Torino 1-0 Lumezzane

Torino progressed to the third round of the Coppa Italia with a narrow 1-0 victory against Lega Pro side Lumezzane at the Stadio Olimpico.

With the Serie B season just a fortnight away, this cup game was a further opportunity for Torino to improve their fitness, and Giampiero Ventura played a strong side, with both Angelo Ogbonna and Rolando Bianchi in the starting eleven.

As one may expect, Torino started the brighter against their lower league opposition, with new signing Stefano Guberti a constant threat down the left wing. It was Guberti who had the first opportunity of the game, but his curling right footed shot was blocked by a Lumezzane defender. Torino's best chance of the first half fell to captain Rolando Bianchi, who continues to be linked with a move away from the club, before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

After a great through ball by Manuel Iori, Bianchi  found himself one on one with the Lumezzane goalkeeper, but his shot was well saved by Francesco Rossi. Incredibly, on the stroke of half time, the Lega Pro side almost took the lead, with Roberto Inglese's speculative 25 yard shot hitting the post.

Torino took the lead just past the hour mark, when Matteo Darmian's perfect cross found substitute Mirco Antenucci, whose powerful header gave the goalkeeper no chance. Antenucci was substituted moments after scoring due to an injury, but his winning goal will certainly strengthen his case for a starting place in the next round.

Toro had an opportunity to extend their lead when the impressive Alen Stevanovic found substitute Giulio Ebagua, whose 20 yard shot whistled past the post. In the closing stages, Lumezzane hit the woodwork again, this time it was Fausto Ferrari who hit the bar from an acute angle, but Torino held on, and will face Siena in the next round.

Torino V Lumezzane Preview

Tonight, Torino will play their first competitive game of the 2011/12 season when they face Lega Pro side Lumezzane in the second round of the Coppa Italia.

Whilst the league is undoubtedly the priority for Torino this season, as they attempt to mount yet another promotion challenge, a good cup run would certainly be welcome in order to build momentum before their first Serie B fixture, away to Ascoli in two weeks time.

Torino's opponents, Lumezzane play in the Lega Pro Prima Divisione (formerly Serie C1) and their coach, Davide Nicola, is a former Torino player. The name of Lumezzane may also be familiar to some due to the fact Italy international Mario Balotelli started his career at the club, making his debut at just 15 years old before moving on to Inter.

Lumezzane beat Pro Patria 4-1 in the last round, showing that they should not be taken lightly, and the winners of this tie will face an away game at Siena next week.