Grazie Giuseppe

The overriding image from Sunday's 1-1 draw with Atalanta occurred after the final whistle, as veteran midfielder Giuseppe Vives said an emotional goodbye to the Granata fans ahead of his move to Pro Vercelli.

At 36 years old, Vives has experienced most things in his football career, but even the former Lecce man seemed a little overawed with his reception from the Curva Maratona.

This was a touching and genuine moment between a player and his supporters, which showed mutual gratitude and respect, something which is unfortunately lacking from the modern game. Vives was certainly not one of the most gifted players to pull on the Torino shirt, but he exemplified the Granata spirit and gave absolute everything in each of his 164 appearances for the club.

After arriving in July 2011, Vives helped the club win promotion to Serie A in his first season, and his departure now means that every player from that promotion winning squad has now left the club.

Vives' versatility and reliability was an invaluable asset for the Granata in their return to Serie A, and this was perhaps best demonstrated by the fact that he played as a libero in a back three in the crucial fixture against Fiorentina in the 2013/14 season.

Torino's seventh placed finish in that campaign meant that Vives would get to play European football for the first time in his career, and he continued to perform admirably and he played the whole match as Toro recorded a historic victory against Athletic Bilbao in the last 32 of the Europa League.

The midfielder also chipped in with five goals throughout his Toro career, the best of which this incredible 'billiard shot' effort against Bologna last season, in a game perhaps better remembered for Andrea Belotti scoring his first goal for the club.

After the arrival of Mirko Valdifiori this season, Vives found first team opportunities limited, and it was mutually agreed to allow him to leave the club to continue his career.

Thanks for the memories Giuseppe and bocca al lupo!

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!

Bourne's Season Review Part Four : Central Midfielders

Part Four : Central Midfielders

Marko Bakic, 1 appearance, 0 goals, no vote

One of the interesting young foreign players on Toro’s books. The 19-year old is already a full Montenegrin international and arrived in the summer with a promising reputation. If there has been little fanfare about the young playmaker then there is good reason. He is half-owned by Fiorentina and following the ill-fated experience with a young Kwadwo Asamoah (who went on to fame at Udinese), the feeling is that if Bakic emerges as a player he will soon be wearing a purple shirt. Sat on the bench 18 times before making his first appearance, when he looked a little overwhelmed making his debut at home to Catania. A victim of the club’s inability to secure survival earlier in the season.

Verdict: Has not shown enough to warrant a first-team place. A year long loan in Serie B may help him realise his potential

Migjen Basha, 21 appearances, 1 goal, vote 6.5

A frankly strange season for the 26-year old Swiss-born Albania international. Following a timid start and a scattering of appearances, Ventura axed him completely in the New Year following Matteo Brighi’s return to form. Basha spent nine games rooted to the bench before returning to favour and enjoying a positive run-in. The ex-Atalanta man has shown enough this season to warrant a further chance in Serie A. Age is on his side, he is rarely injured and his athleticism and determination are commendable assets. Unlike most of his midfield counterparts, he is occasionally a goal threat. An unglamourous but useful option.

Verdict: Under contract until 2015 and his permanence will allow for some stability in a midfield which is due an overhaul.

Matteo Brighi, 23 appearances, 2 goals, vote 6.5

The most talented, experienced and fragile of the Toro midfield. With over 300 Serie A appearances under his belt, Brighi’s arrival last summer offered an inexperienced side some guidance. His season – a little like his career – was interrupted by injuries and the struggle to overcome them. Brighi’s best period of form arrived after the New Year when a series of commanding performances led the side to their best run of the season. This commenced with his goal in the crucial 3-2 win over Siena where his provocative celebration suggested a difficult relationship with Ventura.

Verdict: At 32 and on loan from Roma, it is difficult seeing Toro making a financial commitment to a player so unreliable physically. A replacement for Brighi is most likely to come from a fresh loan move. In many ways, a pity.

Alessandro Gazzi, 32 appearances, 2 goals, vote 7

Toro’s 14-month pursuit of Gazzi ended last summer when Ventura was finally reunited with his former Bari soldier. Signed for a sizeable fee from Siena, Gazzi proved to be one of the signings of the season offering some solidity, consistency and quality in a weak and continually rotating midfield. A tough-tackling holding midfielder, his energy galvanised the team in the early part of the season where he showed a surprise ability to get among the goals (against Atalanta and Chievo). During the final weeks of the season, the 30-year old seemed to run out of gas perhaps a sign that next season Ventura needs to balance his resources better. Will be a pleasure seeing him play alongside a genuine regista.

Verdict: One of Ventura’s favourite players and the fans too. An unassuming and likeable character and one of the best signings of the Ventura and maybe even Cairo era. A certain starter in 2013-14.

Sergiu Suciu, 1 appearance, 0 goals, no vote

The 23-year old Romanian is one of the most vaunted products of the Toro youth team but bad luck with injuries (two cruciate ligament breaks in 2011-12) have disrupted his career. Given 11 minutes of Serie A football against Siena, he was loaned to Juve Stabia to aid is rehabilitation. In Serie B he featured intermittently showing some of the driving midfield play that has encouraged scouts.

Verdict: Perhaps needs another full season in Serie B although the club will most likely review his progress in pre-season.

Giuseppe Vives, 25 appearances, 0 goals, vote 5.5

One of a clutch of players who I felt didn’t need to be retained at the start of the season. In Ventura’s preferred 4-2-4 formation he has often been a hard player to accommodate. The former Lecce captain lacks the physicality and presence to play in a two-man midfield and when deployed on the left-wing has a tendency to drift into his preferred position of inside left. It was there during the promotion season and when Ventura adopts an occasional 4-3-3 that he plays his best football. Vives has essentially been a squad player who in a midfield bereft of quality has played far more football than he may have expected. Like Masiello, he is a top half of Serie B player, and while he didn’t let the team down there is no major evidence of the quality he brings.

Verdict: Rumours link him with Palermo where Toro have negotiations pending. Highly likely to find himself at a progressive Serie B club next year.

Overall Verdict: Gazzi will be a mainstay of next year’s team in either a two or three-man midfield. Basha is a reliable back-up. At least three new quality midfielders are needed unless Ventura is ready to gamble on the emergence of Bakic or Suciu.

Peter is the author of the outstanding Torino book 'Passion in the Piazza' which is available on Amazon, and you can follow him on Twitter here.

Juventus V Torino 'Derby della Mole' Preview

It is finally here. The biggest game of the season so far as Torino make their shortest trip of the season - just 12km - to face their most hated rivals Juventus on Saturday evening.

In the build up for this match, much has been made of the fact that this derby is perhaps more important for Torino fans than their Juventus counterparts, many of whom probably weren't even born the last time they lost to the Granata (for the record it was April 9th 1995). Whilst this game is probably more important for Torino, Juventus are the team that has it all to lose - they are expected to win - and this should allow Torino a certain amount of freedom to express themselves, and not just be content to 'park the bus'.

Now I'm not suggesting that Giampiero Ventura sends his team out to attack with reckless abandon, but Torino have shown on many occasions this season that they are defensively well organised, and as the 5-1 victory at Atalanta highlighted, they are able to counter attack with both pace and intelligence. Therefore, if Toro are to get anything from this match, it is essential that they continue to do these three things, and perhaps most importantly, that they do not get overawed by the occasion - which admittedly may be difficult given the lack of Derby della Mole experience within the squad.

Another key factor in this match will be the battle of the 'registas' - Andrea Pirlo vs...... well Torino don't actually have a deep lying play maker. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that Toro do not allow Pirlo to dominate the midfield with his excellent array of long and short passing. When Juventus' long unbeaten record was finally broken by Inter at the beginning of the month, they were able to press the veteran midfielder extremely effectively, and with two high energy defensive midfielders - Alessandro Gazzi and Migjen Basha - Torino will hopefully be able to emulate Inter, and nullify the obvious threat of 'The Bearded Genius'.

Juventus are almost certain to dominate the majority of statistics, but the only one that will matter at the end of ninety minutes will be the final score - and in order to keep La Vecchia Signora from scoring, Jean-Francois Gillet will have to to be at his very best. The Belgian goalkeeper has had a great season since signing for Torino in the summer, and he will have to be in fine form on Saturday evening for Torino to get a result. Former Torino goalkeepers Stefano Sorrentino and Federico Marchetti have both performed miracles against the Bianconeri so far this season, and Gillet certainly has the ability to do the same.

Juve face a difficult game against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night, as they need at least a point in order to guarantee qualification from their Champions League group. Now although a draw would be enough to send both teams through, the Ukrainian champions will certainly be wary of looking to 'play for a draw' - especially after incurring the wrath of the footballing world after Luiz Adriano's controversial goal against Nordsjaelland a fortnight ago. Therefore, Juventus will certainly have one eye on that fixture, and whilst I don't expect Antonio Conte to rest too many of his regular starting eleven, those players who do play may foolishly attempt to conserve energy for that fixture - which Torino could capitalise on. Key players Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini have recovered from injuries to be included in the Juventus squad, although Martin Caceres misses out.

Torino have almost a fully fit squad to choose from, and Giampiero Ventura has included a hefty 23 players in the travelling party for this match. I would expect Torino to line up in a 4-2-4 formation whilst in possession, that reverts to a 4-3-3 when out of possession. The key player for this potential plan is veteran midfielder and Joey Barton look-alike Giuseppe Vives, who despite naturally being a central midfielder, has featured on the left side of midfield a number of times in his Torino career.

Possible Starting Elevens

Juventus (3-5-2) : Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Giaccherini, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Lichtsteiner; Giovinco, Vucinic

Torino (4-2-4) : Gillet; Darmian, Glik, Ogbonna, D'Ambrosio; Basha, Gazzi, Vives, Cerci; Bianchi, Meggiorini (Sgrigna)

Prediction

Now on my normal match previews this is where I would provide a score prediction for the upcoming match. However on this occasion, as a superstitious person, I can't make a prediction for the derby, just in case my guess somehow jinxed the final outcome (stupid I know). However, as long as the team gives it absolutely everything, and leaves it all out there on the field - then whatever happens come the final whistle, I will still be proud to be a Torino fan. One stat that does not make for pleasant reading is the fact that Torino haven't even scored a goal against Juventus in over a decade (February 2002), and that certainly needs to be rectified as soon as possible - hopefully by this time tomorrow.

Forza Torino!

Torino FC 2011/12 Awards : The Results

Player of the Season

1. Angelo Ogbonna - 37 points

A fantastic season for Torino's vice-captain is concluded with him being voted the Torino FC Player of the Season by the readers of this blog. Ten points clear of his nearest rival, Angelo was the outstanding candidate for this award, and will be hoping to enjoy further success with Italy during Euro 2012.

Runners Up
2. Alen Stevanovic - 27 points
3. Mirco Antenucci - 25 points

Young Player of the Season

1. Alen Stevanovic - 37 points

Runner up in the main award, it is Serbian winger Alen Stevanovic who was crowned Young Player of the Season by Toro fans. A fantastic breakthrough season by a player who had been struggling in the MLS with Toronto FC just twelve months previously.

Runners Up
2. Matteo Darmian - 32 points
3. Danilo D'Ambrosio - 24 points

Signing of the Season

1. Giuseppe Vives - 32 points

Although not a regular at the start of the season, Giuseppe Vives provided invaluable experience towards the end of the season and contributed a number of vital assists that led to him being crowned Signing of the Season by Toro supporters.

Runners Up
2. Manuel Iori - 23 points
3. Kamil Glik/Alessandro Parisi - 19 points

Goal of the Season

1. Alen Stevanovic - Modena (A) : 38%
2. Mirco Antenucci - Padova (H) : 31%
3. Mirco Antenucci - Grosseto (A) : 15%

Torino 3-0 Sassuolo

Torino are on the verge of returning to Serie A after an impressive 3-0 victory against promotion rivals Sassuolo on Tuesday evening.

Once again Giampiero Ventura made a number of changes from the side that were beaten at Pescara, as Alessandro Parisi, Giuseppe Vives, Juan Surraco, Rolando Bianchi and Riccardo Meggiorini all came into the starting eleven.

After Hellas Verona failed to beat Albinoleffe on Monday, both sides knew that victory would put them within touching distance of promotion. It was the home side who started the brightest, with Rolando Bianchi volleying wide in the opening ten minutes. However, Torino's top scorer for the last two seasons was later forced off with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Mirco Antenucci.

Experienced midfielder Giuseppe Vives who has impressed in recent weeks came agonisingly close to opening the scoring, but his curling shot from 30 yards out hit the post. However, on the half hour mark, Torino did take the lead when Vives' corner was headed in by Danilo D'Ambrosio to score his sixth goal for the club - five of which have been with his head.

The away side almost levelled before half time, after a rare mistake by Angelo Ogbonna put Gianluca Sansone through on goal, but his shot was saved by Francesco Benussi. And Sassuolo were made to pay for that miss, as five minutes after the break Torino doubled their lead - and incredibly it came from a long range Alessandro Parisi's drilled free kick.

Parisi has taken the majority of Toro's set pieces this season with no goals coming to fruition, but on this occasion, his strike could only be parried by Alberto Pomini - and after good work from Mirco Antenucci, Migjen Basha was on hand to score. Fifteen minutes later the away side had a fantastic opportunity to get back into the match when they were awarded a penalty after Basha had fouled Carl Valeri.

However, Sassuolo striker Gianluca Sansone could not take that opportunity as he blazed his penalty over the bar. And with ten minutes remaining, Torino put the result beyond any doubt after good work from Giuseppe Vives down the left wing allowed Riccardo Meggiorini to score for the second consecutive home game.

The importance of this victory was not lost on either the players or the fans (some of whom invaded the pitch after the final whistle) as it now means that Torino are just two points away from promotion. Toro's long-awaited return to Serie A can be sealed with a victory at home against Modena on Sunday, and should that victory be forthcoming then Turin will once again be painted Granata in celebration.

Forza Torino

Pescara V Torino Preview

Pescara and Torino will face off on Saturday evening in arguably the biggest game of the Serie B season, and the winning team will be well placed to secure a place in Serie A.

Toro will be without Giuseppe Vives and Alessandro Parisi who are both suspended, whilst Kamil Glik is injured so Valerio Di Cesare - a goalscorer on Monday, should deputise. The two other scorers in that match, Mirco Antenucci and Riccardo Meggiorini should also start after impressing against Padova.

Opponents Pescara have been the most entertaining team in Serie B this season, as coach Zdeněk Zeman has once again charmed the neutrals with his brand of ultra-attacking football. Pescara have scored an incredible 84 goals this season (32 more than Torino), and the impressive performances of Ciro Immobile, Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne have helped the team to 2nd position. However, as highlighted in the reverse fixture (Torino won 4-2), Pescara can be vulnerable at the back, and therefore the away side may fancy their chances of gaining a positive result.

Prediction
Pescara 3-2 Torino

Torino V Reggina Preview

Torino have yet to suffer successive defeats so far this season, so after being beaten in their last outing at Empoli, history suggests they should get a result at home to Reggina on Friday evening.

Manuel Iori is suspended so should be replaced by Giuseppe Vives, whilst Kamil Glik, Alen Stevanovic and Rolando Bianchi are also expected to start. Torino won the reverse fixture in November thanks to a late goal by Danilo D'Ambrosio, and he could come into the starting eleven if Giampiero Ventura wants a more attacking option at right back.

Reggina are currently in ninth place, five points away from the final playoff position so will be looking to win in order to keep their dreams of promotion alive. Torino's opponents have struggled on the road recently, losing their last 3 away matches, but the fact that their last away win was against promotion contenders Pescara shows that they are a good side.

Prediction
Torino 2-0 Reggina

Brescia 1-0 Torino

Torino lost their first game of 2012 as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against an in-form Brescia side on Sunday afternoon.

Giampiero Ventura brought in Giuseppe Vives to reinforce his midfield for this difficult looking away game, as Toro lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Riccardo Meggiorini was rewarded for his winning goal against Sampdoria as he replaced Rolando Bianchi upfront, whilst Matteo Darmian and Kamil Glik came into the defence.

The game started quietly with both teams reduced to long range half chances, Alessandro Parisi shot over the bar for Torino, whilst Jonathas shot wide for the home side. Riccardo Meggiorini, the hero from Monday night's game, almost scored his second goal for the club when he was played through by Vives' chipped pass, but his half volley went narrowly wide.

And it was Meggiorini who came close again moments later after he was put through by Mirco Antenucci's subtle pass, but the former Novara striker's shot went wide of the post again.

Torino continued to create opportunities at the start of the second half, and once again it was Meggiorini who had the chance - and this time he definitely should have scored. Full back Matteo Darmian's first time cross found the unmarked striker, but somehow his header failed to find the target from just six yards out.

And Torino were made to pay for that miss, as with 25 minutes remaining the home side took the lead in bizarre style. Captain Marco Zambelli did well down the right flank, and his low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Matteo Darmian.

However, that goal sparked the away side into life and they came so close to scoring an immediate equaliser. Brescia keeper Michele Arcari tried to claim a cross from the right, but his poor punch fell to Giuseppe Vives whose lob hit the post. Mirco Antenucci nearly scored on the follow up, but his shot was deflected over the bar.

Alessandro Sgrigna and Rolando Bianchi came off the bench as Torino went looking for an equaliser, and those two players nearly combined to get it. Sgrigna's scuffed shot was diverted goalwards by Bianchi, but the ball was magnificently cleared off the line by former West Ham defender Fabio Daprela. From the resulting corner, Kamil Glik came close to scoring his first goal in a Torino shirt, but his powerful header was spectacularly saved by Arcari. 

Francesco Benussi produced a good save in the closing stages to prevent Brescia doubling their lead, but this defeat means that Torino have not won away from home since November. However, Torino certainly had their chances and deserved at least a point from the game. As Sassuolo could only draw on Saturday, Toro remain top of the league, but will be looking to improve their away from at the earliest opportunity - hopefully at Grosseto on Saturday.

Forza Torino

Torino 3-1 Nocerina

Torino moved back up to the automatic promotion places in the Serie B table after a 3-1 victory against bottom side Nocerina.

Kamil Glik and Danilo D'Ambrosio were given starts in the back four, whilst Alen Stevanovic, Migjen Basha and Rolando Bianchi regained their places in the starting eleven as Toro lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.

Nocerina, who are desperately trying to avoid relegation had an early opportunity to take a shock lead after Francesco Benussi carelessly gave the ball away, but Luigi Castaldo's attempt to lob the ball over the keeper from 40 yards failed as the ball went over the bar.

And with only eight minutes on the clock, the away side were made to pay for that miss as Torino took the lead thanks to Danilo D'Ambrosio's glancing header from Alessandro Parisi's corner. That goal was the first time that Torino have scored in the opening fifteen minutes of a game this season, and it was D'Ambrosio's second goal of the season, as he also scored a headed winning goal against Reggina in November.

Rolando Bianchi, who still hasn't scored since mid-October had a great chance to extend Torino's lead as he was put through by Mirco Antenucci, but the striker's heavy touch meant that it was an easy take for the Nocerina keeper. However, on the half hour mark, Toro did get their second goal as Giuseppe Vives received the ball on the edge of the area, and his low shot from eighteen yards out found the bottom corner of the net.

Two minutes into the second half, and Toro had their third goal as Mirco Antenucci's delightful through ball put Alen Stevanovic through on goal, and the winger finished it well. However, five minutes later, Nocerina showed that the game was far from over as Luigi Castaldo headed home Lorenzo Laverone's cross to give the away side a glimmer of hope. On reflection, the goal was easily avoidable and probably has to go down as a mistake by new keeper Benussi, who came off his line to try and claim the cross, but he failed to get there in time.

Torino could have made the margin of victory more convincing in the last half an hour as Giuseppe Vives had two great chances to add to his goal, but that would have been harsh on Nocerina who kept trying until the final whistle. This result temporarily put Torino top of the table (until Sassuolo's victory this morning) but it does keep them in the automatic promotion places ahead of the big game against Sampdoria next Monday night.

Forza Toro

Torino 1-0 Vicenza

Torino moved to within just one point of leaders Pescara with a 1-0 victory at a snowy Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday evening.

Toro made just the one change from the side that drew with Varese in similar conditions on Saturday, as Nnamdi Oduamadi was given a rare start on the left wing in place of Alen Stevanovic.

It was the visitors who should of taken the lead in the opening stages but former Toro striker Elvis Abbruscato's shot was straight at Francesco Benussi. At the other end, it was the lively Nnamdi Oduamadi who created the Granata's first chance as he beat two defenders before forcing Alberto Frison to make a good save.

The Nigerian winger continued to be a threat on the left wing, and he could of had a penalty when his shot hit the hand of Alessando Bastrini, but it would have been harsh as the Vicenza defender was looking the other way.

Torino almost made an ideal start to the second half, as within 30 seconds, Riccardo Meggiorini had a great chance to score his first goal for the club. Strike partner Mirco Antenucci broke free on the right and delivered a fantastic cut back for Meggiorini, and from only eight yards out he failed to score as his shot was saved by Frison. Whilst it was a great save by the Vicenza keeper, the on loan striker should have still found the target.

Five minutes after that miss, Meggiorini was replaced by Rolando Bianchi, and the Torino fans gave their captain a great ovation after he turned down a move to Catania to stay at the club. With 25 minutes remaining, Toro finally got their breakthrough as substitute Alessandro Sgrigna found Juan Surraco on the right wing, and his cross was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Denis Tonucci.

The home side had their chances to extend the margin of victory as Alessandro Sgrigna, Rolando Bianchi, Mirco Antenucci and Giuseppe Vives all came close to scoring a second goal. It was Vives' effort - a chip from 20 yards out that was tipped over the bar by Frison, that came closest to finding the target.

Whilst it may not have been the most impressive performance, Torino recorded a much needed victory, and with a number of players who could still come into the team (Pasquato and Guberti), they are in a good position to mount a serious promotion challenge in the remaining seventeen games of the season.

Torino 0-0 Albinoleffe

Torino had a disappointing start to the New Year as they failed to find a breakthrough against a resilient Albinoleffe side, and the home side finished the game with just nine men.

Davide Morello was given a start in goal as Ferdinando Coppola was suspended despite it being Kamil Glik who was guilty of the foul in Toro's last match of 2011 against Modena. In a surprising move, Giuseppe Vives was preferred to Migjen Basha in midfield, whilst Mirco Antenucci partnered Rolando Bianchi upfront.

Toro had the first chance of the match, when Manuel Iori's chipped pass found Rolando Bianchi in the area, but the captain's left footed volley went harmlessly wide of the target. The away side nearly took a shock lead after nice interplay between Andrea Cristiano and Andrea Cocco led to the latter being through on goal, but his shot was well saved by the legs of Morello.

That scare seemed to spur Torino into action, and they could of had a penalty when nice play by Antenucci put Simone Verdi through, but he was pulled back on the edge of the area. On first glance it looked as though the foul was inside the area, but on reflection the referee had made the right decision, and unfortunately for Toro, the resulting free kick came to nothing.

Just before half time, Albinoleffe were reduced to ten men when Michael Girasole was sent off after recieving his second yellow card for a foul on Verdi.

Toro started the second half brightly eager to capitalise on their one man advantage, and Antenucci was very unlucky to see his shot from 20 yards hit the post. However just moments, disaster struck for Torino when Albinoleffe countered quickly after a corner kick, and Valerio Foglio ran the length of the pitch before being fouled by Manuel Iori, who had chased him back with that intention.

Iori was unsurprisingly sent off for being the last man, although luckily for Toro, the foul was outside the area so he only conceded a free kick, and it was now 10 v 10. Both Alen Stevanovic, and then Mirco Antenucci had good chances for Toro, but both players saw their shots go wide.

Rolando Bianchi continued his poor form in front of goal, as he failed to make contact with Alessandro Parisi's cross from just three yards out. In the 90th minute, Antenucci had his best chance of the match when he received Giuseppe Vives long pass, but his shot was saved by the legs of the Albinoleffe goalkeeper.

In injury time, Torino had another player dismissed when substitite Giulio Ebagua was given a straight red card for dissent after the striker did not recieve a free kick when he was blatently pulled to the ground by Fabio Lebran on the edge of the area.

This result means that Torino are now only one point clear at the top of the Serie B table, after closest rivals Hellas Verona scored two late goals to beat Modena.

Forza Torino

Torino 4-2 Pescara

Torino recorded their most impressive victory of the season, as they thrashed Pescara 4-2 to maintain their four point lead at the top of Serie B.

Torino made three changes from the abandoned match against Padova, as the three players who were suspended for that match - Alessandro Parisi, Migjen Basha and Giuseppe Vives came into the starting eleven. The inclusion of Vives meant that Torino did not play their usual 4-4-2 formation, and instead lined up in a 4-3-3 in order to match up with their opponents.

In the opening stages, Torino had a very good case for a penalty turned down when Giuseppe Vives made a run into the area and the midfielder seemed to be upended by Damiano Zanon, but for some reason the referee did not point to the spot. It was then the visitors turn to feel aggrieved when Ciro Immobile had a goal disallowed for offside, but replays showed that the goal should have stood.

Thanks to the open attacking game that the visitors were playing, Torino were able to create numerous chances, with Rolando Bianchi, Alessandro Sgrigna and Alen Stevanovic all going close. Then seven minutes before the break, Torino took the lead when Manuel Iori's floated cross found Migjen Basha, whose deft touch diverted it into the net - his first goal for the club.

Minutes later, Torino should have doubled their lead when Alen Stevanovic got to the byline and crossed for Rolando Bianchi, but somehow, the Torino captain failed to make contact with the ball from two yards out, and instead he could only collide with the post.

It looked as though that miss could prove to be crucial for Torino, as just three minutes into the second half, Pescara were level. On loan Juventus striker Ciro Immobile ran past Kamil Glik with ease before opening out his body to curl the ball into the bottom corner.

However, Pescara were not on level terms for long, as just five minutes later Torino regained the lead in bizarre circumstances. A long ball by Danilo D'Ambrosio was intercepted by a diving header from the onrushing Pescara keeper Luca Anania, but the ball fell to Giuseppe Vives, and with the goalkeeper off his line, Vives kept his cool and side footed the ball into the empty net from 35 yards.

Ten minutes later, Torino extended their lead, this time Danilo D'Ambrosio found Alessandro Sgrigna, who broke the offside trap and was given time and space before calmly finishing past Anania. And the former Vicenza striker scored again to put the result beyond any doubt, when Migjen Basha's through ball exploited the high line of the Pescara defence one more, and Sgrigna rounded the keeper to claim his second goal of the match.

Toro will be disappointed that their concentration levels dropped in the closing stages, as in injury time, a careless back pass from D'Ambrosio was intercepted by Immobile, as he scored his eleventh goal of the season. However, Torino can be pleased with the performance as they convincingly beat one of their promotion rivals, although they were aided by some terrible defending by the visitors.


Forza Torino

Padova V Torino Preview

In the final game of last season, it was Torino's defeat to Padova that ended their hopes of gaining promotion via the playoffs. This season, Torino are aiming for automatic promotion and will be looking to maintain or even extend their five point lead at the top of Serie B, with victory against Padova on Saturday.

Torino are boosted by the return of Rolando Bianchi, who is back with the squad after serving a two match suspension. However, Toro will be without midfield duo Migjen Basha and Giuseppe Vives, who will have to serve their own suspensions after both having gained their fourth yellow cards of the season against Livorno last Saturday.

Padova are currently seven points behind Torino in fourth place, and head into this game on the back of an impressive 1-0 away win against fellow promotion contenders Sassuolo.

Torino 1-0 Livorno

For long spells of this match, it looked as though Torino would be heading for a fourth consecutive draw, until Alessandro Parisi's late strike gave Toro a crucial victory.

Torino started the match with a 4-3-3 formation, with Giuseppe Vives brought in at the last minuted in order to strengthen the midfield against a Livorno side who seemed to be playing for a draw from the outset. And it was the former Lecce midfielder who had the first chance for Torino, but his shot from 25 yards was palmed away by Livorno keeper Francesco Bardi.

Livorno had a chance of their own when Torino failed to clear a corner, but Federico Dionisi's speculative overhead kick went over the bar. Giuseppe Vives was impressing in midfield for the home side, and some good work by the veteran put Mirco Antenucci through on goal, but his shot was saved by Bardi's outstretched leg.

Torino's best chance of the first half fell to Giulio Ebagua, but he could only divert Danilo D'Ambrosio's free kick wide of the post.

Toro made one change at half time with Simone Verdi replacing the unusually quiet Alen Stevanovic, but Torino could still not find the breakthrough, although Kamil Glik did come close with a header, but it was straight at Bardi. Tempers were flaring on the pitch and off it, as both Giampiero Ventura and Walter Novellino were sent from the touchline after an argument.

The turning point of the match occurred with eleven minutes remaining, when Livorno defender Alessandro Lambrughi was dismissed for two yellow cards, and Torino capitalised almost instantly. Two minutes later, Simone Verdi's corner fell to Alessandro Parisi on the edge of the area, who took a touch before unleashing a fierce left footed strike into the corner of the net.

Torino had chances to extend their lead in the closing stages, with Mirco Antenucci coming close, but Parisi's goal was enough to give Toro all three points. A victory in this match was crucial, ahead of two difficult fixtures against fellow promotion candidates Padova and Pescara, and thanks to the latter only managing to draw with Vicenza, Toro are five points clear at the top of Serie B.

Forza Torino

Reggina 0-1 Torino

Torino left it late once again, but in the end they got the vital goal they needed to secure an impressive 1-0 win away to Reggina.

Giampiero Ventura decided to alter his normal formation for this game, as Giuseppe Vives was brought into the team to strengthen the midfield, as Toro lined up with a 4-3-3 formation. Ventura, perhaps controversially, left captain and top scorer Rolando Bianchi on the bench, perhaps believing that the hardworking Giulio Ebagua was better suited for this formation.

Torino had an opportunity within the opening few minutes, but Mirco Antenucci's shot was easily saved by Adam Kovacsik. Although Toro dominated possession in the first half, clear cut chances were hard to come by, with only half chances from Angelo Ogbonna and Alen Stevanovic worth commenting on.

The home side had to wait until the second half for their first 'real' chances, as some clever work from Antonino Ragusa forced Ferdinando Coppola to make a good save with his leg.Mirco Antenucci had Toro's best chance of the match, when he received a pass from Giuseppe Vives in the area, but his shot on the turn just went narrowly wide of the post.

In the absence of Bianchi, it was Angelo Ogbonna who was wearing the captain's armband, and he came close to opening the scoring as he ran unopposed from the half way line, before unleashing a fierce shot from long range, that was turned away by Kovacsik.

With ten minutes remaining, and Torino looking for the breakthrough, Rolando Bianchi did come off the bench, and his first touch was an ambitious volley from 40 yards, that only just sailed over the bar.

Four minutes later, Torino finally got their goal and it was courtesy of a fantastic cross from Luciano Zavagno, who was deputising for Alessandro Parisi, and his deep cross found Danilo D'Ambrosio at the far post whose bullet header found the back of the net.

Torino saw out the remaining minutes with little difficulty, thanks in part to yet another outstanding defensive performance from Angelo Ogbonna. This victory kept Torino four points clear at the top of the Serie B table ahead of yet another difficult away trip to third place Sassuolo on Saturday.

Forza Torino

Nocerina 1-2 Torino

Torino continued their unbeaten start to the season with a narrow victory at newly promoted Nocerina, their third away win of the season, and the first time they have won three consecutive away games since May 2006.

Giampiero Ventura made a number of changes to the team that drew at home to Brescia on Monday night, with Kamil Glik, Luciano Zavagno, Giuseppe Vives and Mirco Antenucci all coming into the starting eleven, with captain Rolando Bianchi left on the bench.

The home side made a bright start to the match, and Toro defender Matteo Darmian made a great tackle to deny Manuel Scalise who appeared to be through on goal. Torino's first chance of the match once again fell to Alen Stevanovic, but the winger could only hit the side netting with his left footed shot.

Torino took the lead after twenty minutes, and it was one of the players brought into the side, Mirco Antenucci, who scored the goal. Initially, it looked as though Antenucci had wasted a great chance to give Toro the lead after his scuffed shot had hit the post. But he didn't have long to dwell on that miss, as just seconds later, after another exquisite pass by Manuel Iori, he was put through on goal, and this time he made no mistake and put Torino 1-0 up.

Torino nearly doubled their lead after a clever free kick routine saw the ball passed along the ground to Giuseppe Vives (who had been a part of the wall) but the midfielder dragged his shot wide of the target. Just before half time, Nocerina had a great chance to equalise, but Ferdinando Coppola made a good reflex save from Luigi Castaldo's header.

Torino extended their lead on the hour mark, and once again the goal was created by outstanding wing play from Alen Stevanovic. The Serbian knocked the ball past the full back as if he wasn't there before getting to the byline and cutting the ball back to Giulio Ebagua, who controlled the ball with his right foot, turned, and then finished powerfully with his left foot to score his first goal in a Torino shirt.

However, less than ten minutes later, Nocerina were handed a way back into the match after Matteo Darmian upended substitute Emanuele Catania in the area to give the home side a penalty. Catania picked himself up to take the penalty himself, and sent Coppola the wrong way to ensure a nervy last twenty minutes for Torino.

Nocerina nearly equalised through defender Roberto Di Maio towards the end of the match, but his volley was cleared off the line by Manuel Iori, and Toro held on for a vital victory.

This result put Torino level on points with Brescia and Padova at the top of the Serie B table, and their next match promises to be an intriguing encounter as they travel to Genoa on Friday night to face Sampdoria.

Forza Torino

Torino sign Giuseppe Vives

Torino have made their fourth signing of the week by sealing a move for Lecce midfielder Giuseppe Vives, who becomes the first player to be signed outright in this transfer window.

All of Torino's previous eight signings of the summer (Ebagua, Verdi, Coppola, Oduamadi, Iori, Darmian, Glik, Basha) had been signed on either a loan or co-ownership basis, so the purchase of Vives may herald a change in transfer strategy by Sporting Director Gianluca Petrachi.

Vives has been a regular in the Lecce midfield for the past five seasons and was named the best midfielder in Serie B when Lecce gained promotion in the 2009/10 season.