Torino's European dreams capitulated on a day to forget in Tuscany as they lost 4-1 to Empoli on Sunday afternoon.
Tomas Rincon returned from suspension, whilst Ola Aina replaced the injured Cristian Ansaldi at left wing back.
The Granata made a slow start, and the home side, fighting desperately against relegation were given a gift after just before the half hour mark.
Ola Aina carelessly gave the ball away on the edge of his own area, and former Toro midfielder Afriyie Acquah's cross-cum-shot found the bottom corner.
Torino improved after going behind, and Andrea Belotti twice came close to finding an equaliser. The Italian international was first denied by Bartlomiej Dragowski, and he then had a header miraculously cleared off the line by Hamed Traore.
Toro got a deserved equaliser ten minutes into the second half, as substitute Iago Falque curled home from the edge of the area. However, Empoli took the lead once again, as another former Toro player Matteo Brighi tapped home just moments after coming onto the pitch.
With the Granata pressing for an equaliser, they were hit on the counter attack, and wing back Giovanni Di Lorenzo fired home after some clever footwork to evade Armando Izzo. Francesco Caputo added a fourth goal in the dying seconds against a tired Toro defence who saw their slim chances of European qualification well and truly extinguished.
Forza Toro
Showing posts with label Empoli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Empoli. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Sunday, 19 May 2019
Empoli v Torino Preview
Lazio's victory in the Coppa Italia final means that in order to qualify for Europe, Toro will need to finish in 6th place - thus needing one of Atalanta, AC Milan or Roma to slip up.
Cristian Ansaldi picked up an injury in the victory against Sassuolo so misses out and should be replaced by Ola Aina, whilst Tomas Rincon has returned from suspension.
Empoli are currently fighting to stay in the league, and despite winning their last two games, still occupy the third and final relegation spot.
Prediction
Empoli 1-2 Torino
Saturday, 29 December 2018
Torino 3-0 Empoli
Torino produced one of their most convincing performances of the season on Boxing Day as they beat Empoli 3-0 at the Stadio Grande Torino.
As expected Iago Falque, Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza all started in attack, whilst Lorenzo De Silvestri came back into the starting eleven.
Andrea Belotti came closest to giving Toro the lead, but first he was denied by goalkeeper Ivan Provedel and then he was denied by the post.
However, on the stroke of half time, Torino got the goal they deserved when Nicolas N'Koulou headed home from a corner.
The Granata doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Lorenzo De Silvestri fired into the top corner from outside the area with his weaker left foot.
Torino then wrapped up the points thanks to another goal from outside the area, this time it was Iago Falque who fired a low drive into the net from distance.
Forza Toro
As expected Iago Falque, Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza all started in attack, whilst Lorenzo De Silvestri came back into the starting eleven.
Andrea Belotti came closest to giving Toro the lead, but first he was denied by goalkeeper Ivan Provedel and then he was denied by the post.
However, on the stroke of half time, Torino got the goal they deserved when Nicolas N'Koulou headed home from a corner.
The Granata doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Lorenzo De Silvestri fired into the top corner from outside the area with his weaker left foot.
Torino then wrapped up the points thanks to another goal from outside the area, this time it was Iago Falque who fired a low drive into the net from distance.
Forza Toro
Wednesday, 26 December 2018
Torino v Empoli Preview
Salvatore Sirigu misses out again through injury, so Salvador Ichazo will retain his place in goal, whilst Emiliano Moretti or Lyanco could replace Koffi Djidji in defence.
Newly promoted Empoli are currently clear of the relegation places, but have lost their last two games and have not won an away game all season.
Prediction
Torino 3-1 Empoli
Monday, 6 February 2017
Empoli 1-1 Torino
Torino's miserable record from the penalty spot continued on Sunday afternoon as the Granata were held to a 1-1 at Empoli.
Arlind Ajeti made his Toro debut at centre back, whilst Daniele Baselli was also recalled to the starting eleven.
Torino made the perfect start and were ahead after only eleven minutes when Adem Ljajic's excellent free kick was diverted goal wards by Andrea Belotti - his fifteenth league goal of the season.
Empoli were close to scoring a spectacular equaliser, but Georgian striker Levan Mchedlidze saw his acrobatic effort go narrowly wide of the post.
On the stroke of half time, the dreadful Tuscan conditions proved costly for Toro as Arlind Ajeti's back pass held up on a puddle just outside the area and Manuel Pucciarelli nipped in to round Joe Hart and equalise.
The Granata had an excellent chance to equalise ten minutes into the second half when they were awarded a penalty when Ljajic was tripped in the area after a jinking run. However, Toro's poor record from the spot continued as Iago Falque became the third player to miss a penalty this season as he was denied by Lukasz Skorupski.
The poor conditions made it difficult for both sides to create clear cut chances and that meant Toro had to settle for a point, and their search for a first win of the new year continues.
Forza Toro
Arlind Ajeti made his Toro debut at centre back, whilst Daniele Baselli was also recalled to the starting eleven.
Torino made the perfect start and were ahead after only eleven minutes when Adem Ljajic's excellent free kick was diverted goal wards by Andrea Belotti - his fifteenth league goal of the season.
Empoli were close to scoring a spectacular equaliser, but Georgian striker Levan Mchedlidze saw his acrobatic effort go narrowly wide of the post.
On the stroke of half time, the dreadful Tuscan conditions proved costly for Toro as Arlind Ajeti's back pass held up on a puddle just outside the area and Manuel Pucciarelli nipped in to round Joe Hart and equalise.
The Granata had an excellent chance to equalise ten minutes into the second half when they were awarded a penalty when Ljajic was tripped in the area after a jinking run. However, Toro's poor record from the spot continued as Iago Falque became the third player to miss a penalty this season as he was denied by Lukasz Skorupski.
The poor conditions made it difficult for both sides to create clear cut chances and that meant Toro had to settle for a point, and their search for a first win of the new year continues.
Forza Toro
Sunday, 5 February 2017
Empoli v Torino Preview
An injury crisis at the back for Toro means that Albanian international Arlind Ajeti is likely to make his debut, whilst seventeen year old Primavera defender Alessandro Buongiorno has been called up to the squad for the first time.
Former Granata midfielder Omar El Kaddouri could make his Empoli debut after signing for the Tuscan side last week, and it is felt that the Moroccan's creativity will help a side who have only scored 13 goals in 22 league games this season.
Prediction
Empoli 0-1 Torino
Monday, 19 September 2016
Torino 0-0 Empoli
Torino really felt the absences of injured duo Adem Ljajic and Andrea Belotti as they could only manage a disappointing draw at home to Empoli on Sunday afternoon.
Joe Hart made his home debut for the Granata, whilst Joel Obi, Afriyie Acquah and Lucas Boyé all came into the team.
The Nigerian midfielder Obi had the first chance of the game for the Granata, but his shot was tipped round the post by Lukasz Skorupski. A driving run into the box from Afriyie Acquah led to the former Parma midfielder receiving the ball back from Iago Falque's cross - but he headed wide of the target.
Cristian Molinaro was forced off the field with a serious injury and he was replaced with youngster Antonio Barreca who immediately created a chance for Boyé, but the Argentine blazed the ball over the bar. Boyé was looking bright in his first start of the season, and on the stroke of half time he forced a save from Skorupski from a tight angle.
After barely creating a chance in the first half, Empoli looked much brighter in the 2nd half and should have taken the lead but Alberto Gilardino failed to make contact with the ball from close range.
Joe Hart made a vital intervention from Manuel Pucciarelli having previously made a good save to deny full back Vincent Laurini.
After a disappointing second half in which Toro struggle to create chances, the Granata had to settle for a point.
Joe Hart made his home debut for the Granata, whilst Joel Obi, Afriyie Acquah and Lucas Boyé all came into the team.
The Nigerian midfielder Obi had the first chance of the game for the Granata, but his shot was tipped round the post by Lukasz Skorupski. A driving run into the box from Afriyie Acquah led to the former Parma midfielder receiving the ball back from Iago Falque's cross - but he headed wide of the target.
Cristian Molinaro was forced off the field with a serious injury and he was replaced with youngster Antonio Barreca who immediately created a chance for Boyé, but the Argentine blazed the ball over the bar. Boyé was looking bright in his first start of the season, and on the stroke of half time he forced a save from Skorupski from a tight angle.
After barely creating a chance in the first half, Empoli looked much brighter in the 2nd half and should have taken the lead but Alberto Gilardino failed to make contact with the ball from close range.
Joe Hart made a vital intervention from Manuel Pucciarelli having previously made a good save to deny full back Vincent Laurini.
After a disappointing second half in which Toro struggle to create chances, the Granata had to settle for a point.
Sunday, 18 September 2016
Torino v Empoli Preview
Goalkeeper Joe Hart who was officially unveiled as a Toro player on Friday afternoon impressed journalists by speaking in Italian to begin the press conference.
However, the England international will look for a better individual display as his error against Atalanta led to their equaliser. Toro will be without Maxi Lopez who has been told by coach Sinisa Mihajlovic that he needs to lose 7kg before being considered for selection.
With Andrea Belotti still not expected to be fully fit, Lucas Boyé is expected to be given his first start in attack - alongside Iago Falque and Josef Martinez.
Like Toro, Empoli have suffered one victory and two defeats in their opening three games - with their only win coming on Monday against newly promoted Crotone.
Prediction
Torino 2-0 Empoli
Monday, 16 May 2016
Empoli 2-1 Torino
Torino ended the season in disappointing fashion as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Empoli on Sunday evening.
Kamil Glik, Emiliano Moretti and Joel Obi all returned for Toro who still had hopes of finishing in the top ten.
However those hopes were dashed after only twelve minutes when Massimo Maccarone gave the home side the lead with a fierce strike from just outside the area.
Toro dominated the game after that set back, and Davide Zappacosta and Josef Martinez both hit the cross bar with long range efforts.
Empoli doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half as Piotr Zielinski capitalised on an error from Bruno Peres to score.
However, Toro reduced the deficit two minutes later when Joel Obi headed home Davide Zappacosta's excellent cross.
However, the Granata could not find what would have been a deserved equalised, and therefore suffered a seventeenth defeat of what has been a frustrating season.
Forza Toro
Kamil Glik, Emiliano Moretti and Joel Obi all returned for Toro who still had hopes of finishing in the top ten.
However those hopes were dashed after only twelve minutes when Massimo Maccarone gave the home side the lead with a fierce strike from just outside the area.
Toro dominated the game after that set back, and Davide Zappacosta and Josef Martinez both hit the cross bar with long range efforts.
Empoli doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half as Piotr Zielinski capitalised on an error from Bruno Peres to score.
However, Toro reduced the deficit two minutes later when Joel Obi headed home Davide Zappacosta's excellent cross.
However, the Granata could not find what would have been a deserved equalised, and therefore suffered a seventeenth defeat of what has been a frustrating season.
Forza Toro
Saturday, 14 May 2016
Empoli v Torino Preview
Toro will be without Giuseppe Vives and Cesare Bovo who are both suspended, so Kamil Glik and Alessandro Gazzi should come into the team.
Elsewhere, Ciro Immobile should start to boost his hopes of getting into the Italy squad ahead of Euro 2016.
Empoli have had a decent season and would finish above Toro if they manage to win, however have been dealt a blow by the news that coach Marco Giampaolo will be leaving the club after this game.
Prediction
Empoli 1-2 Torino
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Torino 0-1 Empoli
Torino's poor run of recent form continued as they fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Serie A's surprise package Empoli.
Fabio Quagliarella was the subject of a number of protests from the Toro supporters following his celebration (or rather lack of) after scoring against Napoli, and was left on the bench with Josef Martinez given a rare start upfront.
It was the Venezuelan who had the first chance of the game after he latched onto Marco Benassi's long ball, but he was denied by Lukasz Skorupski.
Veteran striker Massimo Maccarone also went close for the visitors, however his curling effort went narrowly wide of the target.
A long pass by the returning Nikola Maksimovic found Martinez who found himself one on one with Skorupski, but he scuffed the finish once again.
Riccardo Saponara was pulling the strings for Empoli, and he assisted Piotr Zielinski who forced a good save from Daniele Padelli.
Empoli took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Manuel Pucciarelli's through ball fortuitously found its way to Massimo Maccarone who put the ball through Padelli's legs to score.
Andrea Belotti and Bruno Peres were both denied by Skorupski as Toro went in search of an equaliser.
In the dying seconds, Kamil Glik narrowly headed off target, but the Granata were unable to find an equaliser and Toro fell to yet another disappointing defeat.
Forza Toro
Fabio Quagliarella was the subject of a number of protests from the Toro supporters following his celebration (or rather lack of) after scoring against Napoli, and was left on the bench with Josef Martinez given a rare start upfront.
It was the Venezuelan who had the first chance of the game after he latched onto Marco Benassi's long ball, but he was denied by Lukasz Skorupski.
Veteran striker Massimo Maccarone also went close for the visitors, however his curling effort went narrowly wide of the target.
A long pass by the returning Nikola Maksimovic found Martinez who found himself one on one with Skorupski, but he scuffed the finish once again.
Riccardo Saponara was pulling the strings for Empoli, and he assisted Piotr Zielinski who forced a good save from Daniele Padelli.
Empoli took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Manuel Pucciarelli's through ball fortuitously found its way to Massimo Maccarone who put the ball through Padelli's legs to score.
Andrea Belotti and Bruno Peres were both denied by Skorupski as Toro went in search of an equaliser.
In the dying seconds, Kamil Glik narrowly headed off target, but the Granata were unable to find an equaliser and Toro fell to yet another disappointing defeat.
Forza Toro
Saturday, 9 January 2016
Torino v Empoli Preview
There were some promising signs despite defeat against Napoli on Wednesday, and are boosted by the fact Nikola Maksimovic returns to the squad after injury.
Whilst the Serbian defender has been heavily rumoured away from the club in January, the Granata have won both games in which he has started this season.
Despite Maurizio Sarri leaving the club in the summer, Empoli have surprised many this season and are currently in 8th place having won four of their last five games.
Prediction
Torino 1-0 Empoli
Thursday, 7 May 2015
Torino 0-1 Empoli
Torino suffered a set back in their quest for European football after Daniele Padelli's comedy own goal succumbed them to a narrow defeat against Empoli.
Alvaro Gonzalez made his first start for Torino in midfield, whilst Cristian Molinaro was surprisingly preferred to Bruno Peres in defence.
After just three minutes, Toro made the worst possible start as Daniele Padelli somehow managed to mis-kick a tame back pass from Emiliano Moretti into his own net.
Toro struggled to recovered from that set back, but could have been level when Omar El Kaddouri found space in the area, but his effort was denied by Luigi Sepe.
Empoli almost doubled their lead on the half hour mark, but Riccardo Saponara's header rebounded off the crossbar.
Toro improved in the second half, but Kamil Glik was unable to add to his impressive goal tally as his hooked volley went over the bar.
Fabio Quagliarella almost earned a point for the Granata, but Toro's top scorer was twice denied by the impressive Sepe, as Toro's hopes of a second successive season of European football was dealt a blow.
Forza Toro
Alvaro Gonzalez made his first start for Torino in midfield, whilst Cristian Molinaro was surprisingly preferred to Bruno Peres in defence.
After just three minutes, Toro made the worst possible start as Daniele Padelli somehow managed to mis-kick a tame back pass from Emiliano Moretti into his own net.
Toro struggled to recovered from that set back, but could have been level when Omar El Kaddouri found space in the area, but his effort was denied by Luigi Sepe.
Empoli almost doubled their lead on the half hour mark, but Riccardo Saponara's header rebounded off the crossbar.
Toro improved in the second half, but Kamil Glik was unable to add to his impressive goal tally as his hooked volley went over the bar.
Fabio Quagliarella almost earned a point for the Granata, but Toro's top scorer was twice denied by the impressive Sepe, as Toro's hopes of a second successive season of European football was dealt a blow.
Forza Toro
Tuesday, 5 May 2015
Torino V Empoli Preview
This game was moved to the rather ridiculous kick off time off of 3pm local time on Wednesday afternoon due to Juventus' progression in the Champions League, and only a limited number of Toro fans will be able to attend the game due to crowd trouble at last months' Derby Della Mole.
Emiliano Moretti and Alessandro Gazzi are both back in the squad following suspension and should come straight back into the starting eleven - but Nikola Maksimovic and Maxi Lopez are both doubts.
Empoli are eleven points clear of the bottom three and last week's impressive 4-2 victory over Napoli has almost certainly guaranteed their Serie A status for next season. However, the Tuscan side have conceded at least two goals in their last five outings - which suggests their may be goals.
Forza Toro
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Empoli 0-0 Torino
Torino's winless run in Serie A stretched to six games as they were unable to find a breakthrough against newly promoted Empoli on Monday evening.
Giampiero Ventura surprised many by dropping captain Kamil Glik, with Pontus Jansson taking his position in central defence, whilst Cristian Molinaro and Cesare Bovo also started.
It was the home side who came closest to scoring in the early stages, but Matias Vecino's long range shot went wide of the target. Simone Verdi, who is on loan at Empoli from Torino, forced Jean Francois Gillet into making a save from a free kick.
On the stroke of half time, in form Josef Martinez had the Granata's best chance of the half, but he was denied by home goalkeeper Luigi Sepe. Verdi was continuing to impress against his parent club, and Gillet had to be at his best to deny the former AC Milan winger.
In the early stages of the first half, Fabio Quagliarella had a great opportunity for Toro but was unable to make good contact with an overhead kick. In the final ten minutes, Cesare Bovo had a great opportunity to win it for Toro, but he blazed over the bar.
Pontus Jansson received a red card in the dying seconds for a second yellow card, as Toro's poor domestic form continued. With just one game remaining until the winter break, Torino next fixture at home to Genoa is becoming increasingly more important.
Forza Toro
Giampiero Ventura surprised many by dropping captain Kamil Glik, with Pontus Jansson taking his position in central defence, whilst Cristian Molinaro and Cesare Bovo also started.
It was the home side who came closest to scoring in the early stages, but Matias Vecino's long range shot went wide of the target. Simone Verdi, who is on loan at Empoli from Torino, forced Jean Francois Gillet into making a save from a free kick.
On the stroke of half time, in form Josef Martinez had the Granata's best chance of the half, but he was denied by home goalkeeper Luigi Sepe. Verdi was continuing to impress against his parent club, and Gillet had to be at his best to deny the former AC Milan winger.
In the early stages of the first half, Fabio Quagliarella had a great opportunity for Toro but was unable to make good contact with an overhead kick. In the final ten minutes, Cesare Bovo had a great opportunity to win it for Toro, but he blazed over the bar.
Pontus Jansson received a red card in the dying seconds for a second yellow card, as Toro's poor domestic form continued. With just one game remaining until the winter break, Torino next fixture at home to Genoa is becoming increasingly more important.
Forza Toro
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Empoli V Torino Preview
After scoring twice in the Europa League in midweek, Josef Martinez should partner Fabio Quagliarella upfront, whilst Alexander Farnerud and Antonio Nocerino return to the squad.
Empoli have surprised many since being promoted in the summer, and are currently four places and two points above the Granata in the Serie A table. Torino loanee Simone Verdi scored his first goal of the season in the impressive draw against Napoli last weekend.
Prediction
Empoli 1-1 Torino
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Empoli 1-0 Torino
Torino's hopes of gaining automatic promotion suffered another set back on Saturday afternoon as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against struggling Empoli.
Valerio Di Cesare and Manuel Iori came back into the starting eleven, and in a surprise move, Riccardo Meggiorini was preferred to Rolando Bianchi upfront.
The home side had the first half chance of the match when Massimo Maccarone's scuffed shot nearly found the bottom corner but was cleared away from goal by Alessandro Parisi.
Toro should have taken the lead soon afterwards as Mirco Antenucci went on a fantastic run down the left wing, but his finish let him down and his shot went wide of the post. And the away side were made to pay for that miss as Empoli took the lead on 24 minutes when former Middlesbrough striker Maccarone found the bottom corner with a fierce low strike from distance.
Stefano Guberti should have scored an instant equaliser for Torino, but his curling shot from just outside of the area once again went wide. Riccardo Meggiorini also came close to scoring just his second goal in a Toro shirt, but his header was well tipped over the bar by Empoli keeper Renato Dossena.
Empoli nearly went in at the break two goals ahead when Torino failed to deal with a free kick, but Francesco Benussi produced a fine save to deny Antonio Buscè.
After bringing on Alen Stevanovic at Half Time, Giampiero Ventura also brought on Cristian Pasquato and Rolando Bianchi in order to find a breakthrough, but Toro were only creating half chances, with Antenucci probably coming the closest with a long range shot.
Toro nearly got their equaliser in bizarre circumstances when Cristian Pasquato's tame shot from 25 yards was dropped by Dossena, but luckily for him, the ball went out for a corner and not into the net. The home keeper made amends for that mistake when he made good saves from both Rolando Bianchi and Pasquato in the closing stages, and that was enough for the Tuscan side to gain a vital victory.
Whilst Torino's form continues to be a worry (4 points from a possible 12), they still find themselves top of the table, as once again rivals Pescara and Sassuolo failed to capitalise. With two home games on the horizon, including one against Sassuolo, Toro will know that a return to their early season form is a must if they are to avoid the agonising pain of the playoffs.
Forza Torino
Valerio Di Cesare and Manuel Iori came back into the starting eleven, and in a surprise move, Riccardo Meggiorini was preferred to Rolando Bianchi upfront.
The home side had the first half chance of the match when Massimo Maccarone's scuffed shot nearly found the bottom corner but was cleared away from goal by Alessandro Parisi.
Toro should have taken the lead soon afterwards as Mirco Antenucci went on a fantastic run down the left wing, but his finish let him down and his shot went wide of the post. And the away side were made to pay for that miss as Empoli took the lead on 24 minutes when former Middlesbrough striker Maccarone found the bottom corner with a fierce low strike from distance.
Stefano Guberti should have scored an instant equaliser for Torino, but his curling shot from just outside of the area once again went wide. Riccardo Meggiorini also came close to scoring just his second goal in a Toro shirt, but his header was well tipped over the bar by Empoli keeper Renato Dossena.
Empoli nearly went in at the break two goals ahead when Torino failed to deal with a free kick, but Francesco Benussi produced a fine save to deny Antonio Buscè.
After bringing on Alen Stevanovic at Half Time, Giampiero Ventura also brought on Cristian Pasquato and Rolando Bianchi in order to find a breakthrough, but Toro were only creating half chances, with Antenucci probably coming the closest with a long range shot.
Toro nearly got their equaliser in bizarre circumstances when Cristian Pasquato's tame shot from 25 yards was dropped by Dossena, but luckily for him, the ball went out for a corner and not into the net. The home keeper made amends for that mistake when he made good saves from both Rolando Bianchi and Pasquato in the closing stages, and that was enough for the Tuscan side to gain a vital victory.
Whilst Torino's form continues to be a worry (4 points from a possible 12), they still find themselves top of the table, as once again rivals Pescara and Sassuolo failed to capitalise. With two home games on the horizon, including one against Sassuolo, Toro will know that a return to their early season form is a must if they are to avoid the agonising pain of the playoffs.
Forza Torino
Friday, 30 March 2012
Empoli V Torino Preview
The away side will make at least one change from the team that thrashed Gubbio as Giuseppe Vives has been given a rest, with Manuel Iori likely to replace him. Alen Stevanovic also returns to the squad and will be looking for a recall, whilst Cristian Pasquato may earn his first start after an impressive cameo off the bench.
Empoli are currently in 17th position, just two points above the relegation play-out zone, and for a team that was in Serie A as recently as 2008, relegation to the Lega Pro would be almost unthinkable. The Tuscan side have only won five matches at home this season, but with a strike force of Francesco Tavano and Massimo Maccarone, they should have the fire power to cause the Toro defence some problems.
Torino's record against the Tuscan side is not great, as they have never beaten Empoli away from home in the league, although they did record a victory there in the 1984/85 Coppa Italia.
Prediction
Empoli 1-1 Torino
Friday, 28 October 2011
Torino V Empoli Preview
It will be interesting to see how Torino will react to their first defeat of the season when they face Empoli on Saturday afternoon.
The defeat against Gubbio was obviously disappointing, but Torino still remain top of the league, and must get back to winning ways as soon as possible in order to stay there. Migjen Basha and Giulio Ebagua should return to the starting eleven after disappointing performances by their replacements - Giuseppe Vives and Alessandro Sgrigna.
Toro will be eager to ease the nerves with an early goal on Saturday, as in their five previous home games they have only scored one goal in the first half - and that was in the 40th minute.
Empoli have had a disappointing start to the season and despite being many pundits tip for a place in the the playoffs, they find themselves at the other end of the table, in 20th position. However, in spite of their lowly league position, in Francesco Tavano, Empoli have one of the in form strikers in the division - having scored seven goals already this campaign.
The defeat against Gubbio was obviously disappointing, but Torino still remain top of the league, and must get back to winning ways as soon as possible in order to stay there. Migjen Basha and Giulio Ebagua should return to the starting eleven after disappointing performances by their replacements - Giuseppe Vives and Alessandro Sgrigna.
Toro will be eager to ease the nerves with an early goal on Saturday, as in their five previous home games they have only scored one goal in the first half - and that was in the 40th minute.
Empoli have had a disappointing start to the season and despite being many pundits tip for a place in the the playoffs, they find themselves at the other end of the table, in 20th position. However, in spite of their lowly league position, in Francesco Tavano, Empoli have one of the in form strikers in the division - having scored seven goals already this campaign.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Empoli 1-1 Torino
Torino took the lead after just three minutes, but were unable to hold on to what would have been a vital victory, and therefore means they must beat Padova on Sunday in order to compete in the playoffs at the end of the regular season.
Torino could not of made a better start, as after just three minutes, Mirco Antenucci's exquisite pass found the on running Antimo Iunco, whose side footed shot narrowly crawled over the line. Empoli's goalkeeper Alberto Pelagotti did get a hand to the shot, which was in all honestly a tame effort, and should therefore be disappointed that he did not prevent the goal.
Empoli dominated the rest of the first half as they attempted to get back into the game, a game they needed to win in order to keep alive their own hopes of reaching the playoffs. Like so many times this season, Toro were thankful to their goalkeeper Rubinho, who made a number of good saves, including tipping a Diego Fabbrini half volley over the bar.
However, Empoli were level three minutes into the second half via Mirko Valdifiori's stunning volley from 25 yards after a Torino failed to clear a corner. Both sides had half chances to get a winner, as both Luciano Zavagno and Valerio Di Cesare came close for the Granata.
In the dying seconds, Torino had the best chance to gain all three points, but Alessando Sgrigna's left footed shot was well saved by Pelagotti, who made amends for his earlier mistake. In the other crucial game in the race for the playoffs, Padova beat Livorno 3-2, meaning that only a victory will suffice for Torino, when they meet Padova next Sunday.
Torino could not of made a better start, as after just three minutes, Mirco Antenucci's exquisite pass found the on running Antimo Iunco, whose side footed shot narrowly crawled over the line. Empoli's goalkeeper Alberto Pelagotti did get a hand to the shot, which was in all honestly a tame effort, and should therefore be disappointed that he did not prevent the goal.
Empoli dominated the rest of the first half as they attempted to get back into the game, a game they needed to win in order to keep alive their own hopes of reaching the playoffs. Like so many times this season, Toro were thankful to their goalkeeper Rubinho, who made a number of good saves, including tipping a Diego Fabbrini half volley over the bar.
However, Empoli were level three minutes into the second half via Mirko Valdifiori's stunning volley from 25 yards after a Torino failed to clear a corner. Both sides had half chances to get a winner, as both Luciano Zavagno and Valerio Di Cesare came close for the Granata.
In the dying seconds, Torino had the best chance to gain all three points, but Alessando Sgrigna's left footed shot was well saved by Pelagotti, who made amends for his earlier mistake. In the other crucial game in the race for the playoffs, Padova beat Livorno 3-2, meaning that only a victory will suffice for Torino, when they meet Padova next Sunday.
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