Welcome Back Ciro!

Torino have completed their first signing of the January transfer window, as Ciro Immobile has returned to the club on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

Immobile was a huge success in his previous spell with the club, scoring twenty-two league goals as he became the first Toro player to win the Capocannoniere award as top scorer since Francesco Graziani in the 1970s.

After initially spending this season on loan at Spanish side Sevilla, that loan has now been cut short in order for the former Pescara man to return to the Granata. After word of Immobile's return broke on Tuesday, hundreds of Toro fans greeted the player at the airport. 

Welcome Home Ciro!

Parma 3-1 Torino

Torino started the New Year with a defeat as they were unable to record a fourth consecutive victory, despite taking a first half lead.

There were no surprises in the Torino line up, as they once again started in a 3-5-2 formation with the familiar duo Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci leading the line up front.

The Granata took the lead half way through the first half when Matteo Darmian's low cross was converted by the in form Immobile, who took his goal tally for the season up to nine.

And the former Genoa striker should have made that ten goals moments later, but he failed to finish off a swift counter attack by blasting the ball over the bar. Ten minutes before half time Parma equalised when former Juventus man Marco Marchionni volleyed home a cross from the right wing.

On the stroke of half time the home side took the lead when Alessandro Lucarelli's ambitious back heel volley from a poor corner somehow found its way past Daniele Padelli at his near post. Giampiero Ventura acted immediately at half time, as both Cerci and Immobile were replaced by Paulo Barreto and Riccardo Meggiorini - although it was later revealed that the latter was carrying an injury.

With twenty minutes remaining Parma put the result beyond doubt when constant Toro nemesis Amauri out muscled captain Kamil Glik before finding the bottom corner of Padelli's net. Migjen Basha had a late chance to reduce the deficit, but he missed the target from close range.

This was a disappointing defeat for Toro after taking the lead, but it was always going to be difficult to win four consecutive games in a league as evenly balanced (top 6 not included) as Serie A. Torino will now be looking to bounce back with a home game against Fiorentina on Sunday.

Forza Toro!

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!

Udinese 0-2 Torino

Torino produced one of their best performances of the season, as they surprisingly beat Udinese 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Serbian defender Nikola Maksimovic surprisingly given his first start of the season.

The home side started well, and the returning Antonio Di Natale had a half chance from six yards but his tame shot was easily held by Daniele Padelli. Toro were also creating chances, and Ciro Immobile should have given them the lead after Alessio Cerci's back heel, but he blazed over the crossbar.

However, Toro did take the lead moments into the second half after a blistering counter attack initiated by a tackle by captain Kamil Glik, and ended with Alexander Farnerud calmly lifting the ball over Zeljko Brkic in the home goal.

Dusan Basta was the most impressive player for Udinese, and he almost scored an equaliser in sensational fashion, but his long range shot was tipped over the bar by former teammate Padelli.

But with fifteen minutes to go, Torino put the result beyond doubt when Matteo Darmian's excellent cross was headed home by Ciro Immobile, who continued his fine run of goalscoring form. Udinese midfielder Andrea Lazzarri should have got a goal back with a free header from a corner, but he missed the target, and Toro were not to be denied a second consecutive clean sheet.

This was an extremely impressive victory by Torino as they went to a notoriously difficult place to go, and for large spells outplayed their hosts, whilst being extremely clinical on the counter attack. Torino can end the year in 7th place with a victory against Chievo next Sunday, and in their current form I certainly wouldn't be betting against them.

Forza Toro.

Torino 4-1 Catania

Torino secured their first victory since the end of September after a convincing 4-1 victory over Catania at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Giampiero Ventura decided to keep faith with goalkeeper Danielle Padelli, whilst captain Kamil Glik was again left on the bench with Cesare Bovo being preferred. In midfield, Alexander Farnerud and Migjen Basha were surprise selections, whilst Omar El Kaddouri, Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci formed an exciting trio in attack.

An excellent turn and shot from Ciro Immobile almost gave Toro a lead within the opening couple of minutes, but he was denied by Mariano Andujar. From the resulting corner, Immobile hit the bar with a header, and then Emiliano Moretti somehow volleyed over from close range.

However, Torino deservedly went ahead in the tenth minute after former Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie somehow lost his footing, and that allowed Immobile to go through on goal before calmly finishing past Andujar.

The former Genoa striker was having an enjoyable afternoon, and he should have doubled Toro's lead when he received an excellent through ball from Omar El Kaddouri, and then rounded the goalkeeper - but he was unable to finish from a difficult angle.

But Toro were able to double their advantage sixty seconds later, when a mistimed interception by Tiberio Guarente set the ball up perfectly for El Kaddouri, and the Moroccan international scored his first goal for the club with ease.

The away side got a goal back five minutes after the break when substitute Sebastian Leto's left footed shot looped over Padelli and into the net. The Granata were particularly upset at this goal, as they felt they should have been awarded a penalty moments earlier when Jaroslav Plašil fouled El Kaddouri in the area.

However, Torino re-established their two goal advantage ten minutes later when Alessio Cerci's corner was glanced home by the veteran defender Emiliano Moretti. And two minutes later the result was put beyond any doubt when El Kaddouri scored his second goal of the game after Immobile's initial shot was saved.

Toro had opportunities to make the scoreline more impressive, but top scorer Alessio Cerci twice decided to go for goal himself despite the fact a simple pass would have given a team mate a simple tap in.

This was a much needed result for Torino, and will hopefully kick start a season that had began in impressive fashion. Toro's next two fixtures against Genoa and Lazio are both winnable games, and positive results in those fixtures could alter the narrative of Toro's campaign dramatically.

Forza Toro!

Cagliari 2-1 Torino

For the second consecutive season, an injury time winner from Daniele Conti denied Torino a deserved point against Cagliari.

Giampiero Ventura surprisingly left club captain Kamil Glik on the bench, as Toro lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Cesare Bovo and Emiliano Moretti as the two centre backs. Striker Ciro Immobile also returned to the starting eleven, as did Matteo Brighi.

Torino had a number of chances to take the lead in the first half, with Alessio Cerci forcing Vlad Avramov into a couple of saves. However, on the stroke of half time it was the home side who took the lead via Daniele Conti's free kick. After dominating the opening period the Granata were disappointed to concede a goal in that fashion, and both the Torino wall and Daniele Padelli will feel they could have done more to prevent it.

However, seven minutes into the second half Ciro Immobile scored a deserved equaliser for Torino, as he expertly controlled Omar El Kaddouri's through ball before sliding the ball into the bottom corner. Immobile almost gave Toro the lead in sensational fashion moment later, however his speculative volley flew over the bar.

And with only one minute of normal time remaining, Daniele Conti struck with a set piece once again, as he fired the ball past Padelli for the second time, this time having been set up by substitute Andrea Cossu.

After being the better side for much of the game, and seemingly being happy to settle for a deserved point away from home, to end up with nothing was a bitter pill to swallow for the Granata. For the first time this season, serious questions are being asked regarding Daniele Padelli's position as number 1, and a number of fans (myself included) would like to see Lys Gomis given an opportunity to stake his claim in the first team.

With the international break coming up next week, Toro will not play again for the fortnight - when they face Catania at home. Although it is still very early in the season, this game could already be placed in the 'must win' category, as Toro look to end a run of eight games without a win.

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

Torino complete double signing

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

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

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

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