Bourne's Season Review Part Two : Centre Backs

Part Two : Centre-Backs

Valerio di Cesare, 9 appearances, 0 goals, vote 6.5

I was highly sceptical about Di Cesare’s ability to adjust to Serie A and despite Ventura’s public faith in the player, a total of 9 appearances – five full matches - suggests the coach had some reservations too. Making his top-flight debut at the age of 29 against Udinese in September, Di Cesare can take comfort from the quality of his performances. A poor display in a collective shambles at home to Milan aside, he didn’t disfigure. An old school defender who can mix composure on the ball with cynical fouls and a peppering of play-acting, Di Cesare is one of the team’s more charismatic figures. His performance in a three-man defence away at Milan demonstrated that in one-off matches he can cut it at this level. Over the course of a season, I have my doubts.

Verdict: His contract has another year to run. Likely to be used as bate in the summer transfer market, most probably with Serie B clubs. Potentially will be retained if Ventura moves to a 3-5-2 formation but an uncertain summer lies ahead. The club did their best to offload him last summer.

Kamil Glik, 32 appearances, 1 goal, vote 6.5

A curva favourite and cutting aside suspensions, a virtual ever-present. Has broken into the Poland team since Euro 2012 and marked his emergence as an international player with a goal against England. Plays the ‘stopper’ in the Toro defence to Ogbonna’s more cultured and composed play. The Pole can be pleased with his season and providing his contractual situation with Palermo is resolved is likely to be a certain starter next season, potentially club captain. The 25-year old had a few moments to forget though, notably sendings off in both Turin derbies and a tendency to give away cheap penalties and lose concentration. A threat in the opposition box, Glik is destined to be an asset to the club and likely to have matured from this season’s experience.

Verdict: Will be a key figure again next year. Palermo unlikely to cause problems regarding his contract

Angelo Ogbonna, 23 appearances, 0 goals, vote 6

The most highly-rated Toro player coming into the season following a stellar promotion campaign and international recognition. Toro resisted offers for their vice-captain in the summer, although the reality is that in the current economic climate no Italian club could meet the market value and Ogbonna has often displayed a reluctance to move abroad. Ventura convinced the 24-year old that a full season in Serie A under his tutelage would benefit his career. A year on, Ogbonna’s economic value has potentially decreased - or at least stalled - and the club seem prepared to cash in. Supporters are often critical of his ‘dissidence’ and friendship with some of the Juventus players, preferring the more grintoso personality of Glik and Rodriguez. Personally, I find the criticism unfair. Ogbonna’s season has been far from disastrous. It started brightly and the team’s poor defensive record in the second half of the season is largely down to his injuries and struggle to regain form afterwards. A horrible performance against Cagliari aside – two penalties conceded and a red card – Ogbonna’s season was simply in line with the team itself. It was surprising Ventura didn’t occasionally deploy Ogbonna at left-back or in midfield during injury crisis’, considering the team’s strength in the centre of defence.

Verdict: Noises suggest Ogbonna won’t be at Torino next year. Fans will accept his sale providing the price is good and he doesn’t move across the city. Personally, I will be sad to see him leave although his importance on the team has diminished. As vice-captain he often cut a reluctant leader.

Guillermo Rodriguez, 22 appearances, 0 goals, vote 7

Another low-key, uninspiring summer signing. The former Penarol man had just been relegated from Serie A after a brief spell with Cesena. Seemed destined to spend most of the season on the bench but following his debut away at Palermo in week 8, became a regular filling in mainly for the injured Ogbonna. One of the success stories of the season. Committed, strong in the tackle and possessing decent positional sense, the former Uruguayan international – last cap in 2005 – rarely let the side down aside from the occasional exposure to pace (most embarrassingly against a 40-year old Javier Zanetti). A fans’ favourite, doubts remain whether he is a top-quality reserve or deserved starter.

Verdict: His contract is rolling down but a two-year option lies on the table. Given the likely departure of Ogbonna, his permanence is advised.

Overall verdict: Glik and Rodriguez are likely to be Toro players next season. Ogbonna’s sale will bring in much-needed financial muscle which needs to be invested in the attacking third. Two new centre-backs are required – preferably faster and more ball-playing alternatives to Glik and Rodriguez. Ventura seems keen on a 3-5-2 next season in which case he will need to bring in a ‘libero’ and consider utilising Matteo Darmian at centre-back. 

 
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.

Torino 0-0 Palermo

Torino's lack of firepower once again proved to be their downfall as they could only manage a goalless draw (their sixth of the season) against bottom of the table Palermo.

As expected, Guillermo Rodriguez came into the team in order to replace the suspended Angelo Ogbonna, whilst Matteo Brighi also came into the midfield to replace Alen Stevanovic.

Toro had an excellent lead to open the scoring in the opening stages, but after good interplay between Matteo Brighi and Alessio Cerci, the ball fell to Giuseppe Vives on the left wing - but the former Lecce man blazed his shot over the bar.

The Granata continued to look the more likely team to score, and were extremely unlucky when Rolando Bianchi's vicious volley rebounded off the post. Whilst Palermo were only creating half chances, they were were looking like a better side than their league position suggested. 

The Rosanero's Slovenian midfielder Josip Ilicic seemed to be responding to having the added responsibility of the captain's armband, but his left footed shot went well wide of the target. Substitute Fabrizio Miccoli sparked some more energy into the away team, and the former Fiorentina striker almost troubled Jean-Francois Gillet with an audacious chip, but it went over the bar. 

With ten minutes remaining, both teams seemed to think that the three points were there for the taking, and Torino substitute Danilo D'Ambrosio came agonisingly close to giving the Granata the lead. Alessio Cerci's corner was flicked on at the near post by Riccardo Meggiorini, but somehow D'Ambrosio failed to make contact with the ball from only two yards out.

And Torino had an even better chance moments later when a poor clearance by the Palermo defence gave Riccardo Meggiorini an outstanding opportunity, but his tame shot meant that former Granata keeper Stefano Sorrentino was able to deny him. 

Whilst a draw was probably a fair result, and it actually increased the gap between Torino and the bottom three to eleven points, Toro will look on this match as a missed opportunity in their quest to finish in the top half.

Forza Torino

Palermo 0-0 Torino

Torino continued their unbeaten run away from the Stadio Olimpico, as they recorded their third goalless draw of the season at Palermo on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata lined up with an unfamiliar back four, as Matteo Darmian was suspended, Angelo Ogbonna was injured, and Kamil Glik was rested having been on international duty in mid week. That meant Uruguayan centre back Guillermo Rodríguez came in to make his debut, whilst Giuseppe Vives was brought in to reinforce the midfield.

The home side dominated the early exchanges, and Jean-Francois Gillet made two good saves to deny Slovenian midfielder Jasmin Kurtic from distance. Palermo continued to attempt long range shots, firstly from Edgar Barreto, and then from Josip Illicic's free kick, but once again the Belgian keeper produced two magnificent saves to stop the Rosanero taking the lead.

Just before half time, Torino almost took the lead themselves as good work from Riccardo Meggiorini and Alessandro Gazzi put Rolando Bianchi through on goal, but the Torino captain was denied by Samir Ujkani. At the other end, Palermo continued to create chances, and after Illicic's excellent through ball, Swiss full back Michel Morganella was one on one with Gillet, but once again the Belgian came out on top.

Torino were more positive in the second half, and had a great chance to open the scoring, but unfortunately Riccardo Meggiorini rushed his shot, and provided Ujkani with a simple save. With just three minutes of normal time remaining, Josip Illicic had an excellent opportunity to gain all three points for his team, but his shot was wildly off target.

In the end, a draw was probably a fair result, as a combination of poor finishing and outstanding goalkeeping meant that the game stayed goalless. However, Torino's lack of goals continues to be a worry, as they have only scored nine goals all season, five of which were in the same game against Atalanta.

Forza Torino

Rodriguez makes Toro move

As expected, Torino have completed the signing of Uruguay defender Guillermo Rodriguez from Cesena on a permanent deal.

Former Peñarol defender Rodriguez moved to Cesena last season, and played 28 matches in Serie A, but after they were relegated, he has been forced to move on.

Although primarily a central defender, Rodriguez can also play at full back, and he will be hoping that both he, and countryman Pablo Caceres (who signed a few days ago) can make a significant contribution to the Torino cause this campaign.

Guillermo has signed an initial twelve month contract, but if the Uruguay international impresses, there is an option to extend his deal for two further years.

Torino complete Caceres signing

Torino have completed the signing of Uruguayan defender Pablo Caceres, who played over twenty matches in La Liga for Mallorca last season.

With current left back Salvatore Masiello in danger of a heavy suspension for his part in the Calcio Scommese scandal, Toro were in need of more cover in that position, and Caceres seems to fit the bill.

Although he has never played in Italy before, at 27, Caceres should have the experience to cope with the rigours of the Italian game, although it may take a while for him to regain full fitness.

After Damiano Ferronetti rescinded his contract just days after signing with the club, Giampiero Ventura was in need of more defenders, therefore Caceres, and his countryman Guillermo Rodriguez (who should sign on loan from Cesena soon) should provide the Toro coach with a variety options.