Torino moved a step closer to safety as they came from behind to earn a point against Hellas Verona on Wednesday night.
It was a poor first half performance from the Granata with the away side having the majority of the chances, with Darko Lazovic arguably wasting the best chance.
Hellas were awarded a penalty via VAR in the early stages of the second half as Nicolas Nkoulou was adjudged to have elbowed Fabio Borini in the area. Borini stepped up and sent Salvatore Sirigu the wrong way to give Hellas the lead.
Toro finally woke up after that goal, and were level less then ten minutes later when Cristian Ansaldi's excellent cross was headed home by Simone Zaza.
The Granata then had a great chance to win the game in injury time, but Andrea Belotti's header hit the bar.
Forza Toro
Showing posts with label Hellas Verona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hellas Verona. Show all posts
Sunday, 26 July 2020
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
Torino v Hellas Verona Preview
Armando Izzo picked up an injury in the defeat at Fiorentina, whilst Sasa Lukic who started that game is now suspended.
Hellas have been one of the surprise packages this season following their promotion and are comfortably in mid table.
However, Hellas will be without key man Sofyan Amrabat who is suspended, and the visitors have not won away from home since January.
Prediction
Torino 2-1 Hellas Verona
Thursday, 19 December 2019
Hellas Verona 3-3 Torino
Torino somehow let a three goal lead slip in the final twenty minutes on Sunday afternoon against Hellas Verona.
Andrea Belotti was surprisingly named on the bench, as Walter Mazzarri continued with the trident of Simone Zaza, Alex Berenguer and Simone Verdi in attack.
Toro thought they had opened the scoring when Alex Berenguer thumped home from the edge of the area. However, the ball had gone out of play just before Tomas Rincon pulled the ball back.
However, Toro took the lead ten minutes before halftime when Cristian Ansaldi fired home from a difficult angle.
The Granata then doubled their lead ten minutes after the break, as Alex Berenguer scored an excellent individual effort, albeit with the aid of a deflection.
Cristian Ansaldi then continued his sensational run of form as he volleyed home from outside the area to give Torino a 3-0 lead.
However, with twenty minutes remaining, the home side earned a penalty when Bremer was adjudged to have handled Mariusz Stępiński's cross following a VAR consultation. Substitute Giampaolo Pazzini stepped up to convert the penalty and reduce the deficit.
Hellas pulled another goal back when Pazzini's volley was sensationally saved by Salvatore Sirigu, but Valerio Verre was on hand to score from close range.
The comeback was complete with five minutes remaining, as Ola Aina played Stępiński on side from a free kick, and the Polish striker volleyed home to deny Toro all three points.
Forza Toro
Andrea Belotti was surprisingly named on the bench, as Walter Mazzarri continued with the trident of Simone Zaza, Alex Berenguer and Simone Verdi in attack.
Toro thought they had opened the scoring when Alex Berenguer thumped home from the edge of the area. However, the ball had gone out of play just before Tomas Rincon pulled the ball back.
However, Toro took the lead ten minutes before halftime when Cristian Ansaldi fired home from a difficult angle.
The Granata then doubled their lead ten minutes after the break, as Alex Berenguer scored an excellent individual effort, albeit with the aid of a deflection.
Cristian Ansaldi then continued his sensational run of form as he volleyed home from outside the area to give Torino a 3-0 lead.
However, with twenty minutes remaining, the home side earned a penalty when Bremer was adjudged to have handled Mariusz Stępiński's cross following a VAR consultation. Substitute Giampaolo Pazzini stepped up to convert the penalty and reduce the deficit.
Hellas pulled another goal back when Pazzini's volley was sensationally saved by Salvatore Sirigu, but Valerio Verre was on hand to score from close range.
The comeback was complete with five minutes remaining, as Ola Aina played Stępiński on side from a free kick, and the Polish striker volleyed home to deny Toro all three points.
Forza Toro
Saturday, 14 December 2019
Hellas Verona v Torino Preview
The third game in that run, was incredibly enough a 3-1 victory against Hellas, with Josef Martinez, Fabio Quagliarella and Omar El Kaddouri all getting on the score sheet.
Andrea Belotti has returned to the Torino squad and is fit to feature in the game, as has Serbian midfielder Sasa Lukic.
Hellas have made an impressive start to the season since gaining promotion in the summer, and are only 2 points and 2 places below Toro, however, they have lost three of their last four games.
Prediction
Hellas Verona 1-2 Torino
Sunday, 25 February 2018
Hellas Verona v Torino Preview
Toro will be without Cristian Molinaro who suffered an injury in training this week, so Antonio Barreca could return to the starting eleven. Brazilian defender Lyanco has also returned to the squad after his own injury problems.
Hellas Verona are currently in the bottom three and are desperate for points having lost 7 of their last 8 matches. However, Hellas did pick up a surprise 4-1 away victory at Fiorentina last month.
In the reverse fixture back in October, Toro threw away a two goal lead in the dying minutes to draw 2-2, so the Granata must be wary.
Prediction
Hellas Verona 1-2 Torino
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
Torino 2-2 Hellas Verona
Torino threw away a victory in the dying moments as they conceded two late VAR assisted goals at home to Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon.
Mirko Valdifiori made his first start of the season for Toro in midfield whilst Cristian Molinaro was preferred to Cristian Ansaldi at left back.
The away side were the dominant team in the early stages, and both Martin Caceres and Mohamed Fares had chances to give Hellas a shock lead.
However, Toro would take the lead on the half hour mark when Adem Ljajic's excellent diagonal ball found Cristian Ansaldi, and the substitute crossed for Iago Falque to score from close range.
On the stroke of half time, Torino doubled their lead thanks to an individual effort from M'Baye Niang, his first goal for the Granata since signing from AC Milan.
Toro had chances to extend their lead, but Ljajic, Niang and Andrea Belotti all missed great chances to score. The turning point occurred ten minutes from time when Belotti had to be stretchered off with a knee injury and with all substitutions all used up, Toro were left with only ten men.
Verona pulled a goal back when on loan Juventus striker Moise Kean diverted Alessio Cerci's shot into the net after a goal-line scramble. The goal was originally disallowed by the linesman for offside, but the VAR official overruled that decision and awarded the goal.
In the next attack, Hellas were awarded a penalty (via VAR) when Cristian Molinaro inexplicably handled Cerci's cross. Giampaolo Pazzini stepped up to score from the spot to earn Hellas an unlikely point, despite having Bruno Zuculini sent off deep into injury time.
Forza Toro
Mirko Valdifiori made his first start of the season for Toro in midfield whilst Cristian Molinaro was preferred to Cristian Ansaldi at left back.
The away side were the dominant team in the early stages, and both Martin Caceres and Mohamed Fares had chances to give Hellas a shock lead.
However, Toro would take the lead on the half hour mark when Adem Ljajic's excellent diagonal ball found Cristian Ansaldi, and the substitute crossed for Iago Falque to score from close range.
On the stroke of half time, Torino doubled their lead thanks to an individual effort from M'Baye Niang, his first goal for the Granata since signing from AC Milan.
Toro had chances to extend their lead, but Ljajic, Niang and Andrea Belotti all missed great chances to score. The turning point occurred ten minutes from time when Belotti had to be stretchered off with a knee injury and with all substitutions all used up, Toro were left with only ten men.
Verona pulled a goal back when on loan Juventus striker Moise Kean diverted Alessio Cerci's shot into the net after a goal-line scramble. The goal was originally disallowed by the linesman for offside, but the VAR official overruled that decision and awarded the goal.
In the next attack, Hellas were awarded a penalty (via VAR) when Cristian Molinaro inexplicably handled Cerci's cross. Giampaolo Pazzini stepped up to score from the spot to earn Hellas an unlikely point, despite having Bruno Zuculini sent off deep into injury time.
Forza Toro
Sunday, 1 October 2017
Torino v Hellas Verona Preview
Toro will be without the suspended Daniele Baselli who is likely to be replaced by either Mirko Valdifiori or Samuel Gustafson, whilst Cristian Ansaldi should continue at left back.
Hellas have had a difficult return to the top flight since gaining promotion in the summer, having failed to win any of there six matches - conceding fourteen goals in the process.
The gialloblu have a familiar face in the squad in the shape of Alessio Cerci who starred in the Granata shirt as they qualified for the Europa League, before departing to join Athletico Madrid at the end of that campaign.
Prediction
Torino 3-1 Hellas Verona
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
Torino 0-0 Hellas Verona
Torino dropped points at home once again as they drew 0-0 with bottom-placed Hellas in a game which will long be remembered for Josef Martinez's late miss.
As expected, Pontus Jansson and Giuseppe Vives came back into the team, whilst Marco Benassi was preferred to Daniele Baselli in midfield. There was also a surprise in goal as Daniele Padelli returned after a two game absence and replaced Salvador Ichazo.
Padelli was forced into action early on as he had to react quickly to deny Artur Ionita's long range effort. Toro created opportunities in the first half, but both Andrea Belotti and Marco Benassi were denied by Pierluigi Gollini in the Hellas goal.
Luca Toni missed a late header for the away side, whilst Ciro Immobile also wasted two good chances for Toro.
However in injury time, substitute Josef Martinez capitalised on some hesitant defending and beat Gollini to the ball, lifted it over him, but somehow failed to find the target. In fairness to the Venezuelan, he was off balance and was probably being fouled - however, he should of scored.
Torino's recent form continues to be a worry, and they have only won once (against Frosinone) since November. The Granata will have an opportunity to make up for this poor performance on Wednesday when they face a trip to Sampdoria.
Forza Toro
Monday, 14 September 2015
Hellas Verona 2-2 Torino
Torino maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they twice came from behind to earn a deserved point against Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon.
The Granata were hampered with a number of injury problems, as Nikola Maksimovic, Emiliano Moretti, Alessandro Gazzi and Marco Benassi all missed out. However, Andrea Belotti made his debut and joined Fabio Quagliarella in attack.
Toro were slow to start once again, and they were thankful for Daniele Padelli, who made a splendid one handed save to deny Luca Toni.
The second half was only four minutes old when the home side were awarded a controversial penalty when Pontus Jansson was adjudged to have tripped Juanito, despite replays showing the Brazilian had just missed his kick and fell over. Luca Toni stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake, as Toro went behind for the fourth game in succession.
However, Toro were level fifteen minutes later when home keeper Rafael could only parry Fabio Quagliarella's angled drive, and Daniele Baselli was able to tap home for his fourth goal in as many games.
Toro had looked vulnerable from set pieces all game and were punished when Hellas took the lead for a second time after Federico Viviani's floated free kick was headed home by Juanito.
However, the lead lasted for less than sixty seconds, as Rafael needlessly punched a Cristian Molinaro cross and the ball fell for substitute Afriyie Acquah who side footed the ball into the empty net.
Toro were unable to find a winning goal in the closing stages, and a point each was probably a fair result and it allowed the Granata to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Forza Toro!
The Granata were hampered with a number of injury problems, as Nikola Maksimovic, Emiliano Moretti, Alessandro Gazzi and Marco Benassi all missed out. However, Andrea Belotti made his debut and joined Fabio Quagliarella in attack.
Toro were slow to start once again, and they were thankful for Daniele Padelli, who made a splendid one handed save to deny Luca Toni.
The second half was only four minutes old when the home side were awarded a controversial penalty when Pontus Jansson was adjudged to have tripped Juanito, despite replays showing the Brazilian had just missed his kick and fell over. Luca Toni stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake, as Toro went behind for the fourth game in succession.
However, Toro were level fifteen minutes later when home keeper Rafael could only parry Fabio Quagliarella's angled drive, and Daniele Baselli was able to tap home for his fourth goal in as many games.
Toro had looked vulnerable from set pieces all game and were punished when Hellas took the lead for a second time after Federico Viviani's floated free kick was headed home by Juanito.
However, the lead lasted for less than sixty seconds, as Rafael needlessly punched a Cristian Molinaro cross and the ball fell for substitute Afriyie Acquah who side footed the ball into the empty net.
Toro were unable to find a winning goal in the closing stages, and a point each was probably a fair result and it allowed the Granata to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Forza Toro!
Saturday, 12 September 2015
Hellas Verona v Torino Preview
The Granata have a fine recent record against their hosts, winning their last three matches in Verona by a 3-1 scoreline.
However, Toro will have to make do without two of their first choice back three, as Nikola Maksimovic and Emiliano Moretti both miss out. They should be replaced by able deputies Cesare Bovo and Pontus Jansson, although youngster Valerio Mantovani has also been included in the squad and could be a surprise debutant.
Elsewhere in the team, Bosnian midfielder Sanjin Prcic is included in the squad for the first time, and Andrea Belotti could finally make his long awaited debut.
Hellas are seeking their first victory of the season, and whilst they earned a creditable 1-1 draw against Roma in the opening game, they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Genoa last time out.
Prediction
Hellas Verona 1-1 Torino
Sunday, 8 February 2015
Hellas Verona 1-3 Torino
Torino continued their incredible recent form with a fourth consecutive victory after an impressive 3-1 victory over Hellas Verona on Saturday evening.
Giampiero Ventura made just two changes from the team that convincingly beat Sampdoria last weekend, as Cristian Molinaro and Giuseppe Vives replaced Matteo Darmian and Alessandro Gazzi.
Josef Martinez was causing the home side's ageing back line a number of problems in the early stages, and the Venezuelan striker earned his reward on the half hour mark.
After some excellent interplay on the edge of the area between Fabio Quagliarella, Marco Benassi and Martinez himself, the ball fell to the latter and he calmly stroked the ball past former Toro keeper Francesco Benussi.
Martinez was again involved in Toro's second goal, as just five minutes into the second half the young striker was upended in the area by Hellas defender Rafael Marques. And just as he had done so against Sampdoria, Fabio Quagliarella stepped up to convert the penalty - although once again, it was a little bit too close to being yet another missed Torino penalty.
Marco Benassi had an opportunity to seal the points for Toro, but his shot was off target, whilst the Granata were somehow denied a penalty when Quagliarella was clearly tripped in the area Rafael Márquez.
Torino ensured a nervy last ten minutes when Luca Toni's volley reduced the deficit, although Daniele Padelli may feel he could have done more to prevent the goal.
However, Torino did seal the victory in injury time thanks to substitute Omar El Kaddouri, who ran the length on the field with an outstanding solo effort before curling a shot into the bottom corner.
This was an extremely confident performance from a Torino team who almost look unrecognisable from the side who struggled for goals and creativity earlier on in the season. If Toro can maintain this form for a little while longer, than European qualification for a second consecutive season is beginning to look extremely attainable indeed.
Forza Toro.
Giampiero Ventura made just two changes from the team that convincingly beat Sampdoria last weekend, as Cristian Molinaro and Giuseppe Vives replaced Matteo Darmian and Alessandro Gazzi.
Josef Martinez was causing the home side's ageing back line a number of problems in the early stages, and the Venezuelan striker earned his reward on the half hour mark.
After some excellent interplay on the edge of the area between Fabio Quagliarella, Marco Benassi and Martinez himself, the ball fell to the latter and he calmly stroked the ball past former Toro keeper Francesco Benussi.
Martinez was again involved in Toro's second goal, as just five minutes into the second half the young striker was upended in the area by Hellas defender Rafael Marques. And just as he had done so against Sampdoria, Fabio Quagliarella stepped up to convert the penalty - although once again, it was a little bit too close to being yet another missed Torino penalty.
Marco Benassi had an opportunity to seal the points for Toro, but his shot was off target, whilst the Granata were somehow denied a penalty when Quagliarella was clearly tripped in the area Rafael Márquez.
Torino ensured a nervy last ten minutes when Luca Toni's volley reduced the deficit, although Daniele Padelli may feel he could have done more to prevent the goal.
However, Torino did seal the victory in injury time thanks to substitute Omar El Kaddouri, who ran the length on the field with an outstanding solo effort before curling a shot into the bottom corner.
This was an extremely confident performance from a Torino team who almost look unrecognisable from the side who struggled for goals and creativity earlier on in the season. If Toro can maintain this form for a little while longer, than European qualification for a second consecutive season is beginning to look extremely attainable indeed.
Forza Toro.
Saturday, 7 February 2015
Hellas Verona v Torino Preview
The Granata are unbeaten in their last eight games, winning the last three, the most recent of which being the impressive 5-1 victory over Sampdoria last weekend.
Alessandro Gazzi is suspended, so could be replaced in the starting eleven by new signing Alvaro Gonzalez. Maxi Lopez also misses out with the flu, so Josef Martinez should continue to partner Fabio Quagliarella up front.
Hellas are currently four points and four places below Toro in the league table, but have won their last two home games and also recorded a 1-0 victory over Torino back in September at the Stadio Olimpico.
Prediction
Hellas Verona 1-1 Torino
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Torino 0-1 Hellas Verona
Torino's quest for a first win and goal of the season as they fell to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Hellas Verona on Sunday evening.
As expected, first choice back three Cesare Bovo, Kamil Glik and Emiliano Moretti returned to the starting eleven, and for the second game in succession the front two were Fabio Quagliarella and Amauri.
It was the away side who came closest in the opening exchanges, as first former Toro man Panagiotis Tachtsidis put a free header wide of the post and then Juanito Gomez hit the post from an almost identical position.
Toro finally woke up and it was centre back Cesare Bovo who came closest for the home side, but his drilled effort went wide of the post.
The Granata had a much better start to the second half, with Emiliano Moretti and Amauri both going close when well placed. Fabio Quagliarella came narrowly close to scoring his first league goal of the season but his long range effort was parried by Rafael and then thirty seconds later his header glanced wide of the post.
Hellas took the lead against the run of play when only three minutes after coming on, substitute Artur Ionita cut in from the right wing and his shot bounced over the arms of Daniele Padelli.
With only two minutes remaining, Torino had a great chance to equalise as debutant Bruno Peres was upended in the area by Rafael Marquez, but Omar El Kaddouri missed the resulting penalty, and also the rebound.
Whilst the performance was much more promising than last weekend against Sampdoria, the result was the same as Toro lost their second game of the season, and have yet to score a league goal in three matches.
Forza Toro
As expected, first choice back three Cesare Bovo, Kamil Glik and Emiliano Moretti returned to the starting eleven, and for the second game in succession the front two were Fabio Quagliarella and Amauri.
It was the away side who came closest in the opening exchanges, as first former Toro man Panagiotis Tachtsidis put a free header wide of the post and then Juanito Gomez hit the post from an almost identical position.
Toro finally woke up and it was centre back Cesare Bovo who came closest for the home side, but his drilled effort went wide of the post.
The Granata had a much better start to the second half, with Emiliano Moretti and Amauri both going close when well placed. Fabio Quagliarella came narrowly close to scoring his first league goal of the season but his long range effort was parried by Rafael and then thirty seconds later his header glanced wide of the post.
Hellas took the lead against the run of play when only three minutes after coming on, substitute Artur Ionita cut in from the right wing and his shot bounced over the arms of Daniele Padelli.
With only two minutes remaining, Torino had a great chance to equalise as debutant Bruno Peres was upended in the area by Rafael Marquez, but Omar El Kaddouri missed the resulting penalty, and also the rebound.
Whilst the performance was much more promising than last weekend against Sampdoria, the result was the same as Toro lost their second game of the season, and have yet to score a league goal in three matches.
Forza Toro
Sunday, 21 September 2014
Torino V Hellas Verona Preview
Antonio Nocerino will be out for around six weeks after picking up an injury against Club Brugge in midweek, so Toro will be without one of their key midfield players. After playing ninety minutes against Brugge on Thursday, Amauri may not be able to play twice in three days so Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez or Marcelo Larrondo could be in line to replace him.
Opponents Hellas have four points from their first two games of the season, after coming from behind to beat Palermo last weekend. Last season, both games against Hellas were entertaining affairs, with the teams drawing 2-2 at the Stadio Olimpico and then Toro were impressive 3-1 victors in Verona.
Match Prediction
Torino 1-0 Hellas Verona
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Hellas Verona 1-3 Torino
Torino produced a sensational second half performance to secure an excellent 3-1 victory against Hellas Verona on Monday evening.
The Granata made a few changes from the side that lost to Bologna, as Cesare Bovo replaced Nikola Maksimovic in defence, whilst Jasmin Kurtic also made his first start for the club in midfield.
The home side had an excellent chance to take the lead, but Vangelis Moras headed wide from a corner after Daniele Padelli had failed to collect the cross. Toro came close on the counter attack, but Salvatore Masiello blazed over the bar from Ciro Immobile's cut back.
Hellas were awarded a controversial penalty ten minutes before half time when Cesare Bovo was adjudged to have pulled back Juanito Gomez at a corner. Luca Toni stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Padelli the wrong way to give the home side the lead.
Torino started the second half extremely brightly and after only four minutes they were level, when Omar El Kaddouri's chipped pass found Ciro Immobile in space (as he was offside) and the striker fired home past Rafael.
And moments later Toro took the lead, and El Kaddouri was once again the provider as he set up Alessio Cerci to fire a vicious left footed shot from the edge of the area. On the hour mark, Cerci returned the favour as he set up the excellent El Kaddouri who swept the ball into the bottom corner, to give Toro a two goal advantage.
Padelli made a fine save from Luca Toni's header to maintain Toro's lead, and the same player also volleyed wide of the target when well placed. Toro held on for an impressive and deserved victory which will hopefully act as a much needed confidence boost ahead of the derby on Sunday.
Forza Toro!
The Granata made a few changes from the side that lost to Bologna, as Cesare Bovo replaced Nikola Maksimovic in defence, whilst Jasmin Kurtic also made his first start for the club in midfield.
The home side had an excellent chance to take the lead, but Vangelis Moras headed wide from a corner after Daniele Padelli had failed to collect the cross. Toro came close on the counter attack, but Salvatore Masiello blazed over the bar from Ciro Immobile's cut back.
Hellas were awarded a controversial penalty ten minutes before half time when Cesare Bovo was adjudged to have pulled back Juanito Gomez at a corner. Luca Toni stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Padelli the wrong way to give the home side the lead.
Torino started the second half extremely brightly and after only four minutes they were level, when Omar El Kaddouri's chipped pass found Ciro Immobile in space (as he was offside) and the striker fired home past Rafael.
And moments later Toro took the lead, and El Kaddouri was once again the provider as he set up Alessio Cerci to fire a vicious left footed shot from the edge of the area. On the hour mark, Cerci returned the favour as he set up the excellent El Kaddouri who swept the ball into the bottom corner, to give Toro a two goal advantage.
Padelli made a fine save from Luca Toni's header to maintain Toro's lead, and the same player also volleyed wide of the target when well placed. Toro held on for an impressive and deserved victory which will hopefully act as a much needed confidence boost ahead of the derby on Sunday.
Forza Toro!
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Hellas Verona V Torino Preview
The Granata may have one eye on the derby with Juventus a week today, but will know that a victory would put them level on points with both Hellas and Parma in the battle for a place in the Europa League. Panagiotis Tachtsidis has only made one brief substitute appearance since signing in January, and he will be looking for more minutes against his former club.
Newly promoted Hellas have shocked many on their return to the top flight, as the combination of Luca Toni's goals and their formidable home form has seen them become serious challengers for Europan football. However, on their last visit to the Stadio Bentegodi, Torino won the game 3-1 with Giulio Ebagua's excellent goal the highlight.
Prediction
Hellas Verona 1-1 Torino
Friday, 27 September 2013
Torino 2-2 Hellas Verona
Torino maintained their unbeaten home record as an Alessio Cerci brace earnt them a draw against Hellas Verona.
With the derby against Juventus coming up on Sunday, Giampiero Ventura made four changes to the side the beat Bologna, as Guillermo Rodriguez, Nicola Bellomo, Alexander Farnerud and Migjen Basha came into the eleven.
It was Nicola Bellomo, making his Serie A debut, who had Torino's first opportunity when his long range effort forced Hellas keeper Rafael. An action less first half was then brought to life ten minutes before the break, as Hellas midfielder Romulo needlessly handled Alessio Cerci's corner to give Torino a penalty.
The former Roma winger stepped up himself to score his third goal in as many games, and that looked as though it would be enough to give Toro a half time lead. However, on the stroke of half time, Hellas equalised when an acrobatic assist from Luca Toni allowed Juanito Gomez to convert from close range.
However, Toro did not have long to wait to retake the lead, as just after the restart Rafael failed to deal with a weak shot from Riccardo Meggiorini and Alessio Cerci was on hand to continue his fine goalscoring form.
And moments later Torino had an opportunity to put the result beyond doubt, but Rafael redeemed himself by tipping Meggiorini's long range effort onto the post. Toro were made to pay for not extending their lead as they then conceded a penalty of their own, when Guillermo Rodriguez pulled former Juventus striker Toni to the ground, and Brazilian midfielder Jorginho scored from the spot.
Both teams seemed to be content with a point, although Torino had valid shouts for a penalty in the dying seconds when Danilo D'Ambrosio was brought down, but the referee waved the claims away. After taking the lead twice, the Granata will be disappointed that they were unable to hold on to the victory. However, they have still made a fine start to the season, and with Alessio Cerci in excellent form, Sunday's derby with Juventus could prove to be more competitive than it has been in recent seasons.
Forza Toro!
With the derby against Juventus coming up on Sunday, Giampiero Ventura made four changes to the side the beat Bologna, as Guillermo Rodriguez, Nicola Bellomo, Alexander Farnerud and Migjen Basha came into the eleven.
It was Nicola Bellomo, making his Serie A debut, who had Torino's first opportunity when his long range effort forced Hellas keeper Rafael. An action less first half was then brought to life ten minutes before the break, as Hellas midfielder Romulo needlessly handled Alessio Cerci's corner to give Torino a penalty.
The former Roma winger stepped up himself to score his third goal in as many games, and that looked as though it would be enough to give Toro a half time lead. However, on the stroke of half time, Hellas equalised when an acrobatic assist from Luca Toni allowed Juanito Gomez to convert from close range.
However, Toro did not have long to wait to retake the lead, as just after the restart Rafael failed to deal with a weak shot from Riccardo Meggiorini and Alessio Cerci was on hand to continue his fine goalscoring form.
And moments later Torino had an opportunity to put the result beyond doubt, but Rafael redeemed himself by tipping Meggiorini's long range effort onto the post. Toro were made to pay for not extending their lead as they then conceded a penalty of their own, when Guillermo Rodriguez pulled former Juventus striker Toni to the ground, and Brazilian midfielder Jorginho scored from the spot.
Both teams seemed to be content with a point, although Torino had valid shouts for a penalty in the dying seconds when Danilo D'Ambrosio was brought down, but the referee waved the claims away. After taking the lead twice, the Granata will be disappointed that they were unable to hold on to the victory. However, they have still made a fine start to the season, and with Alessio Cerci in excellent form, Sunday's derby with Juventus could prove to be more competitive than it has been in recent seasons.
Forza Toro!
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Torino V Hellas Verona Preview
Guillermo Rodriguez is available selection once again after missing the last two matches, and Ciro Immobile is included in the squad but may still miss out on the match due to illness. With the derby coming up on Sunday, those players who may not be able to play three matches in a week - primarily Giuseppe Vives and Matteo Brighi could also be rested.
Hellas have made a promising start in their return to Serie A, and have won two of their four fixtures so far. However, despite this bright start they have lost both of their away games - although they were against Roma and Juventus.
The last time these two sides met was in March 2012 and the Granata were embarrassed with a 4-1 home defeat, and will therefore be looking to gain some revenge.
Prediction
Torino 1-1 Hellas Verona
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Torino 1-4 Hellas Verona
Torino had a night to forget on Monday as they lost their unbeaten home record with an unexpected 4-1 defeat to Hellas Verona.
Toro made just the two changes from the side that beat Grosseto last weekend, as Valerio Di Cesare came in for the suspended Kamil Glik and Rolando Bianchi replaced Riccardo Meggiorini upfront.
The away side started brightly, almost as if they knew that a victory in this match was vital to keep their chances of automatic promotion alive. Therefore, it was not a surprise when Hellas took the lead on twenty-four minutes, when Panagiotis Tachtsidis' back heel took four Toro defenders out of the game and allowed Juanito Gomez to score from fifteen yards out.
Torino had a half chance to equalise immediately when Alessandro Parisi's cross found Rolando Bianchi, but his header was off target. Instead, it was Hellas who nearly scored a spectacular second goal when Matthias Lepiller's audacious 30 yard volley forced a good save from Francesco Benussi.
However, just eight minutes before half time, Hellas did double their lead when Tachtsidis' fine left footed cross was stabbed past the on rushing Benussi by Nicola Ferrari. Toro made one change at half time as Alessandro Sgrigna replaced Nnamdi Oduamadi, but that made little difference, and just eleven minutes after the break Hellas added a third when Lepiller's free kick was headed home by Gomez.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Hellas defender Domenico Maietta scored a spectacular fourth goal as he intercepted the ball in his own half before continuing his run, he then knocked the ball past substitute defender Francesco Pratali before finally lobbing Benussi from 30 yards. Whilst it was certainly a 'Goal of the Season' contender, questions could be asked why the Toro keeper was so far off his line.
Torino got a late consolation goal towards the end of the match, when Giuseppe Vives' wayward shot was diverted goal wards by substitute Sgrigna who finished well. However, there was to be no miraculous comeback and Toro lost by more than a one goal margin for the first time this season, and Hellas closed the gap between the teams to just two points.
Whilst this embarrassing defeat is undoubtedly a major blow to Torino's promotion hopes, the fact that it was such a surprise speaks volumes about Toro's consistent performances this season. Hopefully, the team will be able to forget this performance as quickly as possible, and remember that it is just one game. Toro will have a chance to make amends on Saturday when they face Juve Stabia, and that should tell us a lot more about the character of this Torino team.
Forza Torino
Toro made just the two changes from the side that beat Grosseto last weekend, as Valerio Di Cesare came in for the suspended Kamil Glik and Rolando Bianchi replaced Riccardo Meggiorini upfront.
The away side started brightly, almost as if they knew that a victory in this match was vital to keep their chances of automatic promotion alive. Therefore, it was not a surprise when Hellas took the lead on twenty-four minutes, when Panagiotis Tachtsidis' back heel took four Toro defenders out of the game and allowed Juanito Gomez to score from fifteen yards out.
Torino had a half chance to equalise immediately when Alessandro Parisi's cross found Rolando Bianchi, but his header was off target. Instead, it was Hellas who nearly scored a spectacular second goal when Matthias Lepiller's audacious 30 yard volley forced a good save from Francesco Benussi.
However, just eight minutes before half time, Hellas did double their lead when Tachtsidis' fine left footed cross was stabbed past the on rushing Benussi by Nicola Ferrari. Toro made one change at half time as Alessandro Sgrigna replaced Nnamdi Oduamadi, but that made little difference, and just eleven minutes after the break Hellas added a third when Lepiller's free kick was headed home by Gomez.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Hellas defender Domenico Maietta scored a spectacular fourth goal as he intercepted the ball in his own half before continuing his run, he then knocked the ball past substitute defender Francesco Pratali before finally lobbing Benussi from 30 yards. Whilst it was certainly a 'Goal of the Season' contender, questions could be asked why the Toro keeper was so far off his line.
Torino got a late consolation goal towards the end of the match, when Giuseppe Vives' wayward shot was diverted goal wards by substitute Sgrigna who finished well. However, there was to be no miraculous comeback and Toro lost by more than a one goal margin for the first time this season, and Hellas closed the gap between the teams to just two points.
Whilst this embarrassing defeat is undoubtedly a major blow to Torino's promotion hopes, the fact that it was such a surprise speaks volumes about Toro's consistent performances this season. Hopefully, the team will be able to forget this performance as quickly as possible, and remember that it is just one game. Toro will have a chance to make amends on Saturday when they face Juve Stabia, and that should tell us a lot more about the character of this Torino team.
Forza Torino
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Torino V Hellas Verona Preview
Toro will be without the suspended Kamil Glik, so Valerio Di Cesare should partner Angelo Ogbonna in defence. Rolando Bianchi will be confident of returning to the starting eleven after ending his goal drought last time out, and he is likely to replace fellow striker and Hellas fan Riccardo Meggiorini.
Hellas have surpassed all expectations since gaining promotion in the summer, and currently sit in fourth position and will be looking at this match as a great opportunity to close the gap on Toro. Much of Hellas' success has been built on their fantastic home form, and Toro's 3-1 victory at the Bentegodi in October is one of only two defeats they have suffered in Verona. However, Hellas Verona have not been as successful on the road and have not won away from home since beating Livorno in December.
Prediction
Torino 2-0 Hellas Verona
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