Torino 0-7 Atalanta

Torino suffered their heaviest home defeat in history on a night to forget at the Stadio Grande Torino on Saturday evening.

Atalanta took an early lead when poor defending from Diego Laxalt allowed José Palomino to charge down his attempted clearance, and then provide an excellent cross to allow Josip Iličić to score.

The away side doubled their lead ten minutes later when German wing back Robin Gosens volleyed home from outside the area following a corner.

It was 3-0 just before half time when the referee awarded a generous penalty when Sasa Lukic pulled back Iličić in the area, and Duvan Zapata made no mistake from the spot.

Torino actually made a bright start to the second half, and had a chance to pull a goal back, but Andrea Belotti was denied by Pierluigi Gollini.

However, the game was put beyond any doubt after a moment of genius by Josip Iličić. The Slovenian reacted quickly when a free kick was awarded to Atalanta on the half way line, and he shot directly at goal to catch Salvatore Sirigu off his line.

Toro struggled to recover psychologically from that goal, and conceded almost immediately from kick off as Iličić found himself unmarked to complete his hat trick.

The home side then lost their discipline at 5-0 down, as Armando Izzo was sent off for a second yellow card.

Atalanta were awarded a second penalty of the match when Soualiho Meite upended Rafael Tolói in the area. Substitute Luis Muriel sent Salvatore Sirigu the wrong way to make it 6-0, whilst the Columbian striker then made it 7-0 moments later.

Toro were reduced to nine men in stoppage time when Sasa Lukic received a straight red card for a late challenge on Papu Gomez as the Granata faithful looked on in disbelief of what they had just witnessed.

Forza Toro

Torino v Atalanta Preview

After a disappointing defeat against Sassuolo in their last match, Torino will be looking to make amends when they face Atalanta on Saturday evening.

The Granata will be without the suspended Ola Aina and Tomas Rincon, whilst Cristian Ansaldi and Simone Zaza are still unavailable due to injury.

Atalanta are looking at making a return to the Champions League this season, but suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat against SPAL on Monday evening.

Prediction
Torino 1-3 Atalanta

Atalanta 2-3 Torino

Torino produced an impressive performance as they came from behind to beat Atalanta 3-2 and maintain their 100% start to the Serie A season.

Koffi Djidji replaced Bremer in the back three, whilst Alex Berenguer replaced the injured Simone Zaza as the main support for Andrea Belotti,

Toro had the first chance of the game as Daniele Baselli's clipped free kick found Armando Izzo at the far post, but his header was clawed off the line by Pierluigi Gollini.

However, the Granata did not have to wait long before taking the lead, as another Daniele Baselli set piece, this time a short corner, found Kevin Bonifazi, and the defender's bullet header went past a helpless Gollini.

Atalanta equalised fifteen minutes later as a flowing passing move culminated in a calm finish from Duvan Zapata. The Colombian almost scored a carbon copy of that goal just before half time, but this time, his shot went wide of the post.

Just ten minutes into the second half, Zapata did score again - this time a sensational solo effort as he ran from the half way line before hitting a powerful shot past Salvatore Sirigu.

However, Toro showed great character to equalise just three minutes later as Alex Berenguer exchanged passes with Soualiho Meite before curling home from a difficult angle.

With twenty five minutes remaining, Toro took the lead as another Daniele Baselli free kick caused havoc in the Atalanta defence and allowed Armando Izzo to head home at the far post.

Luis Muriel and Hans Hateboer both missed late chances to earn Atalanta a point, but Toro held on to claim a vital victory.

Forza Toro

Atalanta v Torino Preview

Torino face Atalanta on Sunday evening and will look to immediately recovery from the disappointment of their Europa League elimination. 

This match will be played in Parma, due to renovations taking place at Atalanta's stadium, and Toro will be looking to take inspiration from their 'hosts'.

Twelve months ago, the Bergamo side were also eliminated from the Europa League before the group stages, however, they were then able to qualify for the Champions League.

Toro will be without the injured Simone Zaza who picked up an injury in the defeat to Wolves, so Alex Berenguer should support Andrea Belotti in attack.

Atalanta had a dramatic start to the Serie A season last weekend, as they came from 2-0 behind away to SPAL to win 3-2, with new signing Luis Muriel scoring twice.

Prediction
Atalanta 2-1 Torino

Torino 2-0 Atalanta

Torino moved into 6th place and reignited their Europa League hopes with an impressive 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Saturday afternoon.

Soualiho Meite, Daniele Baselli and Iago Falque all returned to the starting eleven as Toro faced a fellow European challenger.

Mid way through the first half, Atalanta had a chance to take the lead, but Gianluca Mancini was denied by Salvatore Sirigu. On the stroke of half time, it was Torino who took the lead as Armando Izzo poked home following a corner.

Toro then made a dream start to the second half as they doubled their lead within a minute, thanks to Iago Falque's clever toe poked finish.

Atalanta came close to reducing the deficit but Duvan Zupata was denied by Sirigu as the Granata defence held firm to earn their fifth consecutive clean sheet, and claim a vital three points.

Forza Toro

Torino v Atalanta Preview

Torino host Atalanta on Saturday afternoon hoping to continue their recent good form as they continue to challenge for European qualification.

Koffi Djidji misses out through injury so Emiliano Moretti should continue in defence, whilst Tomas Rincon also misses out due to suspension.

Atalanta have qualified for the Europa League in the past two seasons, and are currently three points above Torino in the table and have won four of their last five away games in Serie A.

Prediction
Torino 1-1 Atalanta

Atalanta 0-0 Torino

Torino maintained their unbeaten away record as they held on for a point against Atalanta on Wednesday afternoon.

Vittorio Parigini was the shock inclusion in the Torino starting eleven, as the youth team product made his first start for the Granata, whilst Koffi Djidji replaced Emiliano Moretti in defence to make his debut.

Papu Gomez had the first chance of the game for the home side, but the Atalanta captain curled his shot wide of the target.

Torino's best chance of the first half fell to Vittorio Parigini, however, the youngster could only hit the side netting.

Atalanta started the dominate the second half, with Duvan Zapata and Rafael Toloi both missing good chances.

Salvatore Sirigu, Torino's best player so far this season, made another great save to deny Papu Gomez and earn Toro a point.

Forza Toro

Atalanta v Torino Preview

Torino will look to respond quickly from the disappointing defeat against Napoli when they face Atalanta on Wednesday evening.

Lorenzo De Silvestri is fit enough to be included in the squad, but may not start, whilst Roberto Soriano may return to the starting eleven.

Atalanta have had a disappointing start to the season after their surprise Europa League elimination, whilst in Serie A, they have lost to Cagliari and SPAL in recent weeks. However, they did score an injury time equaliser against AC Milan on Sunday evening to earn a point.

Prediction
Atalanta 1-1 Torino

Atalanta 2-1 Torino

Torino's slim hopes of Europa League qualification ended on Sunday afternoon following a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta.

Following a number of injuries and suspensions, Walter Mazzarri was forced into a number of changes, with Kevin Bonifazi starting at right back, Afriyie Acquah in midfield, and Simone Edera up front.

The home side dominated the first half, and Toro were grateful for Salvatore Sirigu who made two good saves to deny Musa Barrow.

Atalanta took the lead eight minutes into the second half as Barrow turned provider for Remo Freuler to head home. Toro were level three minutes later as Simone Edera's excellent pass found Adem Ljajic who finished well past Etrit Berisha.

However, with twenty five minutes remaining, Atalanta regained the lead as Timothy Castagne crossed for Robin Gosens to score from close range.

Toro were unable to find an equaliser and are now seven points away from the final Europa League position and can start to look towards next season.

Forza Toro

Atalanta v Torino Preview

Torino travel to Bergamo on Sunday afternoon knowing that they must return with three points to have any chance of qualifying for Europe.

This task is made harder by a number of suspensions and injuries, as Lorenzo De Silvestri, Antonio Barreca, Daniele Baselli, Joel Obi and Iago Falque are all unavailable. This means that Walter Mazzarri has had to included Primavera players Alessandro Fiordaliso, Ndari Adopo, Ben Lhassine Kone and Karlo Butic for the trip to Atalanta.

Atalanta currently occupy 7th place which should almost certainly be enough for Europa League qualification, and Toro could close the gap to just two points should they emerge victorious.

Prediction
Atalanta 2-1 Torino

Torino 1-1 Atalanta

Torino were held to a fourth consecutive Serie A draw as they were unable to hold on to a lead given to them by Nicolas N'Koulou's first goal for the club.

Nicolas Burdisso was once again preferred to Lyanco in defence, whilst Iago Falque started in place of M'Baye Niang who was not even on the bench.

Torino, wearing an unfamiliar green strip in honour of Chapecoense, struggled to create many chances in a first half devoid of quality from both teams. However, on the stroke of half time, Nicolas N'Koulou headed home Adem Ljajic's corner to give Toro the lead.

Atalanta introduced substitute Josip Iličić at half time, and within ten minutes the Slovenian made an instant impact as he broke through a weak Toro offside trap to equalise.

Andrea Belotti forced an excellent save from Etrit Berisha whilst at the other end, Salvatore Sirigu saved well from Leonardo Spinazzola but both sides had to settle for a point.

Forza Toro

Torino v Atalanta Preview

Torino will face Atalanta on Saturday evening looking to end a run of three consecutive draws to get their quest for a top 7 finish back on track.

It has been announced that Torino will wear a special one off green shirt to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Chapecoense air disaster.

Andrea Belotti got on the score sheet in mid-week against Carpi in the Coppa Italia, but has not scored a league goal for the Granata since September 20th.

Atalanta were the surprise team of last season and have achieved some excellent results in the Europa League, including a 5-1 win at Everton. However, their league form has not been as impressive and have lost their last three away games, although they do come into this match above Torino in the table, on goal difference.

Prediction
Torino 2-1 Atalanta

Torino 1-1 Atalanta

Torino's disappointing start to 2017 continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by an impressive Atalanta side on Sunday afternoon.

Torino made the brighter start and were ahead after only sixteen minutes when excellent work from Antonio Barreca down the left wing resulted in his cross being headed home by Iago Falque.

At the other end, Atalanta were almost level when Antonio Barreca inadvertently deflected the ball onto his own crossbar from a corner. The away side were coming into the game and Joe Hart had to make a good save to deny Rafael Tolói.

Atalanta were deservedly level mid-way through the second half when Andrea Petagna rolled Luca Rossettini and stabbed the ball past Joe Hart.

Former Toro midfielder Jasmin Kurtič missed two great chances to give La Dea the lead, but he blazed his effort high over the crossbar on both occasions.

Adem Ljajic came closest to scoring a winner for Toro, but his free kick went narrowly wide of the post as the Granata had to settle for a point.

Forza Toro

Torino v Atalanta Preview

Torino will look to win their first game of 2017 when they face Atalanta in the early kick off on Sunday afternoon.

After a disappointing result at Bologna last weekend, the Granata fans will be hoping for a much improved performance at the Stadio Grande Torino. Andrea Belotti is back from suspension, whilst Leandro Castan could return to the starting eleven following injury - however Davide Zappacosta will miss out.

Atalanta have been the surprise package of the Serie A season so far and are currently in 6th place, having won three of the their last four games.

Prediction
Torino 2-1 Atalanta

Atalanta 2-1 Torino

Torino lost their second game of the season, as despite leading, they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta on Sunday afternoon.

Joe Hart made his Toro debut, whilst Josef Martinez and Maxi Lopez replaced the injured duo Adem Ljajic and Andrea Belotti.

Toro had the first chance of the game as Marco Benassi's snap shot from distance was the tipped over the bar by Marco Sportiello. At the other end, Joe Hart produced a fine save to deny the in form Atalanta midfielder Frank Kessié,

Both sides had chances to take the lead just before the break, firstly Cristian Molinaro was denied by Sportiello's legs and then Kessié somehow missed the target from only three yards out.

Toro took the lead ten minutes into the second half thanks to Iago Falque's fine free kick, although Sportiello probably should have kept it out.

However the lead lasted less than two minutes as debutant Hart failed to claim a corner kick, and diverted the ball into the path of Andrea Masiello who turned the ball into the back of the net.

Lucas Boyé and Falque both had half chances to give Toro the lead, but with ten minutes remaining, the home side were awarded a penalty when Lorenzo  De Silvestri tripped Alejandro Gomez. Hart was unable to make amends for his earlier error as the excellent Kessié sent him the wrong way from the spot to give Atalanta their first points of the season.

Atalanta v Torino Preview

On loan goalkeeper Joe Hart is in line to make his Torino debut when the Granata face a tough trip to Bergamo on Sunday afternoon. 

The England international has made a good first impression with his new teammates, and coach Sinisia Mihajlovic has revealed that he has already learnt a few words of Italian.

However, Mihajlovic has other worries due to an injury crisis up front with Andrea Belotti, Maxi Lopez and Josef Martinez all potentially out. Therefore, youngster Manuel De Luca has been called up to the squad for the first time.

The home side have lost both of their league fixtures this season, but young midfielder Frank Kessié has impressed and has already scored three times.

Prediction

Atalanta 1-1 Torino

Torino 2-1 Atalanta

Torino clinched their first home win since January after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atalanta on Sunday afternoon.

Captain Kamil Glik returned to the starting eleven following suspension, whilst Joel Obi was surprisingly preferred to both Marco Benassi and Daniele Baselli in midfield.

Atalanta made the better start and Boukary Drame and Mauricio Pinilla both had great chances for the away side to take the lead.

However, ten minutes before half time, an exquisite Afriyie Acquah pass found Bruno Peres, and the Brazilian fired the ball into the top corner for his first goal of the season.

Less than a minute into the second half, Toro doubled their lead when an error from Atalanta defender Guglielmo Stendardo was capitalised on by Maxi Lopez who finished calmly.

With less than ten minutes remaining Luca Cigarini's free kick ensured a nervy ending for Toro, but the Granata held on to claim a second successive vctory.

Forza Toro

Torino v Atalanta Preview

Torino will look to earn their first home victory since January when they face Atalanta on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata will be buoyed by their surprise victory over Inter last weekend, and will have captain Kamil Glik available after suspension.

Atalanta have won their last two games under former Toro coach Edy Reja, but have only won two away games all season - the last of which was a shock win against Roma in November.

Prediction
Torino 2-0 Atalanta

Atalanta 0-1 Torino

Torino ended their run of six games without a win after to deserved win against Atalanta thanks to Cesare Bovo's goal.

Cesare Bovo returned from suspension so returned to the starting eleven, whilst Afriyie Acquah replaced the injured Marco Benassi in midfield.

Andrea Belotti, who is yet to open his account for Torino, had the first opportunity of the match but his shot was well saved by Marco Sportiello.

Belotti once again had a great chance to correct that statistic moments later, but he failed to make any contact with Bruno Peres' excellent cross. The ball kept falling to the former Palermo man, and he came even closer to opening the scoring when his header hit the crossbar from a Cristian Molinaro assist.

Toro did eventually take the lead seven minutes into the second half, when Daniele Baselli's cross was volleyed home by Cesare Bovo. That goal meant that Bovo has now scored in successive games for Torino, as the defender also scored an equaliser in the Derby Della Mole.

Some poor defending by the Granata gave German Denis a great chance to equalise, but the Argentine could only find the side netting. At the other end, Andrea Belotti once again came close, this time hitting the post, but in hindsight, a pass to strike partner Quagliarella may have been the better option.

Toro needed a last minute intervention by Cristian Molinaro to deny Andrea Masiello, but the Granata held on for a much needed victory.

Forza Toro!

Atalanta v Torino Preview

Torino will look to end a run of six games without a win when they travel to Bergamo to play Atalanta on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata have not won since a 2-1 victory against Palermo at the end of September, but will be boosted by the return of Cesare Bovo from suspension.

Opponents Atalanta are unbeaten at home this season, winning four of their five fixtures including an impressive 2-1 victory against Lazio in their last game.

However, Toro will take heart from the fact they beat their hosts in this fixture last season - with captain Kamil Glik scoring in a 2-1 victory.

Prediction
Atalanta 1-1 Torino