Torino lost their first match since the Serie A restart after a disappointing 4-2 defeat in Sardinia on Saturday evening.
Toro were behind after only twelve minutes when Uruguayan midfielder Nahitan Nandez volleyed home following a corner. The home side then doubled their lead five minutes later when Giovanni Simeone swept home from close range, with the goal initially being disallowed for offside before being allowed by VAR.
Toro felt like they should have been awarded a penalty before half time when Andrea Belotti was seemingly upended in the area by Lykogiannis, but the referee waved away the Granata's appeals.
It almost got worse before the break, when the referee initially gave Cagliari a penalty when Nicolas Nkoulou appeared to handle the ball in the area, however VAR confirmed that the ball hit the defender's shoulder.
However, a minute into the 2nd half, things did get worse for Toro when Radja Nainggolan scored from outside the area.
The introduction of Cristian Ansaldi gave Toro and immediate boost, and the Argentine's deep cross found Ola Aina whose cushioned header found Bremer, who finished well to reduce the deficit.
Hopes of an unlikely comeback were then made possible just five minutes later, when Simone Verdi's corner found Andrea Belotti, and the Toro captain volleyed home sensationally.
However, those hopes were quickly extinguished when Nicolas Nkoulou upended Luca Pellegrini in the area. Joao Pedro stepped up and sent Salvatore Sirigu the wrong way, as the home side claimed the victory in an entertaining game.
Showing posts with label Cagliari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cagliari. Show all posts
Monday, 29 June 2020
Saturday, 27 June 2020
Cagliari v Torino Preview
Simone Zaza, who celebrated his 29th birthday this week will miss out through injury, but the Granata are boosted by the return of Simone Verdi who is fit again.
Cagliari picked up a much needed victory on Tuesday at SPAL thanks to Giovanni Simeone's late goal, which ended a run of four consecutive defeats.
Prediction
Cagliari 1-1 Torino
Tuesday, 29 October 2019
Torino 1-1 Cagliari
Torino came from behind to earn a point against Cagliari at the Stadio Grande Torino on Sunday afternoon.
Walter Mazzarri made a number of changes to the team that lost against Udinese, with Koffi Djidji, Lorenzo De Silvestri, Ola Aina and Iago Falque all coming into the starting eleven.
Toro had made a bright start, but it was the visitors who had the best chance early on, although Joao Pedro's shot went wide of the target when well placed.
Andrea Belotti almost capitalised on an error by Cagliari defender Luca Ceppitelli, but the Toro captain was then denied by Robin Olsen.
Just before half time, the Sardinians took the lead thanks to Uruguayan midfielder Nahitan Nández who fired home after Giovanni Simeone's assist.
With the Granata booed off the field at half time, Mazzarri made a change with Simone Zaza replacing Iago Falque in attack.
However, it was Cagliari who came close to doubling their lead in the early stages, with Giovanni Simeone's shot tipped over the bar by Salvatore Sirigu.
With twenty minutes remaining, Toro found an equaliser thanks to good work from their inspirational captain Andrea Belotti who delivered an excellent left wing cross that was well finished by Simone Zaza.
Neither side did enough to win the game in the closing stages, and a point each was probably a fair result.
Forza Toro
Walter Mazzarri made a number of changes to the team that lost against Udinese, with Koffi Djidji, Lorenzo De Silvestri, Ola Aina and Iago Falque all coming into the starting eleven.
Toro had made a bright start, but it was the visitors who had the best chance early on, although Joao Pedro's shot went wide of the target when well placed.
Andrea Belotti almost capitalised on an error by Cagliari defender Luca Ceppitelli, but the Toro captain was then denied by Robin Olsen.
Just before half time, the Sardinians took the lead thanks to Uruguayan midfielder Nahitan Nández who fired home after Giovanni Simeone's assist.
With the Granata booed off the field at half time, Mazzarri made a change with Simone Zaza replacing Iago Falque in attack.
However, it was Cagliari who came close to doubling their lead in the early stages, with Giovanni Simeone's shot tipped over the bar by Salvatore Sirigu.
With twenty minutes remaining, Toro found an equaliser thanks to good work from their inspirational captain Andrea Belotti who delivered an excellent left wing cross that was well finished by Simone Zaza.
Neither side did enough to win the game in the closing stages, and a point each was probably a fair result.
Forza Toro
Sunday, 27 October 2019
Torino v Cagliari Preview
Iago Falque could make his first league start of the season, whilst Lorenzo De Silvestri and Ola Aina could also come into the starting eleven.
After losing their first two games of the season, Cagliari are now unbeaten in six games and have claimed impressive results with a win at Napoli and an away draw against Roma during that run.
Prediction
Torino 2-1 Cagliari
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Torino 1-1 Cagliari
Torino lost ground on the teams chasing European football as they dropped two points at home to Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.
With Andrea Belotti suspended, Simone Zaza was given a rare start up front, and with Iago Falque still out, Alex Berenguer retained his place.
Alessio Cragno in the Cagliari goal made an excellent save to deny Daniele Baselli from just inside the area. At the other end, Artur Ionita almost gave the Sardinians a shock lead, but his powerful effort hit the bar.
Toro took the lead early in the second half as Armando Izzo kept the ball alive from a set piece and crossed for Simone Zaza to score just his third goal of the season.
However, the former Sassuolo man then turned from hero to zero as he was given a straight red card for dissent after being penalised by the referee.
Toro were punished almost immediately as Leonardo Pavoletti headed home a Luca Cigarini cross to equalise. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but was then correctly given following a VAR review.
Cagliari ended the game with 9 men as both Luca Pellegrini and Nicolo Barella were both dismissed for second yellow cards. The Granata almost snatched all three points in the dying seconds, but Daniele Baselli's free kick was tipped over the bar by Cragno.
With Andrea Belotti suspended, Simone Zaza was given a rare start up front, and with Iago Falque still out, Alex Berenguer retained his place.
Alessio Cragno in the Cagliari goal made an excellent save to deny Daniele Baselli from just inside the area. At the other end, Artur Ionita almost gave the Sardinians a shock lead, but his powerful effort hit the bar.
Toro took the lead early in the second half as Armando Izzo kept the ball alive from a set piece and crossed for Simone Zaza to score just his third goal of the season.
However, the former Sassuolo man then turned from hero to zero as he was given a straight red card for dissent after being penalised by the referee.
Toro were punished almost immediately as Leonardo Pavoletti headed home a Luca Cigarini cross to equalise. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but was then correctly given following a VAR review.
Cagliari ended the game with 9 men as both Luca Pellegrini and Nicolo Barella were both dismissed for second yellow cards. The Granata almost snatched all three points in the dying seconds, but Daniele Baselli's free kick was tipped over the bar by Cragno.
Saturday, 13 April 2019
Torino v Cagliari Preview
The Granata are just four points behind AC Milan in 4th, and Toro could be unlikely challengers for the Champions League if they can continue their impressive home form.
However, Toro will be without top scorer Andrea Belotti through suspension, and with Iago Falque still injured, the Granata will have to rely on Simone Zaza - who has scored just twice in a disappointing campaign.
Cagliari are in good form, having won three of their last four games, although they have struggled on their travels this season. Before winning 3-0 at Chievo in their last away game, the Sardinians had lost five consecutive games away from home without scoring.
Prediction
Torino 1-0 Cagliari
Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Cagliari 0-0 Torino
Torino missed the chance to move into the Europa League places, as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Cagliari on Monday night.
Cristian Ansaldi replaced the injured Ola Aina, whilst the suspended Tomas Rincon was replaced by Soualiho Meïté who had only just returned from a suspension of his own.
It was an uninspiring first half, with both teams struggling to create any real chances until Nicolò Barella's cross clipped the cross bar in injury time.
Toro improved in the second half following the introduction of Simone Zaza, but home goalkeeper Alessio Cragno made good saves to deny Iago Falque, and then Zaza himself after excellent work from fellow substitute Vittorio Parigini.
Andrea Belotti had Toro's last chance with a long range effort, but he was denied by the inform Cragno to earn Cagliari a point.
Forza Toro
Cristian Ansaldi replaced the injured Ola Aina, whilst the suspended Tomas Rincon was replaced by Soualiho Meïté who had only just returned from a suspension of his own.
It was an uninspiring first half, with both teams struggling to create any real chances until Nicolò Barella's cross clipped the cross bar in injury time.
Toro improved in the second half following the introduction of Simone Zaza, but home goalkeeper Alessio Cragno made good saves to deny Iago Falque, and then Zaza himself after excellent work from fellow substitute Vittorio Parigini.
Andrea Belotti had Toro's last chance with a long range effort, but he was denied by the inform Cragno to earn Cagliari a point.
Forza Toro
Sunday, 25 November 2018
Cagliari v Torino Preview
Mazzarri fell unwell on Friday evening and went to hospital, and whilst he quickly recovered, it was decided he would not return to work until further tests have been completed.
Tomas Rincon will also miss out due to suspension, with Sasa Lukic expected to deputise and Cristian Ansaldi could replace Ola Aina who picked up a slight knock on international duty.
Cagliari are currently unbeaten at home this season, winning their last two fixtures against Bologna and Chievo. However, Toro did record an impressive 4-0 victory when they played earlier this year in March.
Prediction
Cagliari 1-2 Torino
Tuesday, 3 April 2018
Cagliari 0-4 Torino
Torino ended a run of four successive defeats with a surprise 4-0 victory over Cagliari on Saturday afternoon.
The Granata lined up in a 3-5-2 formation for the first time this season , with Iago Falque supporting Andrea Belotti in attack.
Toro had the first chance of the match, but Daniele Baselli somehow missed the target from close range after good work from Tomas Rincon.
At the other end, Alessandro Deiola should have given the home side the lead but he blazed over the bar from close range. Former Juventus man Simone Padoin should have done better when through on goal, but he was denied by Salvatore Sirigu.
The turning point arrived ten minutes after half time as Adem Ljajic replaced Afriyie Acquah and Toro switched to a more adventurous 3-4-1-2 formation. The impact was almost immediate as Andrea Belotti inadvertently set up Iago Falque to score, after the Toro captain's own shot hit the post and then ricocheted off him and into the path of Falque.
That bit of luck is what Toro had been missing in recent weeks, and Ljajic soon added a second with a smart finish.
Cristian Ansaldi added a third as the Argentine scored his first Toro goal from just inside the area, whilst Andrea Belotti set up substitute Joel Obi to score a VAR assisted fourth goal in the dying moments.
Forza Toro
The Granata lined up in a 3-5-2 formation for the first time this season , with Iago Falque supporting Andrea Belotti in attack.
Toro had the first chance of the match, but Daniele Baselli somehow missed the target from close range after good work from Tomas Rincon.
At the other end, Alessandro Deiola should have given the home side the lead but he blazed over the bar from close range. Former Juventus man Simone Padoin should have done better when through on goal, but he was denied by Salvatore Sirigu.
The turning point arrived ten minutes after half time as Adem Ljajic replaced Afriyie Acquah and Toro switched to a more adventurous 3-4-1-2 formation. The impact was almost immediate as Andrea Belotti inadvertently set up Iago Falque to score, after the Toro captain's own shot hit the post and then ricocheted off him and into the path of Falque.
That bit of luck is what Toro had been missing in recent weeks, and Ljajic soon added a second with a smart finish.
Cristian Ansaldi added a third as the Argentine scored his first Toro goal from just inside the area, whilst Andrea Belotti set up substitute Joel Obi to score a VAR assisted fourth goal in the dying moments.
Forza Toro
Friday, 30 March 2018
Cagliari v Torino Preview
Walter Mazzarri is expected to change to a 3-5-2 formation to improve the Granata's fortunes, whilst Daniele Baselli should return to the starting eleven following illness.
Cagliari are safely in mid table and should have no worries about a relegation battle, despite having only won one of their last five Serie A games, which was a fortnight ago against Benevento.
Prediction
Cagliari 1-1 Torino
Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Torino 2-1 Cagliari
Torino won for the first time since September as they came from behind to clinch a crucial three points against Cagliari.
Sinisa Mihajlovic, who was rumoured to be facing the sack should Toro lose, changed to a 4-3-3 formation for this match and was also boosted by the news that Andrea Belotti was available following injury.
The Granata went behind after half an hour following a quick fire counter attack that resulted in Diego Farias finding Nicolò Barella who finished well.
Toro only had to wait ten minutes for their equaliser, and it was another well worked goal, as Adem Ljajic found Cristian Ansaldi in space, and the versatile Argentine crossed for Iago Falque to tap home.
In the second half, Adem Ljajic and Andrea Belotti both missed excellent chances to give Toro the lead. However, with twenty five minutes remaining, Cagliari failed to clear the ball from a corner, and substitute Joel Obi headed home from close range.
Andrea Belotti and Daniele Baselli both missed late chances to increase the margin of victory and reduce the nerves of the supporters, but Toro managed to hold on for a much needed victory.
Forza Toro
Sinisa Mihajlovic, who was rumoured to be facing the sack should Toro lose, changed to a 4-3-3 formation for this match and was also boosted by the news that Andrea Belotti was available following injury.
The Granata went behind after half an hour following a quick fire counter attack that resulted in Diego Farias finding Nicolò Barella who finished well.
Toro only had to wait ten minutes for their equaliser, and it was another well worked goal, as Adem Ljajic found Cristian Ansaldi in space, and the versatile Argentine crossed for Iago Falque to tap home.
In the second half, Adem Ljajic and Andrea Belotti both missed excellent chances to give Toro the lead. However, with twenty five minutes remaining, Cagliari failed to clear the ball from a corner, and substitute Joel Obi headed home from close range.
Andrea Belotti and Daniele Baselli both missed late chances to increase the margin of victory and reduce the nerves of the supporters, but Toro managed to hold on for a much needed victory.
Forza Toro
Monday, 10 April 2017
Cagliari 2-3 Torino
Torino recorded their first away win since November as they came from behind to beat Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.
Brazilian defender Carlão made his debut at centre back, whilst Toro lined up in a new 4-2-3-1 formation with Adem Ljajic moved into a more central role.
With less than twenty minutes gone on the clock, the Granata conceded a penalty when Carlão was adjudged to have pulled back Artur Ionita in the area, and Marco Borriello stepped up to convert.
However, Toro soon equalised as nice interplay between Andrea Belotti and Adem Ljajic resulted in the Serbian scoring an exquisite strike from distance. Torino then took the lead six minutes later when Davide Zappacosta's cross was headed home by Andrea Belotti - his 24th league goal of an incredible campaign.
Torino extended their lead in the early stages of the second half, as Ghanaian midfielder Afriyie Acquah once again scored a great goal from outside the area after receiving a pass from Iago Falque.
Cagliari scored a second goal in injury time to give Toro a nervous few moments as Kwang Song Han became the first North Korean to score in Serie A as he headed home Diego Farias' cross, but Torino held on for all three points.
Forza Toro
Brazilian defender Carlão made his debut at centre back, whilst Toro lined up in a new 4-2-3-1 formation with Adem Ljajic moved into a more central role.
With less than twenty minutes gone on the clock, the Granata conceded a penalty when Carlão was adjudged to have pulled back Artur Ionita in the area, and Marco Borriello stepped up to convert.
However, Toro soon equalised as nice interplay between Andrea Belotti and Adem Ljajic resulted in the Serbian scoring an exquisite strike from distance. Torino then took the lead six minutes later when Davide Zappacosta's cross was headed home by Andrea Belotti - his 24th league goal of an incredible campaign.
Torino extended their lead in the early stages of the second half, as Ghanaian midfielder Afriyie Acquah once again scored a great goal from outside the area after receiving a pass from Iago Falque.
Cagliari scored a second goal in injury time to give Toro a nervous few moments as Kwang Song Han became the first North Korean to score in Serie A as he headed home Diego Farias' cross, but Torino held on for all three points.
Forza Toro
Saturday, 8 April 2017
Cagliari v Torino Preview
Luca Rossettini is suspended, so Arlind Ajeti or Carlão could make a rare start to partner Emiliano Moretti in central defence.
Cagliari are one of the few teams to have conceded more goals than Torino this season (59) but despite their troubles at the back. they are well clear of the bottom three.
However, they have only won one of their last five home matches so Toro shouldn't be too apprehensive ahead of their trip to Sardinia.
Prediction
Cagliari 1-2 Torino
Monday, 7 November 2016
Torino 5-1 Cagliari
Torino produced another excellent home performance as they thrashed Cagliari 5-1 at Stadio Grande Torino on Saturday evening.
As expected, Leandro Castan and Iago Falque returned to the Toro starting eleven, and it only took two minutes for the Granata to take the lead.
Andrea Belotti's initial shot was parried by Marco Storari, but the Italian international reacted first to smash into the back of the net. Toro doubled their lead less than ten minutes later as Adem Ljajic scored with a shot from outside the area which wrong-footed Storari.
Marco Benassi added a third goal for Toro as the captain fired a shot into the top corner from a difficult angle. However, four minutes before half time, Federico Melchiorri gave the away side a lifeline as he headed home a left wing cross past Joe Hart, and the England international may be disappointed not to have kept it out.
However, Toro re-established their three goal lead just five minutes into the second half as Daniele Baselli smashed home a fourth following Ljajic's cut back. Torino were awarded a penalty on the hour mark when Panagiotis Tachtsidis (who is on loan from Toro) tripped Andrea Belotti in the area.
Cagliari midfielder Daniele Dessena was sent off for protesting that decision, but that did not deter Belotti who managed to convert his first penalty of the season - despite Storari getting a hand to it.
This was Toro's second 5-1 victory of the season, and only Roma have bettered their tally of 27 goals so far this campaign.
Forza Toro
As expected, Leandro Castan and Iago Falque returned to the Toro starting eleven, and it only took two minutes for the Granata to take the lead.
Andrea Belotti's initial shot was parried by Marco Storari, but the Italian international reacted first to smash into the back of the net. Toro doubled their lead less than ten minutes later as Adem Ljajic scored with a shot from outside the area which wrong-footed Storari.
Marco Benassi added a third goal for Toro as the captain fired a shot into the top corner from a difficult angle. However, four minutes before half time, Federico Melchiorri gave the away side a lifeline as he headed home a left wing cross past Joe Hart, and the England international may be disappointed not to have kept it out.
However, Toro re-established their three goal lead just five minutes into the second half as Daniele Baselli smashed home a fourth following Ljajic's cut back. Torino were awarded a penalty on the hour mark when Panagiotis Tachtsidis (who is on loan from Toro) tripped Andrea Belotti in the area.
Cagliari midfielder Daniele Dessena was sent off for protesting that decision, but that did not deter Belotti who managed to convert his first penalty of the season - despite Storari getting a hand to it.
This was Toro's second 5-1 victory of the season, and only Roma have bettered their tally of 27 goals so far this campaign.
Forza Toro
Friday, 4 November 2016
Torino v Cagliari Preview
Leandro Castan has returned to the squad following injury and should come into the starting eleven, as should Iago Falque who played no part against Udinese on Monday.
Davide Zappacosta and Mirko Valdifiori both suffered injuries in that game, but have been included in the squad so could feature.
Since gaining promotion last season, Cagliari have adjusted well to life in the top flight and are currently level on points with Torino in 9th place. Despite winning four of their last six fixtures, Cagliari have only won one of their five away games this season, a shock 2-1 victory over Inter at the San Siro.
Prediction
Torino 3-1 Cagliari
Monday, 16 February 2015
Torino 1-1 Cagliari
Torino were unable to record a fifth consecutive victory as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.
The introduction of Matteo Darmian and Omar El Kaddouri were the only alterations from the starting eleven that beat Hellas Verona six days previously.
Cagliari goalkeeper Željko Brkić made a smart save early on to deny Marco Benassi's deflected effort from distance. With ten minutes remaining until half time, it was the Sardinians who took the lead, somewhat against the run of play, as midfielder Godfred Donsah fired the ball past Daniele Padelli from the edge of the area.
However, the Granata showed immense character and equalised almost immediately after the restart. Bruno Peres' initial effort was blocked, but the ball rebounded to Omar El Kaddouri who casually controlled the ball on his thigh before volleying into the net.
Toro had the better of the second half, but Brkić was performing heroics in the Cagliari goal to keep them at bay, as the Serbian first denied Matteo Darmian, and then Fabio Quagliarella from close range.
Captain Kamil Glik also had an opportunity to extend his excellent goal scoring record this season, but the Polish international headed wide of the target.
Torino had to make do with a point, which meant their run of consecutive victories ended at four - but their run of games without defeat in the league was extended to ten.
Forza Toro
The introduction of Matteo Darmian and Omar El Kaddouri were the only alterations from the starting eleven that beat Hellas Verona six days previously.
Cagliari goalkeeper Željko Brkić made a smart save early on to deny Marco Benassi's deflected effort from distance. With ten minutes remaining until half time, it was the Sardinians who took the lead, somewhat against the run of play, as midfielder Godfred Donsah fired the ball past Daniele Padelli from the edge of the area.
However, the Granata showed immense character and equalised almost immediately after the restart. Bruno Peres' initial effort was blocked, but the ball rebounded to Omar El Kaddouri who casually controlled the ball on his thigh before volleying into the net.
Toro had the better of the second half, but Brkić was performing heroics in the Cagliari goal to keep them at bay, as the Serbian first denied Matteo Darmian, and then Fabio Quagliarella from close range.
Captain Kamil Glik also had an opportunity to extend his excellent goal scoring record this season, but the Polish international headed wide of the target.
Torino had to make do with a point, which meant their run of consecutive victories ended at four - but their run of games without defeat in the league was extended to ten.
Forza Toro
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Torino V Cagliari Preview
Alexander Farnerud, who has been a great form, will miss the game due to suffering from the fleu and he should be replaced by Omar El Kaddouri - who scored in last weekend's victory at Hellas Verona.
The other goal scorers from that game, Josef Martinez and Fabio Quagliarella should both start although Maxi Lopez has recovered from illness and is included in the squad.
Cagliari are currently in the bottom three and club legend Gianfranco Zola has been tasked with keeping the club in the division. However the Sardinians have lost their last two games, and have not won away from home since October.
Prediction
Torino 2-1 Cagliari
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Cagliari 1-2 Torino
Torino had to come from behind to earn their first victory of the season after beating Cagliari 2-1 on Wednesday night.
With Toro struggling for goals, Giampiero Ventura surprisingly decided to leave out Amauri and reinforce the midfield with Alessandro Gazzi and Juan Sanchez Mino both earning starts. Brazilian full back Bruno Peres also made his first start, with Matteo Darmian switching to left wing back.
The Granata made a terrible start, and went behind after only ten minutes when Daniele Padelli's poor clearance went straight to Andrea Cossu and the midfielder kept his cool to score from just inside the area.
However, Toro were level just ten minutes later as captain Kamil Glik scored on his one hundredth appearance for the club by heading in Juan Sanchez Mino's corner. The remarkable turnaround was complete moments later when Torino took the lead through a cleverly worked free kick routine.
Gazzi played the ball forward to Omar El Kaddouri, whose clever flick found Fabio Quagliarella in space and he made no mistake in firing the ball past Alessio Cragno.
Bruno Peres was having an impressive full debut for Toro, and he almost capped it off with a goal but his curling left footed shot went narrowly wide of the post. Omar El Kaddouri almost made amends for his missed penalty against Hellas Verona, but his long range shot clipped the top of the crossbar.
Substitute Amauri almost scored his first Torino goal in the closing stages, but his effort from Bruno Peres' assist went wide of the target.
Toro were deserving winners in the end, and showed great character to come from behind to secure their first win of the season.
Forza Toro
With Toro struggling for goals, Giampiero Ventura surprisingly decided to leave out Amauri and reinforce the midfield with Alessandro Gazzi and Juan Sanchez Mino both earning starts. Brazilian full back Bruno Peres also made his first start, with Matteo Darmian switching to left wing back.
The Granata made a terrible start, and went behind after only ten minutes when Daniele Padelli's poor clearance went straight to Andrea Cossu and the midfielder kept his cool to score from just inside the area.
However, Toro were level just ten minutes later as captain Kamil Glik scored on his one hundredth appearance for the club by heading in Juan Sanchez Mino's corner. The remarkable turnaround was complete moments later when Torino took the lead through a cleverly worked free kick routine.
Gazzi played the ball forward to Omar El Kaddouri, whose clever flick found Fabio Quagliarella in space and he made no mistake in firing the ball past Alessio Cragno.
Bruno Peres was having an impressive full debut for Toro, and he almost capped it off with a goal but his curling left footed shot went narrowly wide of the post. Omar El Kaddouri almost made amends for his missed penalty against Hellas Verona, but his long range shot clipped the top of the crossbar.
Substitute Amauri almost scored his first Torino goal in the closing stages, but his effort from Bruno Peres' assist went wide of the target.
Toro were deserving winners in the end, and showed great character to come from behind to secure their first win of the season.
Forza Toro
Monday, 31 March 2014
Torino 2-1 Cagliari
Despite the absence of key players Emiliano Moretti and Ciro Immobile, Torino clinched a 2-1 victory over Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.
As expected Riccardo Meggiorini replaced Immobile, however Migjen Basha was suprisingly chosen in place of Moretti, with Nikola Maksimovic reverting to centre back.
Cagliari striker Nene had the first real chance of the game, but after turning Maksimovic, the Brazilian striker blazed over the bar. At the other end, Riccardo Meggiorni came close to scoring his first goal of the season but his effort went wide of the post.
On the stroke of half time, Torino took the lead as Alessio Cerci's teasing cross was met with a diving header from Omar El Kaddouri who scored his fourth goal of the season.
Meggiorini came close to extending Toro's lead with a left footed effort from distance, but his striker was tipped round the post by Vlada Avramov.
With 20 minutes left, the Granata did double their lead when Giuseppe Vives' through ball found Alessio Cerci in space and the Italian international calmy side footed the ball past Avramov.
Torino had a nervy last ten minutes to contend with when Nene's poweful header beat Padelli, but Toro were able to hold on to clinch a crucial victory.
As expected Riccardo Meggiorini replaced Immobile, however Migjen Basha was suprisingly chosen in place of Moretti, with Nikola Maksimovic reverting to centre back.
Cagliari striker Nene had the first real chance of the game, but after turning Maksimovic, the Brazilian striker blazed over the bar. At the other end, Riccardo Meggiorni came close to scoring his first goal of the season but his effort went wide of the post.
On the stroke of half time, Torino took the lead as Alessio Cerci's teasing cross was met with a diving header from Omar El Kaddouri who scored his fourth goal of the season.
Meggiorini came close to extending Toro's lead with a left footed effort from distance, but his striker was tipped round the post by Vlada Avramov.
With 20 minutes left, the Granata did double their lead when Giuseppe Vives' through ball found Alessio Cerci in space and the Italian international calmy side footed the ball past Avramov.
Torino had a nervy last ten minutes to contend with when Nene's poweful header beat Padelli, but Toro were able to hold on to clinch a crucial victory.
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Torino v Cagliari Preview
Toro will be without top scorer Ciro Immobile and Emiliano Moretti who are both suspended, and are likely to be replaced by Riccardo Meggiorini and Guillermo Rodriguez in the starting line up.
Due to the two suspensions, Giampiero Ventura has called up Primavera players Mattia Aramu and Emmanuel Gyasi to the squad, and with Paulo Barreto also missing, their is a chance either player could feature.
Opponents Cagliari are currently six points clear of the bottom three, and would therefore feel that they are relatively safe from being relegated. However, having not won any of fourteen away games this season they will be looking to change that statistic against Torino - a team they have beaten in all three games since the Granata returned to Serie A.
Prediction
Torino 1-0 Cagliari
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