Roma have conceded so far this season.

Roma struggled to create clear cut chances after conceding the equaliser, and they were unable to prolong their perfect start to the season, despite substitute Adem Ljajic hitting the target with a late free kick.

This was a fine performance from Torino, and they deservedly came out of the game with a point. However, it must be said that they were somewhat fortunate to face a Roma side without both Francesco Totti and Gervinho - arguably their two best players this season. However, it was an impressive achievement to be the team to break Roma's winning run, however the fact that this result also extended Toro's own run without a win to seven games continues to be a worry.

Forza Toro!

Livorno 3-3 Torino

Despite taking a 2-0 lead within the opening ten minutes, Torino still needed a late Alessio Cerci penalty in order to rescue a point in Tuscany on Wednesday evening.

Giampiero Ventura surprised many by setting Toro out in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, as the returning Omar El Kaddouri started wide on the left, with Alessio Cerci in his favoured position on the right wing.

The Granata made a blistering start and were ahead after just four minutes, as Cerci beat Giuseppe Gemiti for pace, before delivering an excellent right footed cross for Ciro Immobile to tap home.

Then moments later, the visitors doubled their lead when a Cerci corner was headed in by captain Kamil Glik, who scored his first goal of the season.

However, Livorno reacted well to that early set back, although it must be said they were assisted in getting back into the match by Torino who continued to give the ball back to the hosts. On the twenty-five minute mark, the home side got a goal back, when Pasquale Schiattarella's low cross was turned in by Paulinho. 

And just eight minutes later, Livorno grabbed a deserved equaliser when an excellent dummy from Paulinho attracted three players to him, and that gave Leandro Greco the space to score from the edge of the area.

Torino almost regained the lead just before half time, but home goalkeeper Francesco Bardi made an outstanding save to deny Kamil Glik his second goal of the evening.

In the second half, Livorno almost took the lead for the first time in the match, but Daniele Padelli made an excellent save with his legs to deny striker Innocent Emeghara. 

However, the former Udinese goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent defender Emerson from giving his side the lead on the hour mark. The Brazilian defender ran from his own half unleashing an unstoppable left footed shot from 35 yards to leave Padelli stranded.

But Torino showed some character to come back into the match, and they thought they had equalised when substitute Paulo Barreto played in Danilo D'Ambrosio, but the full back could only hit the post. With just minutes remaining, Torino received a lifeline when defender Leandro Rinaudo handled Ciro Immobile's goal bound effort and referee Paolo Valeri pointed to the spot.

Despite missing a penalty in the game against Inter, Alessio Cerci made no mistake on this occasion and he capped an excellent individual performance with a crucial goal. As Italian football pundit James Horncastle pointed out, Torino certainly aren't boring this season, but if they are to improve on last season's finish of 16th, they will have to learn to defend much better.

However, thankfully Torino have a nice easy game at the weekend - as league leaders Roma, who have won nine games out of nine, and conceded just one goal come to the Stadio Olimpico. 

Forza Toro

Torino 3-3 Inter

For once it was Torino who scored a last minute equaliser, as substitute Nicola Bellomo's free kick earnt Torino a deserved point against ten man Inter.

With an injury crisis in defence, midfielder Giuseppe Vives started in the back three - whilst Alessandro Gazzi and Paulo Barreto both surprisingly started after their ban for their role in the Calcio Scommese scandal came to an end.

Toro made an electric start, and top scorer Alessio Cerci hit the post with a volley in the opening few minutes. And moments later, the same player was upended in the area by Inter keeper Samir Handanovic, and Torino were awarded a penalty. In addition to the spot kick, the Slovenian was, somewhat harshly, sent off.

Cerci stepped up to take the penalty himself, but the Italian international was denied after substitute Juan Pablo Carrizo pulled off an excellent save. However, mid-way through the half the Granata did take the lead when Alexander Farnerud scored his first goal for the club with a volley inside the area after the ball was deflected into his path by an Inter defender.

But on the stroke of half time, Inter equalised when Torino failed to deal with a set piece - and some unconvincing goalkeeping from Daniele Padelli allowed Freddy Guarin to score with an extravagant overhead kick. However, just after half time Torino recovered from that blow to regain the lead when substitute Ciro Immobile fired the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.

However, less than two minutes later Torino let a lead slip once again, as some terrible goalkeeping from Padelli allowed Argentine striker Rodrigo Palacio to head the ball into an empty net. And fifteen minutes later, the former Genoa striker scored his second goal of the game, when he converted an excellent cross from Ishak Belfodil to give ten man Inter a shock lead.

And just when it looked that Torino would come out of this game empty handed, substitute Nicola Bellomo curled a free kick from wide on the left touchline into the top corner - in a goal extremely reminiscent of Ronaldinho's against England in the 2002 World Cup. Whilst I'm not entirely sure that Bellomo intended to score from such a difficult angle, it earnt Torino a deserved point from a game they arguably should have won.

Forza Toro

Sampdoria 2-2 Torino

Torino once again dropped two points in the dying seconds as they conceded an injury time penalty against Sampdoria.

The Granata made just the one change from the team that played Juventus last weekend, as the injured Guillermo Rodriguez was replaced by Cesare Bovo.

However, within the opening ten minutes Bovo himself picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Giovanni Pasquale. The on loan Udinese defender was involved in Toro's first attack of the game, but Alessio Cerci was unable to get on the end of his low cross.

A slip from Emiliano Moretti allowed former Toro striker Gianluca Sansone a strike on goal, but he was denied by Daniele Padelli in the Torino goal. However, Sansone did not have long to wait to score his inevitable goal, as he ran from the halfway line before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

Sampdoria thought they had scored a second goal on the stroke of half time, after Angelo Palombo's free kick was initially saved by Padelli, and Nicola Pozzi converted the rebound. However, referee Andrea Gervasoni controversially disallowed the goal by blowing for half time before Pozzi scored.

Giampiero Ventura bravely changed his formation in the second half, bringing on Riccardo Meggiorini to switch to a 3-4-3 formation, and they were rewarded almost immediately. The home side neglected to mark Ciro Immobile from a corner, and he managed to equalise for Toro at the far post.

The Granata should have taken the lead moments later, but Alessio Cerci was denied by Angelo Da Costa. However, when Angelo Palombo upended the excellent Danilo D'Ambrosio in the area, Cerci made no mistake in beating the Brazilian from the spot.

However, Torino were once again denied maximum points when Eder threw himself to the ground under minimal contact from captain Kamil Glik in the area. Eder stepped up himself to score the penalty, and with a number of difficult fixtures coming up, Toro may live to rue this missed opportunity.

Torino 2-2 Hellas Verona

Torino maintained their unbeaten home record as an Alessio Cerci brace earnt them a draw against Hellas Verona.

With the derby against Juventus coming up on Sunday, Giampiero Ventura made four changes to the side the beat Bologna, as Guillermo Rodriguez, Nicola Bellomo, Alexander Farnerud and Migjen Basha came into the eleven.

It was Nicola Bellomo, making his Serie A debut, who had Torino's first opportunity when his long range effort forced Hellas keeper Rafael. An action less first half was then brought to life ten minutes before the break, as Hellas midfielder Romulo needlessly handled Alessio Cerci's corner to give Torino a penalty.

The former Roma winger stepped up himself to score his third goal in as many games, and that looked as though it would be enough to give Toro a half time lead. However, on the stroke of half time, Hellas equalised when an acrobatic assist from Luca Toni allowed Juanito Gomez to convert from close range.

However, Toro did not have long to wait to retake the lead, as just after the restart Rafael failed to deal with a weak shot from Riccardo Meggiorini and Alessio Cerci was on hand to continue his fine goalscoring form.

And moments later Torino had an opportunity to put the result beyond doubt, but Rafael redeemed himself by tipping Meggiorini's long range effort onto the post. Toro were made to pay for not extending their lead as they then conceded a penalty of their own, when Guillermo Rodriguez pulled former Juventus striker Toni to the ground, and Brazilian midfielder Jorginho scored from the spot.

Both teams seemed to be content with a point, although Torino had valid shouts for a penalty in the dying seconds when Danilo D'Ambrosio was brought down, but the referee waved the claims away. After taking the lead twice, the Granata will be disappointed that they were unable to hold on to the victory. However, they have still made a fine start to the season, and with Alessio Cerci in excellent form, Sunday's derby with Juventus could prove to be more competitive than it has been in recent seasons.

Forza Toro!

Bologna 1-2 Torino

Torino continued their fine start to the season as they won in Bologna for the first time in 33 years thanks once again to goals from Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessio Cerci.

The Granata made the one enforced change as Ciro Immobile was unwell, so he was replaced in the starting eleven by Riccardo Meggiorini. Toro made an ideal start and were ahead within two minutes, as home goalkeeper Gianluca Curci was only able to punch Matteo Darmian's cross into the path of Danilo D'Ambrosio who headed into an empty net.

Alessio Cerci almost doubled Toro's lead from long range, but he was denied by Curci who made amends for his earlier error by turning his shot round the post.

On the half hour mark, Bologna equalised thanks to a former Torino player, but it was not the one you may have expected - Rolando Bianchi, who most of the pre-match attention was focused upon. Once again Toro failed to deal with a set piece, and Cesare Natali's initial header was saved by Daniele Padelli, but the rebound fell to the big defender who was literally able to walk the ball over the line.

Bologna almost took the lead moments later, when defender György Garics's long range shot rebounded off the crossbar. Just before the break, Torino also hit the woodwork as Alessio Cerci's free kick from 40 yards out also hit the crossbar.

However, in the aftermath of that incident Omar El Kaddouri was fouled by Francesco Della Rocca in the away and Toro were awarded a penalty. Cerci stepped up to take the penalty himself, and although Curci got a hand to hit, the ball still found the back of the net.

A strange incident occurred at the beginning of the second half, as it transpired that Bologna's goalscorer Cesare Natali was sent off for dissent towards the referee at the interval. Despite having an extra man advantage, Toro failed to extend their lead in the second half - although Omar El Kaddouri twice came close to scoring his first goal for the club.

Torino held on to record their second victory of the season, ahead of a big week for the club that will culminate in the Turin derby next Sunday.

Torino 2-2 AC Milan

Torino were seconds away from securing their first Serie A victory over Milan in over a decade but conceded a controversial last minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

As expected, Alessio Cerci returned to the starting eleven whilst Cesare Bovo replaced the injured Guillermo Rodriguez in defence. For AC Milan, Kaka started to behind a front two of Mario Balotelli and Robinho in his first appearance in Italian football for four years.

The Granata made the brighter start, with Giuseppe Vives and Alessio Cerci both going close from long range. Cristian Zapata went closest for Milan just before the break, but his header from a free kick went narrowly wide.

Two minutes after half time, the home side took a deserved lead when Cerci's pass found D'Ambrosio and the wing back cut inside on his favoured right foot to fire a shot past Christian Abbiati. And with twenty minutes remaining, an exquisite through ball from Ciro Immobile found the outstanding Cerci and the Italy international kept calm to double Torino's lead.

And when Daniele Padelli miraculously denied Mario Balotelli from close range, it looked as though Toro were on course for a memorable victory. But with three minutes remaining, Milan got a goal back in bizarre circumstances as Padelli's punch fell to Sulley Muntari and the Ghanaian's scuffed shot found the bottom corner. However, Toro felt that this goal should have been disallowed due to Balotelli being offside in the build up, despite not obviously interfering with play.

Then in injury time, substitute Giovanni Pasquale fouled Andrea Poli in the penalty area to give Milan the chance to rescue a point - and Mario Balotelli continued his excellent record from the spot to deny Toro a famous victory. However, Torino also had complaints regarding the equaliser as in the build up to the penalty incident, they were not allowed to substitute the injured Marcelo Larrondo despite the ball going out of play.

This will feel like a defeat for Torino, but it is important to remember how well they played for 88 minutes, and the fact that it took two controversial decisions to deny them a famous victory. The performance of Alessio Cerci was an obvious high point, but once again the midfield trio of Giuseppe Vives, Matteo Brighi and Omar El Kaddouri also impressed.

Forza Toro

Torino 2-0 Sassuolo

Torino made the ideal start to the new season, as goals from Matteo Brighi and Alessio Cerci gave them a 2-0 victory over Sassuolo on Sunday evening.

As expected the Granata lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, although there were a few surprises in Giampiero Ventura's line up as both Giuseppe Vives and Alexander Farnerud started in midfield.

Ciro Immobile showed some early signs of what Torino fans should expect from their new striker, as he ran from the half way line before shooting straight into the arms of away keeper Antonio Rosati. At the other end, new Toro stopper Daniele Padelli was tested by Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza.

Five minutes before half time, Toro took the lead when Immobile intellingently played the ball back to the edge of the area, and that allowed Matteo Brighi to drill home into the corner of the net.

The impressive Giuseppe Vives came narrowly close to doubling Torino's lead in the second half, but his long range effort went wide of the post. However, Toro didn't have to wait long to extend their lead, as just after the hour mark Alessio Cerci opened his account for the season as he scored a trademark 'Cerci' goal by cutting in on his left foot before curling a shot into the bottom corner.

Simone Zaza and Leonardo Pavoletti both had half chances to score a consolation side for Sassuolo, but it was infact Ciro Immobile who came closest to scoring a third goal as he hit the post from an acute angle.

Whilst this may have only been a victory against a newly promoted side, Torino showed a number of positive signs in this match, and although next Sunday's match at Atalanta will be a much tougher test - it is always good to start the season with three points.

Forza Torino

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.

Torino FC 2012/13 Awards

Now that the dust has settled on the 2012/2013 Serie A season, the time has come to recap the season from a Torino viewpoint, and what better way to do that than with a series of end of season awards. I'm sure there will be some disagreements regarding my choices, but feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments section below.

Player of the Season - Alessio Cerci

In past seasons the 'Player of the Season' award has been put to a public vote with the readers of the blog being able to have their say, but after this campaign that seemed to be a little futile, with Alessio Cerci being the only candidate to win the award. The winger arrived from Fiorentina in the summer with a reputation as being a talented but frustrating player, but after a number of outstanding performances in a Torino shirt, Cerci has been rewarded with international recognition and he is likely to be included in the Italy squad for this summer's Confederations Cup. His tally of eight goals and as many assists was essential in helping Toro avoid relegation, and he is now inevitably being linked with a move away from the club.

Game of the Season -  Fiorentina 4-3 Torino

The Granata had an unfortunate habit of being on the losing side in entertaining games this season, and that was probably best illustrated in an end of season game against the Viola in April. After going 3-0 down within thirty-three minutes, Torino showed some great character to score three excellent goals and looked likely to earn a deserved point. However, after throwing away a chance to win it themselves on the counter attack, they were made to pay moments later as Romulo scored a dramatic late winner to break Toro hearts. Other games that could have easily won this award were two more Toro defeats, Cagliari 4-3 Torino and Torino 3-5 Napoli, but in my opinion this game was probably the most dramatic of the three.

Shock Moment of the Season - Alessandro Rosina's penalty miss

Back in January, with Torino leading relegation rivals Siena 3-2 in the closing stages, the away side were awarded a controversial penalty in front of the Curva Maratona. Former Torino captain Alessandro Rosina stepped up to take the spot kick, and given his excellent penalty record that he enjoyed whilst he was with the Granata, I don't think anybody expected him to miss. But incredibly, Rosina put his penalty wide of the post, and Torino held on for what turned out to be a crucial victory.

Individual Performance of the Season - Riccardo Meggiorini V Inter

After his performance against Inter at the San Siro in January this season, the belief that Riccardo Meggiorini was only able to score against his former club was increasing amongst Toro fans. Meggio had gone into that game without a goal all season, but he scored two well taken goals to put the Granata on the verge of a historic victory - but like so often this season, they had to settle for a point instead.

Celebration of the Season - Rolando Bianchi v Roma

To be honest, this is just an excuse to ensure that Rolando Bianchi ends his final season Torino with some (albeit meaningless) silverware. Bianchi had a habit of passionately celebrating all of his 77 goals for the club, but even by his standards, his reaction to equalising against Roma was something special as he took off his shirt and raced around the pitch.

Miss of the Season - Jonathas v Juventus

This is arguably the most controversial choice considering he was undoubtedly being fouled at the time, but Jonathas had the chance to make himself a Torino legend in the 80th minute of the derby against Juventus with the scores level. However, he was unable to get a touch on Alessio Cerci's low cross, and as we know it proved to be decisive as Juve scored two late goals to get yet another victory over Torino.

My Personal Goal of the Season - Valter Birsa V Atalanta

I will be doing the traditional 'Goal of the Season' video compilation in the next few days, and this goal doesn't make the cut, but on a personal level I felt it needed to be mentioned. The reason for this is that Birsa's somewhat scruffy goal is actually the first 'winning goal' I have ever seen a Torino player score live, as I finally managed to end my seven year wait to see a Torino victory.

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.

Torino 2-2 Catania

Rolando Bianchi had a dream ending to his Torino career, as the Granata captain scored a late equaliser to earn Toro a point in the final game of the season.

Giampiero Ventura decided to start with the popular striker on the substitutes bench, although fringe players Ferdinando Coppola, Pablo Caceres and Marko Bakic were all given starts.

Alessio Cerci had the first opportunity for the home side, but his curling left footed strike from distance was well saved by Alberto Frison. The former Vicenza goalkeeper was once again forced into action, this time from even further out as he parried Cerci's free kick wide of the goal.

However mid-way through the first half it was the away side that took the lead, after a nicely worked goal allowed Lucas Castro to cut the ball back to experienced midfielder Sergio Almiron who made no mistake.

A poor mistake by Valerio Di Cesare almost allowed Almiron to score again early in the second half, but the Argentine blazed over the bar. Moments later Rolando Bianchi finally made his way on to the pitch, and there was a nice moment when Angelo Ogbonna handed over the captain armband for the striker to wear it for one final time.

And it was Bianchi and fellow substitute Matteo Brighi who were involved in the move for the Granata's equaliser, and the former Roma midfielder found an unmarked Alessio Cerci who slid the ball past Frison with ease. 

However, Catania regained the lead less then ten minutes later as a misunderstanding between Angelo Ogbonna and Guillermo Rodriguez presented the ball to Gonzalo Bergessio, and the big striker fired the ball past Coppola.

But this was to be Bianchi's night, and seconds after hitting the post he was able to score his 77th goal for the club as he turned in Cerci's cross at the near post. 

It was a fitting ending to an entertaining end of season match, and Torino will certainly find it difficult to replace Bianchi, who despite not always being a regular starter ended the season with eleven league goals.

Toro ended the season in 16th place, a satisfactory ending to their first season back in Serie A - although the fact they failed to win any of their last nine matches may be a worry for the next campaign.

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Chievo 1-1 Torino

Torino secured their Serie A status for another season thanks to a 1-1 against mid-table Chievo on Sunday afternoon.

Giampiero Ventura kept faith with the 5-3-2 that he has favoured in recent weeks, although surprisingly Valerio Di Cesare was preferred to Kamil Glik in defence.

Things started disastrously for Torino as they were behind within ten minutes, after Valerio Di Cesare's untimely slip allowed Cyril Théréau to drill the ball past Gillet. Toro responded brightly and Christian Puggioni made an outstanding double save to deny both Migjen Basha and then Di Cesare in quick succession.

However, Torino were awarded a penalty moments later after Dario Dainelli's clumsy foul on Angelo Ogbonna - and Alessio Cerci converted the spot kick to equalise. The Granata almost took the lead soon afterwards, when Vives' excellent through ball put Paulo Barreto through on goal, but after rounding Puggioni, the striker's shot hit the side netting.

Toro were continuing to dominate, and Alessio Cerci almost scored again but his left footed curler went wide of the far post. The visitors should have had another penalty in the second half, when Bostjan Cesar blatantly upended Ogbonna in the area, but this time the referee didn't point to the spot.

Alessio Cerci and Matteo Brighi both had excellent chances to score a winner for Torino in the closing stages, but they were made to settle for a point - and because of Palermo's defeat at Fiorentina, it ensured that they would maintain their Serie A status.

This season has certainly been an odd one for Torino, as apart from the last couple of weeks they were never really involved in a relegation battle, and at one stage, a top 10 finish even seemed possible. However, their poor form towards the end of the season has raised question marks about Giampiero Ventura's long term future at the club.

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AC Milan 1-0 Torino

Torino once again conceded in the final ten minutes as they fell to a fourth consecutive defeat against AC Milan on Sunday afternoon.

Giampiero Ventura made a surprising tactical decision by lining the Granata up in an unfamiliar 5-3-2 formation, which clearly signalled that their main intention at the San Siro was to avoid defeat.

However, it was Torino who could have taken the lead within two minutes when an excellent Matteo Darmian interception and then through ball found Alessio Cerci, but the Italian international's shot was easily saved by Christian Abbiati. 

At the other end, Jean Francois Gillet was forced into action - first to deny Sulley Muntari's long range effort, and then to save Kevin Prince Boateng's shot with his legs. But Torino were still counter attacking efficiently, and a lovely piece of skill from Cerci put Paulo Barreto through on goal with only Abbiati to beat, but somehow the former Torino keeper was able to deny the Brazilian striker.

Whilst AC Milan were not at their best, they were still creating good opportunities, and Toro were fortunate when Philippe Mexes's header deflected off Gillet's back and went narrowly wide of the post.

In the second half, Toro were continuing to frustrate the home side and also had another great chance to take the lead when Cerci once again found Barreto in space, but the former Bari striker was once again denied by Abbiati when it had seemed easier to score.

Cerci was continuing to create havoc in his more advanced position, and he gave Valerio Di Cesare a chance to become an unlikely goalscorer, but the former Chelsea defender drilled his shot wide of the post.

However, with six minutes left the Rossoneri did take the lead when Antonio Nocerino's floating cross found Mexes, and the Frenchman unselfishly headed the ball across goal to give Mario Balotelli a tap in. 

That goal was enough to push Milan closer to Champions League qualification, and inflict a fourth consecutive defeat on Torino - although like the three previous matches, a draw would not have been an unjust result. The Granata must now re-group ahead of two winnable fixtures in the next seven days (Genoa at Home and Chievo Away) and they will know that four points from these two matches should be enough to secure their Serie A status for another season.

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Fiorentina 4-3 Torino

Torino came back from 3-0 down before falling to a heartbreaking defeat against Fiorentina on Sunday afternoon.

Despite scoring in his last two appearances, Rolando Bianchi was left on the bench as Giampiero Ventura picked and Paulo Barreto and Riccardo Meggiorini to start upfront. Elsewhere, Danilo D'Ambrosio started at left back with Salvatore Masiello being dropped.

Despite making a promising start, the Granata were behind after only eight minutes when Juan Cuadrado waltzed through the Torino defence before delivering an exquisite chip over the despairing Jean Francois Gillet. 

It got worse for Toro less than ten minutes later, as Fiorentina doubled their lead when Borja Valero's perfect cross found an unmarked Alberto Aquilani whose bullet header flew pass Gillet. However, much like the first goal, the Belgian keeper did get a hand to the ball, and he may be disappointed that he was unable save it.

And with just over thirty minutes gone, the game seemed to be well and truly over when Adem Ljajic dispatched an excellent 20 yard free kick into the top corner. The Viola could have even increased Toro's humiliation with a fourth goal, but on this occasion Gillet did well to save Valero's low shot.

However, on the stroke of half time, Mario Santana capitalised on a rare mistake from the Fiorentina midfield before setting up Paulo Barreto, who finished with style to reduce the deficit. And ten minutes after the break, the chances of Toro completing a remarkable comeback were enhanced when the Argentine started (and then finished) and outstanding move as he fired home from the edge of the area.

Even the home crowd were starting to sense that the unthinkable was about to happen, and they had goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano to thank for keeping them in the lead, as he made a great save from substitute Rolando Bianchi's header.

However, with fifteen minutes remaining Toro did get a deserved equaliser, and it was perhaps inevitable that it was former Fiorentina player Alessio Cerci who got the goal. Despite having a poor game by his standards, he produced a moment of quality by curling an unstoppable left footed shot into the top corner from almost 30 yards out.

Just as Toro were beginning to think they had done enough to rescue a point, with five minutes remaining Fiorentina were able to find a winning goal, as the ball ricocheted kindly to Romulo in the area, and he kept his cool to give the home side three vital points.

Matteo Darmian received a second yellow card for a foul on Cuadrado in injury time, and that means that he will now miss the derby against Juventus next week. That upcoming game could explain why Toro started this game so slowly, and whilst the team must be given credit for the way they fought back in the second half, their defensive insecurities continues to be a major worry.

Forza Torino

Torino 1-2 Roma

Torino fell to a second successive home defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by Roma on Sunday afternoon, despite dominating for much of the game.

Rolando Bianchi was rewarded for his last gasp goal at Bologna as the captain returned to the starting eleven, but somewhat surprisingly, he partnered Riccardo Meggiorini and not Paulo Barreto upfront.

Argentine winger Erik Lamela had Roma's first opportunity, but despite getting in front of Salvatore Masiello, the former River Plate player blazed his effort over the crossbar. However mid-way through the first half the away side did take the lead, as Toro failed to defend a short corner properly, and that allowed full back Federico Balzaretti the space to provide an inch-perfect cross for Pablo Osvaldo whose looping header beat Gillet.

Toro almost responded immediately, as former Roma player Alessio Cerci suddenly discovered that he possessed Beckham-like ability from free kicks, but was incredibly unlucky to see his effort bounce back off the post. 

But on the half hour make the Granata did score a deserved equaliser, when the ball fell kindly for Rolando Bianchi in the area, and the captain struck a fierce volley past Maarten Stekelenburg from six yards out. Former Toro defender Balzaretti was receiving a far amount of abuse from the fans he once called his own (before he betrayed them and signed for Juve) and just before half time he was lucky to stay on the pitch after an elbow on Giuseppe Vives, but he was only given a yellow card.

In the second half, Alessio Cerci once again came agonisingly close with a free kick, however this time he was denied by a fine Stekelenburg save as the Dutch international tipped the ball on to the crossbar. 

Roma brought on Francesco Totti in an attempt to regain the lead, and within five minutes he provided the assist for Erik Lamela to put Roma ahead. However, whilst on paper the assist will go down to Totti, in reality it was an outstanding solo effort from the talented Argentine, as he dribbled to the edge of the area before curling an exquisite left footed shot past a helpless Gillet.

Despite only having a brief cameo in this match, Totti was still able to show that even at 36 years of age he is still one of the best players in Serie A, as he twice forced Gillet into making good saves. With ten minutes remaining Toro's hopes of an equaliser were increased when Balzaretti was finally dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Cerci.

Toro gave everything in search of an equaliser, but it was nearly an own goal that drew the home side level when substitute Alessandro Florenzi almost sliced Danilo D'Ambrosio's cross into his own net. With the final kick of the match, Angelo Ogbonna let fly from 30 yards, but the ball deflected off Paulo Barreto and went harmlessly wide. 

Despite still being eight points clear of the drop zone, Toro are continuing to give their fans a fright by not finding the victory that should guarantee their place in Serie A for another season. The Granata have only picked up 5 points from a possible 21 since beating Atalanta in February, and a similar run of form in the final six fixtures could see Toro dragged into the mire once more.

Forza Torino

Torino 3-5 Napoli

Despite briefly leading the match with ten minutes to go, Torino fell to defeat in an eight goal thriller against Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening.

Giampiero Ventura decided to re-inforce the midfield against Napoli, so Migjen Basha made a rare start in a 4-3-3 formation. Rolando Bianchi was once again left on the bench, as Paulo Barreto was preferred as the main striker.

Napoli took the lead after ten minutes, when a short corner found Blerim Dzemaili on the edge of the area, and the former Torino midfielder hit a vicious shot that gave Jean-Francois Gillet no chance. Toro should have equalised five minutes later, but somehow former Napoli winger Mario Santana missed a free header from just six yards out.

However just before the half hour mark, Toro scored a deserved equaliser as Napoli failed to clear a corner, and the ball fell to Paulo Barreto who scored his first goal for the club - and his first in Serie A for over three years.

Eight minutes before half time, Napoli had an excellent chance to regain the lead as they were awarded a penalty after Matteo Darmian's clumsy foul on Christian Maggio. However, Marek Hamsik's low penalty was well saved by Gillet, and the scores remained level at the break.

But Napoli did not have long to wait in order to take the lead, as two minutes into the second half Blerim Dzemaili scored against his former team once again. Hamsik's made amends for his earlier penalty miss by cutting the ball back to the Swiss midfielder, and despite being fouled by Giuseppe Vives, he was able to side foot the ball into the bottom corner.

Giampiero Ventura made two changes in order to find an equaliser, as Riccardo Meggiorini and Salvatore Masiello came on to replace Vives and D'Ambrosio. And Meggiorini should have won a penalty for his team, after Paulo Cannavaro's reckless challenge on the striker, but referee Antonio Giannoccaro waved away Toro's appeals.

Toro were pressing for an equaliser, and came extremely close when Kamil Glik headed the ball back for Alessio Cerci, but the Italy international's volley went narrowly wide of the post. Torino were awarded a penalty of their own when Masiello's cross was handled by Napoli substitute Edinson Cavani. With regular penalty taker Rolando Bianchi on the bench, the responsibility fell to sub Jonathas, who despite not looking too confident, calmly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner to equalise.

Incredibly, Torino took the lead for the first time in the match four minutes later, when Riccardo Meggiorini capitalised on Miguel Britos's heavy touch to round Antonio Rosati and score his first home goal of the season. However, Napoli responded immediately and just ninety seconds later were level - as Juan Zuniga cut the ball back for an unmarked Dzemaili, who completed the unlikeliest of hat tricks with an outstanding finish with the outside of his right foot.

And just three minutes later Napoli took the lead once again, as Edinson Cavani showed why he is one of the most in demand players in world football by curling a 25 yard free kick past Gillet, who was once again helpless. With Toro chasing an equaliser, the Uruguayan was able to score again before the final whistle, as he converted Pablo Armero's fine cross with a glancing header in the ninetieth minute.

Whilst Torino may have only held the lead for two minutes, they will be extremely disappointed to get absolutely nothing from a game that they controlled for large periods. However, they certainly did contribute to arguably the most enjoyable Serie A match of the season, although their recent defensive struggles (thirteen goals conceded in five matches) will continue to be a worry. 

Forza Torino

Torino 0-0 Palermo

Torino's lack of firepower once again proved to be their downfall as they could only manage a goalless draw (their sixth of the season) against bottom of the table Palermo.

As expected, Guillermo Rodriguez came into the team in order to replace the suspended Angelo Ogbonna, whilst Matteo Brighi also came into the midfield to replace Alen Stevanovic.

Toro had an excellent lead to open the scoring in the opening stages, but after good interplay between Matteo Brighi and Alessio Cerci, the ball fell to Giuseppe Vives on the left wing - but the former Lecce man blazed his shot over the bar.

The Granata continued to look the more likely team to score, and were extremely unlucky when Rolando Bianchi's vicious volley rebounded off the post. Whilst Palermo were only creating half chances, they were were looking like a better side than their league position suggested. 

The Rosanero's Slovenian midfielder Josip Ilicic seemed to be responding to having the added responsibility of the captain's armband, but his left footed shot went well wide of the target. Substitute Fabrizio Miccoli sparked some more energy into the away team, and the former Fiorentina striker almost troubled Jean-Francois Gillet with an audacious chip, but it went over the bar. 

With ten minutes remaining, both teams seemed to think that the three points were there for the taking, and Torino substitute Danilo D'Ambrosio came agonisingly close to giving the Granata the lead. Alessio Cerci's corner was flicked on at the near post by Riccardo Meggiorini, but somehow D'Ambrosio failed to make contact with the ball from only two yards out.

And Torino had an even better chance moments later when a poor clearance by the Palermo defence gave Riccardo Meggiorini an outstanding opportunity, but his tame shot meant that former Granata keeper Stefano Sorrentino was able to deny him. 

Whilst a draw was probably a fair result, and it actually increased the gap between Torino and the bottom three to eleven points, Toro will look on this match as a missed opportunity in their quest to finish in the top half.

Forza Torino