Glik Departs

Torino captain Kamil Glik has left the club to join French side Monaco on a four year deal for an initial fee of €11 million.

Glik joined Toro from Palermo five years ago and the committed central defender has enjoyed a number of memorable moments wearing the Granata shirt.

The Polish international was part of the squad who gained promotion to Serie A in the 2011/12 season. In the following campaign, despite receiving red cards in both fixtures against Juventus, his committed performances endeared him to the Torino supporters.

After the departure of Rolando Bianchi, Glik became Toro's first non-Italian captain since 1960 and under his leadership the Granata finished 7th in the league and qualified for Europe. The 2014-2015 season was arguably Glik's best with the club as he scored eight goals whilst also contributing defensively to memorable victories against Athletic Bilbao and Juventus.

Glik struggled to find his best form for Toro in the last season, but that could certainly be said for a number of Torino players, as the club endured an inconsistent campaign. However, Glik was one of Poland's best performers at Euro 2016, and helped his country to the the quarter finals before being eliminated on penalties by Portgual.

This move will give Glik a chance to play in the Champions League, although Monaco will have to progress through the qualifying rounds in order to reach the group stages.

Glik has posted a farewell message to the Toro fans on the official website which can be found here.

Grazie Kamil!

Torino 1-0 Lazio

Torino continued their good run of recent form by winning their second successive home game with a fortunate 1-0 victory over Lazio.

A late injury to Omar El Kaddouri meant Toro had to change their team at extremely late notice, with Danilo D'Ambrosio coming into the starting eleven and the Granata reverting to the 3-5-2 formation they had began the season with.

Against the run of play, Toro took the lead after twenty minutes when the Lazio defence failed to deal with a Torino set piece and an unmarked D'Ambrosio was left to inadvertently pass to Kamil Glik who gave the home side the lead.

Lazio should have equalised moments later, but the Bosnian Senad Lulic somehow managed to head over the bar from close range. And Toro also came close to scoring a second goal, when good interplay from D'Ambrosio and Alessio Cerci led to the Italy international forcing a save from former Toro keeper Federico Marchetti.

Before the half time break, Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia came close to scoring with a low drive from long range, but a great save from Danielle Padelli meant Torino held on to their lead at the interval.

The Granata seemed content to try and hold on to what they had in the second half, and Lazio failed to seriously penetrate a well organised Toro defence. However, Brazilian playmaker Hernanes came closest to scoring, but his speculative drive flew narrowly over the top of the bar. Torino should have put the game beyond doubt with a late counter attack in the second half, but top scorer Alessio Cerci wasted an opportunity when well placed.

Toro will be pleased with this victory, as despite not playing well they were able to hold on to secure an impressive victory that moved them up to seventh place. The Granata also managed to secure their first clean sheet since the opening day of the season, which shows an improvement in a defence that has struggled at times this season.

Forza Toro!

Livorno 3-3 Torino

Despite taking a 2-0 lead within the opening ten minutes, Torino still needed a late Alessio Cerci penalty in order to rescue a point in Tuscany on Wednesday evening.

Giampiero Ventura surprised many by setting Toro out in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, as the returning Omar El Kaddouri started wide on the left, with Alessio Cerci in his favoured position on the right wing.

The Granata made a blistering start and were ahead after just four minutes, as Cerci beat Giuseppe Gemiti for pace, before delivering an excellent right footed cross for Ciro Immobile to tap home.

Then moments later, the visitors doubled their lead when a Cerci corner was headed in by captain Kamil Glik, who scored his first goal of the season.

However, Livorno reacted well to that early set back, although it must be said they were assisted in getting back into the match by Torino who continued to give the ball back to the hosts. On the twenty-five minute mark, the home side got a goal back, when Pasquale Schiattarella's low cross was turned in by Paulinho. 

And just eight minutes later, Livorno grabbed a deserved equaliser when an excellent dummy from Paulinho attracted three players to him, and that gave Leandro Greco the space to score from the edge of the area.

Torino almost regained the lead just before half time, but home goalkeeper Francesco Bardi made an outstanding save to deny Kamil Glik his second goal of the evening.

In the second half, Livorno almost took the lead for the first time in the match, but Daniele Padelli made an excellent save with his legs to deny striker Innocent Emeghara. 

However, the former Udinese goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent defender Emerson from giving his side the lead on the hour mark. The Brazilian defender ran from his own half unleashing an unstoppable left footed shot from 35 yards to leave Padelli stranded.

But Torino showed some character to come back into the match, and they thought they had equalised when substitute Paulo Barreto played in Danilo D'Ambrosio, but the full back could only hit the post. With just minutes remaining, Torino received a lifeline when defender Leandro Rinaudo handled Ciro Immobile's goal bound effort and referee Paolo Valeri pointed to the spot.

Despite missing a penalty in the game against Inter, Alessio Cerci made no mistake on this occasion and he capped an excellent individual performance with a crucial goal. As Italian football pundit James Horncastle pointed out, Torino certainly aren't boring this season, but if they are to improve on last season's finish of 16th, they will have to learn to defend much better.

However, thankfully Torino have a nice easy game at the weekend - as league leaders Roma, who have won nine games out of nine, and conceded just one goal come to the Stadio Olimpico. 

Forza Toro

Torino FC Goal of the Season 2012/13

Despite a disappointing end to the season, Torino did manage to achieve their aim of avoiding relegation this season, and a number of excellent goals were scored by Torino players.

Watch the video below, and then vote for your favourite goal on the poll. Competition will run for a couple of weeks, or until I remember to take the poll off the website. Enjoy.

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 0-2 Juventus

Torino's long wait for a victory in the Derby della Mole will go on as they conceded two late goals to neighbours Juventus on Sunday afternoon.

As expected Salvatore Masiello and Migjen Basha replaced the suspended Matteo Darmian and Giuseppe Vives, however Riccardo Meggiorini was surprisingly preferred to Paulo Barreto upfront.

In the early stages, captain Rolando Bianchi - playing in what is likely to be his last Turin derby - got on the end of a long ball from defence but was unable to get a shot away. In dreadful conditions, both teams were struggling to create chances in what was always going to be a tense affair.

However, Juve should have taken the lead when Paul Pogba's delightful through ball found Mirko Vucinic, but the Montenegrin striker surprisingly shot wide. Granata keeper Gillet was twice forced into two saves, firstly from Claudio Marchisio's shot, and then from Stephan Lichtsteiner's teasing cross.

Just before half time Toro had their best chance of the half, when Gigi Buffon tipped Mario Santana's long range shot over the bar.

In the second half chances were even harder to come by, and Toro brought on Jonathas in search of a historic winning goal, whilst Valerio Di Cesare also came on to replace the injured Danilo D'Ambrosio.

Torino were grateful for an outstanding interception from Alessandro Gazzi to deny Leonardo Bonucci what would have been a certain goal. And then, with ten minutes remaining the home side and an outstanding chance themselves to end their goal drought in this fixture.

Alessio Cerci received the ball on the right wing after combining with Jonathas and Rolando Bianchi before delivering a right footed cross which the former just failed to make contact with. However, on the replays, it was clear to see that the Brazilian striker had in fact been pulled back by Bonucci, and that the Granata had been denied a certain penalty.

At the other end Paul Pogba missed an incredible chance to give Juve the lead, as he somehow diverted Kwado Asamoah's floated cross wide of the post from three yards. However, with five minutes remaining, the league leaders finally got the breakthrough as Arturo Vidal's 25 yard volley beat Gillet to break Torino hearts.

There was still time for Kamil Glik to be sent off - for the second time this season against Juventus  - after the Polish international received a second yellow card for a foul on Fabio Quagliarella. And to make things even worse, in injury time Juventus doubled their lead thanks to Claudio Marchisio's half volley.

Whilst it is beginning to get tiresome to write this after every match, Toro probably deserved at least a point from this game, and it took a world class striker from Arturo Vidal to break the deadlock. In addition, had Toro (rightfully) been awarded a penalty with ten minutes remaining and the scores level, then who knows we may have been celebrating our first victory against Juve since 1995. However, instead we must focus on the fact that Torino are now undoubtedly involved in a relegation battle, and are just four points above the drop zone, and face another tough fixture at AC Milan next week.

Forza Torino

Torino 0-0 Sampdoria

Torino extended their unbeaten record to seven matches after recording their fifth 0-0 draw of the season against in-form Sampdoria.

Giampiero Ventura stuck with the same team that was so impressive against both Inter and Pescara, which meant that Rolando Bianchi once again started on the bench.

 

The visitors started brightly, and young striker Mauro Icardi almost got on the end of a route one ball from the defence, but it was acrobatically intercepted by Jean-Francois Gillet. At the other end, Toro came close to taking the lead via Alessio Cerci's deflected volley, but it was tipped around the post by Sergio Romero.

Kamil Glik was agonisingly close to giving Torino the lead from a corner soon afterwards, and it took an incredible piece of defending from Daniele Gasteldello to deny him. The home side continued to dominate, and Paulo Barreto should have scored his first goal for the club, but his header from six yards out went over the bar.

Chances were limited in the second half, and captain Rolando Bianchi came on after 64 minutes in an attempt to force an opening. However the next chance came from an unlikely source, as it was central defender Glik who attempted an ambitious overhead kick from fifteen yards, but it was easily claimed by Romero.

In the closing stages, Brazilian striker Jonathas came on for his debut for Torino - as he replaced fellow countryman Paulo Barreto, but unfortunately he could not make an instant impact, and the game finished goalless. Whilst Torino probably had the better of the match, a point was a good result as it continued their impressive unbeaten record, and temporarily at least, puts them ten points clear of the relegation zone.

Forza Torino

Lazio 1-1 Torino

Torino's unbeaten run away from home stretched to five matches as they picked up a creditable 1-1 draw at Lazio on Wednesday night.

As expected, Rolando Bianchi and Alessio Cerci both came into the starting eleven after being rested against Parma, whilst Mario Santana came into the team after recovering from injury.

After the disappointing loss at home to Parma at the weekend, the Granata were keen to make a bright start, and they did exactly that by taking the lead within ten minutes. Alessandro Sgrigna's corner was exquisitely headed in by Kamil Glik, as the Polish international scored his first league goal of the season.

After recovering from the shock of going behind, the home side reacted well - as both Antonio Candreva and then Stefano Mauri drilled shots wide of the post. Former Juventus midfielder Candreva once again came close to equalising as he evaded Alessandro Gazzi, but his near post shot was tipped over by Jean-Francois Gillet.

On the stroke of half time, Torino almost doubled their lead as a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Danilo D'Ambrosio's interception put Alessio Cerci through on goal, however the ball got caught under his feet and his shot was twice blocked by the Lazio defence.

Toro started the second half well, and should have doubled their lead when Alessandro Sgrigna's cross found an unmarked Mario Santana, but the Argentinean's tame header was easily saved by Albano Bizzarri. However, just before the hour mark, the Granata were punished for not taking their chances as the home side finally scored an equaliser.

The outstanding Stefano Mauri received Candreva's pass, then took a touch before delivering a fierce left footed shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards out. The Biancocelesti almost took the lead moments later as Tommaso Rocchi beat the offside trap, but after doing the hard part of taking the ball around Gillet, his shot hit the side netting.

Once again Lazio skipper Rocchi came close to scoring a undeserved winner for the home side, but this time he was denied by an outstanding block from Uruguayan defender Guillermo Rodriguez, who was doing a fine job of deputising for the injured Angelo Ogbonna.

In the end, Torino held on for a deserved point although they may even be slightly disappointed not take all three. With another tough away game on Sunday against Napoli, the Granata will certainly be satisfied if their unbeaten away record continues until next week.

Forza Torino

Palermo V Torino Preview

Torino return to league action on Sunday after an enforced two week break due to the international fixtures, and will make the long journey south to take on Palermo.

Argentinean winger Mario Santana was injured in the defeat against Cagliari, however fellow winger Valter Birsa has recovered from his injury and is available to make his debut. Defender Kamil Glik had a very eventful international break, as he scored Poland's equaliser against England - and after conceding two penalties in recent weeks, that goal will hopefully give him a much-needed confidence boost.

Palermo's notoriously impatient president Maurizio Zamparini has already made one managerial change this season as Giuseppe Sannino was sacked in favour of the more experienced Gian Piero Gasperini. That change in coach has made an immediate impact in terms of results, as the Rosanero have gained four points from his two games in charge, including an impressive 4-1 win against Chievo.

Striker Abel Hernández was injured on international duty with Uruguay and is out long term, however captain Fabrizio Miccoli is back in favour and should start upfront. Despite being 33, Miccoli scored a hat-trick in the aforementioned victory over Chievo, thus showing that his immense talent is still there.

Prediction
Palermo 2-1 Torino

Torino 1-0 Reggina

Torino extended their lead at the top of the Serie B table to four points as they held on to beat Reggina 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon.

The original match was abandoned almost three weeks ago at Half Time with Torino leading 1-0 thanks to Kamil Glik's header, therefore only the Second Half needed to be played. Toro lined up in an attacking formation with three genuine strikers - Mirco Antenucci, Rolando Bianchi and Riccardo Meggiorini leading the line.

The home side nearly extended their lead in the early stages of the half, but both Mirco Antenucci and Rolando Bianchi were denied by away keeper Emanuele Belardi. At the other end, Reggina had a half chance to deny Torino the three points, but Gabriele Angella's looping header went harmlessly wide.

In the end, Torino seemed happy with holding on to their advantage from the First Half that was played on April 6th, and they managed to do that with relative ease. Although Toro currently have a four point advantage over nearest rivals Hellas Verona, that could change on Friday when Padova seek to get a 3-0 victory that was awarded to Toro earlier in the season overturned. If Padova are successful, then Torino's advantage would just be a point, meaning that Saturday's home match against Crotone would be even more significant.


Forza Torino

Torino V Reggina (2nd Half) Preview

After being abandoned at Half-Time due to torrential rain on April 6th, Torino and Reggina will finally get the opportunity to finish their match on Wednesday afternoon.

As Toro fans will already know after the Padova debacle earlier in the season, Serie B rules state that any matches that are abandoned should be resumed from when the game was stopped. Therefore, Torino will go into the match with a 1-0 advantage given to them by Kamil Glik's header almost three weeks ago.

It will be interesting to see how Torino approach a match that will only be 45 minutes long, and they will hopefully not just defend and attempt to hold on to their lead. Giampiero Ventura has hinted in his pre-match press conference that the team will line up in a 4-3-3 formation as they did in the original match, and will probably name the exact same starting eleven.

Perhaps for the first time in football history, a team will have a different manager for the Second Half of a match than they did for the First Half, as Reggina sacked Angelo Gregucci on April 15th and replaced him with former coach Roberto Breda. That change seems to have worked as the Calabrians recorded an impressive 4-0 victory at Nocerina on Saturday to keep their hopes of reaching the playoffs alive.

Prediction

Torino 1-0 Reggina

Torino 1-0 Reggina (Match Abandoned at Half Time)

For the second time this season Torino started a game but didn't finish it as their game against Reggina was abandoned at half time due to torrential rain with the home side leading at 1-0.

Kamil Glik, Giuseppe De Feudis, Alen Stevanovic and Rolando Bianchi came into the starting eleven with Toro lining up in a 4-3-3 formation.

Torino took the lead after fifteen minutes thanks to Kamil Glik's bullet header from Alessandro Parisi's free kick from the right wing.

However that goal spurred the away side into life, and Francesco Benussi had to make good saves to deny Nicolas Viola and Emiliano Bonazzoli. Antonino Barillà also came close to getting an equaliser, but his long range shot hit the post before being cleared away by Matteo Darmian.

However, an incredible downpour of rain in Turin before the start of the second half left the pitch unplayable, and the referee abandoned the match at half time. As the rules state in Italian football, the game will be restarted for the second half with the home side 1-0 ahead, and although their was speculation that the match would be rearranged for Saturday, it is more likely to be replayed in May.

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

Modena 2-1 Torino

Despite taking the lead thanks to Alen Stevanovic's wonder goal, Torino lost concentration and conceded two late goals to suffer their third defeat of the season.

Toro made just one change from the side that convincingly beat Pescara last weekend, as Simone Verdi replaced Giuseppe Vives, as the away side reverted to their normal 4-2-4 formation.

It was the home side who made the better start, and within the opening couple of minutes, Francesco Stanco was unlucky to see his diving header hit the bar. Torino responded well as they also hit the woodwork from Simone Verdi's curling free kick.

Alessandro Sgrigna - who scored two goals against Pescara last Saturday, showed some nice footwork outside of the area before unleashing a fierce left footed shot that was well saved by Modena keeper Nicholas Caglioni. And Sgrigna came close to opening the scoring moments later, but his header from Alessandro Parisi's cross was tipped over the bar.

The former Vicenza striker was having a great first half, and he turned provided for Torino's next opportunity. His fantastic left footed cross found strike partner Rolando Bianchi, but his header was off target. The form of Torino's captain is becoming a worry, as Toro's top scorer for the past two seasons has not scored since mid-October.

Ten minutes before half time, Torino took the lead with an early contender for goal of the season. Manuel Iori found Alen Stevanovic with an inch-perfect cross field pass, and the former Inter winger fired a magnificent curling shot into the top corner from 30 yards. Torino had chances before half time to extend their lead, especially through Simone Verdi who could have done better when well placed. Modena also had a chance before the break, but Angelo Ogbonna did well to block Davide Di Gennaro's shot.

Torino were in control of the second half without really creating any clear goalscoring opportunities until the 75th minute, when a mix up between Kamil Glik and Ferdinando Coppola resulted in Giuseppe Greco being brought down and a penalty being awarded. However, for some inexplicable reason, it was Coppola who sent off despite it being quite clear that it was the Polish defended who had committed the foul.

Greco picked himself off the floor to convert the penalty, as he sent Toro's substitute goalkeeper Davide Morello the wrong way. And incredibly, with five minutes remaining, the home side got a winning goal against Torino's ten men when Maurizio Ciaramitaro's scuffed shot somehow found its way into the bottom corner.

Torino will certainly be disappointed to lose their last match of 2011, especially after taking the lead. At half time in this match, Torino had a seven point lead at the top of the table, but it could now just be one point if Hellas Verona beat Varese on Sunday afternoon. That being said, Torino have had a fantastic start to the season, and are certainly on course to gain promotion in 2012.

Forza Torino

Padova 1-0 Torino (Last 14 Minutes)

Finally, eleven days after these two sides first met - the Padova v Torino saga was finally completed as the home side managed to hold to their advantage from the first match to claim a 1-0 victory.

As you will remember, the original match was abandoned after 76 minutes due to floodlight failure, and it was eventually decided that the remaining fourteen minutes would be played on Wednesday afternoon.

Giampiero Ventura resisted the temptation to play a team full of attacking minded players - and instead lined up in his usual 4-4-2 (or 4-2-4) formation with Simone Verdi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Guilio Ebagua and Biagio Pagano leading the line.

Torino had a number of chances to get an equaliser, with Valerio Di Cesare coming close, but he could only volley Manuel Iori's free kick over the bar. Padova also came close to extending their lead, but former Toro loanee Dejan Lazarevic had his shot blocked by a defender.

In the closing stages of the mini match, Torino brought on Kamil Glik as an auxiliary striker, but despite a number of half-hearted penalty appeals, Toro could not find an equaliser.

Whilst Toro will be disappointed to lose their second match of the season, although given the unusual circumstances surrounding this match, they shouldn't lose any momentum from this defeat and should be able to continue their good form. And Torino can now concentrate on there next match against Modena on Saturday - the last game before the winter break.

Forza Torino

Gubbio 1-0 Torino

Well the bubble had to burst at some point didn't it?

And if you ask the majority of Torino fans, I doubt that they were that surprised that The Granata's unbeaten run was ended by lowly Gubbio.

Before the game, players and fans of both teams paid tribute to MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli who died in tragic circumstances at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Toro had two good chances in the early stages of the match, with Rolando Bianchi, and then Kamil Glik going close with headers. It was Glik who then became public enemy number one amongst the Gubbio fans, after his reckless challenge resulted in Marcel Büchel being stretchered off.

The home side had their best chance towards the end of the first half, but Alessandro Sandreani's shot was easily saved by Ferdinando Coppola.

Fifteen minutes into the Second Half, Gubbio took the lead in comical circumstances after a poor mistake by Coppola. The on loan goalkeeper came out of his goal to try and intercept a long ball forward, but his clearance was a timid one that went straight to a Gubbio player. Daniel Ciofani was the grateful recipient of Coppola's gift, and he calmly side footed the ball into an empty net from 20 yards out.

Torino had a number of chances in the final 30 minutes to equalise, the best of which falling to Rolando Bianchi, and he was unlucky to see his header hit the bar. In fact, Gubbio almost doubled their lead, as Mario Rui was equally unlucky to see his long range shot rebound off the post.

In injury time, Torino had one last chance to maintain their unbeaten record, and once again the opportunity fell to Bianchi. And this time, Gubbio had their goalkeeper, Antonio Donnarumma to thank as he made a great save to tip Bianchi's header over the bar.

Whilst Torino were certainly not at their best, they probably did enough to deserve a draw, and it was only due to a catastrophic error that meant they lost the game. However this match was a wake up call for Toro, and shows that no team in Serie B can be underestimated.

Let's hope that Torino learn a valuable lesson from this match, and get back to winning ways against Empoli on Saturday.

Forza Torino

Gubbio V Torino Preview

Torino will have to wait until Monday night for their game this weekend, as they face a visit to newly promoted Gubbio in search of their sixth consecutive away victory.

Gubbio is a picturesque Umbrian town with a population of just 32,000 people, therefore the fact their football team has been able to reach their second tier of Italian football is an achievement in itself. However, Gubbio have had a difficult start to the season, and are currently 21st in the Serie B table, and would be bottom of the table if it wasn’t for the fact Ascoli have been given a points deduction.

In an attempt to halt their slide down the table, earlier this week, Gubbio sacked their manager Fabio Pecchia. Former Inter coach Gigi Simoni, who had been the club’s technical director, will take charge of the match against Torino.

Whilst the appointment of 72 year old Simoni is surely only a temporary measure, his experience could help a squad of talented players - including former Toro defender Simone Benedetti, fulfil their potential.

Torino are boosted by the fact that they have no major injury worries for the match, and Giampiero Ventura will have a difficult team selection ahead of him. Kamil Glik impressed last week against Juve Stabia, so he may keep his place in the side, although that would be harsh on Valerio Di Cesare who has also played well when called upon.

With a number of genuine wingers now available, Mirco Antenucci, who has recently been playing on the left wing, could change to his favoured striking role with Simone Verdi, Juan Surraco and Nnamdi Oduamadi in contention to replace him on the wing.

Torino 1-0 Juve Stabia

Torino continued their impressive start to the season, as they beat a stubborn Juve Stabia side 1-0 to record their fifth consecutive victory and remain top of the Serie B table.

There was a sombre atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday afternoon as a minutes silence was held to commemorate the lives of Lorenzo Ghedi and Fabio Massimo Pozzo who tragically died after they were involved in a collision with the Torino team coach on Sunday night.

Torino fans also paid tribute to their former player Gigi Meroni, as the 15th October is the anniversary of his death. The enigmatic winger died in a road accident 44 years ago, and the man affectionately referred to as the 'La Farfalla Granata' (The Granata Butterfly) was commonly acknowledged to be one of the best players of his generation before his premature death, aged just 24.

Torino made a number of changes to the side that beat Hellas Verona last weekend, with Alen Stevanovic, Giulio Ebagua and Angelo Ogbonna all coming in to the starting eleven.

The first real chance of the match came after fifteen minutes, after nice interplay between Rolando Bianchi and Giulio Ebagua put Mirco Antenucci through on goal, but his shot was well blocked by the covering defender.

In the opening seconds of the second half, the visitors almost took a surprise lead after a mistake from Kamil Glik gave substitute Jerry Mbakogu a chance to score, but his lob went well over the bar.

Captain Rolando Bianchi almost opened the scoring for Toro, but his fierce shot from 20 yards went over the bar. Moments later, Alessandro Parisi almost came close to scoring his first goal in a Torino shirt when his free kick from 40 yards out was deflected, but Andrea Seculin in the Juve Stabia goal made a good save to deny him.

Torino came close to scoring once again, this time it was Alen Stevanovic who did well to get to the byline and cut the ball back to substitute Alessandro Sgrigna, but unfortunately for Toro, Sgrigna lent back at the vital moment, and the ball ballooned over the bar.

With ten minutes remaining, Torino finally got the breakthrough that their play deserved when the Poland International Kamil Glik delivered an inch perfect assist to find Rolando Bianchi, who peeled away from his marker to head into the corner of the net.

Despite one nervy moment when a Ferdinando Coppola clearance rebounded off a Juve Stabia player to go narrowly wide, Torino held on for their eighth victory of the season - and thanks to Padova losing to Varese on Friday night, Toro are now six points clear at the top of the league.

Forza Torino

Torino 1-0 Grosseto

Torino went three points clear at the top of the Serie B table after a narrow 1-0 victory against Grosseto on Wednesday night.

Toro defender Angelo Ogbonna received some positive news before the game, as he had been called up to the Italy squad by Cesare Prandelli for their Euro 2012 qualification matches after an injury to Domenico Criscito, and he would join up with the squad after this match.

There were a number of changes to the team that beat Sampdoria, with Danilo D'Ambrosio, Kamil Glik, Migjen Basha and Giulio Ebagua all coming into the starting eleven.

The first half was particularly quiet, with Grosseto being content with putting ten men behind the ball and attempting to hit Torino on the counter. Therefore clear cut chances in the first half were limited, with the best chance probably coming from Manuel Iori's teasing free kick, that Kamil Glik failed to make contact with.

In the second half, Grosseto came close to opening the scoring when former Torino midfielder Paulo Zanetti hit a half volley from long range, but Ferdinando Coppola was able to turn around the post.

The turning point of the match occurred with just ten minutes left, when Grosseto substitute Luigi Consonni was sent off for two yellow cards, having just been on the pitch for 23 minutes. And the impact from that dismissal was immediate, as from the resulting free kick, Angelo Iorio headed into his own net to give Torino the lead.

Against Grosseto's ten men, Torino had numerous chances to extend their lead in the closing stages, with Mirco Antenucci, Giulio Ebagua and Manuel Iori all going close. However, the game ended 1-0 and that was enough to give Toro all three points, and put them top of the Serie B table after eight games.

Torino V Grosseto Preview

After the fantastic performance and result against Sampdoria, Torino return to action of Wednesday eager to continue their good form at home to Grosseto.

Whilst on paper, this looks like an easier game than the fixture against Sampdoria, Torino should be weary, that like themselves, Grosseto are also unbeaten this season, and sit just four points behind them in 5th place. In their last match, the Tuscan side conceded a 95th minute equaliser to draw 3-3 at home to Ascoli, so their confidence may have been dented. However, they also have a striker in form, in the shape of former Arsenal player Arturo Lupoli who scored twice in that match.

Unfortunately for Torino, they will be without one of the goalscoring heroes from Friday night because Sergiu Suciu picked up an injury in that match, and will be out for a month. Although the team is not expected to change drastically from their last outing, there are rumours that Danilo D'Ambrosio and Kamil Glik could come into the starting eleven, whilst Alessandro Sgrigna and Giulio Ebagua will also be eager to gain a starting position.