Torino 1-1 Parma

Torino ended their run of six consecutive defeats by earning a point against Parma, but were left to rue a number of chances, including a missed penalty.

Moreno Longo lined Toro up in a 4-4-2 formation, and the Granata made the perfect start after only fifteen minutes when Nicolas Nkoulou headed home Alex Berenguer's corner.

The Cameroonian defender then paid tribute to George Floyd in his poignant celebration following the goal.

However, on the half hour mark, the away side were level thanks to Juraj Kucka's powerful strike, although Salvatore Sirigu would have been disappointed not to save it.

In the opening stages of the second half, Luigi Sepe made an excellent save to deny Simone Zaza from close range, but Toro were then awarded a penalty when Simone Edera was fouled.

However, Sepe was the hero once again, as he made a good save to deny Andrea Belotti from the penalty spot.

The Granata still had another excellent chance to claim all three points, with substitute Ola Aina crossing for Simone Edera, but the youngster somehow missed the target with a free header and it ended level.

Forza Toro

Torino v Parma Preview

Torino will play their first match in nearly four months when they face Parma behind closed doors on  Saturday evening.

The COVID-19 pandemic that has affected almost every country in the world has at least subsided enough to allow Serie A football to resume - albeit under strict regulations.

Daniele Baselli and Simone Verdi are injured for Saturday's match, with the former not expected to return until next season.

Whilst it seems bizarre to discuss a teams 'form' due to the enforced break during the season, it is fair to say that Toro's most recent results do not make for pretty reading.

Torino have lost their last six Serie A matches, with coach Moreno Longo still looking for his first point as Toro coach. The Granata will be looking to pick up some early points in order to secure their Serie A status as quickly as possible, as their terrible form has pushed them into relegation danger.

Parma are currently in 9th place and will be looking to make a late dash towards the European places now the season as resumed.

Prediction
Torino 1-1 Parma

Parma 3-2 Torino

Ten man Torino fell to a narrow defeat against Parma in an entertaining encounter on Monday evening. 

Nicolas Nkoulou made his first league start of the season for the Granata, whilst Simone Verdi was preferred to Simone Zaza in attack.

The Granata made the worst possible start as they were behind after only two minutes when Gervinho crossed for Dejan Kulusevski to tap in from close range. 

However, the Granata responded well and were level ten minutes later when Simone Verdi crossed for Cristian Ansaldi to head home.

The match turned on the half hour mark when Toro defender Bremer received a second yellow card for handball, and the hosts were awarded a penalty. However, Gervinho's penalty was saved magnificently by Salvatore Sirigu.

Incredibly, and despite having one player less, Toro were awarded a penalty of their own just before half time when Vincent Laurini elbowed Andrea Belotti in the area. The Toro captain stepped and sent Luigi Sepe the wrong way to give Toro the lead

However, in first half injury time, Parma scored an equaliser as the Toro offside trap failed and allowed Andreas Cornelius to finish emphatically.  

Parma capitalised on their man advantage as they dominated the second half, with only another outstanding save from Sirigu denying Gervinho a goal. 

Toro's attacks were limited, but Armando Izzo did force a save from Sepe from a set piece at the same end that he had scored the winning goal v Atalanta a month previously. 

However, just when it seemed as though Toro had done enough to earn a point, Gervinho fired a cross into the area that the Toro defence could not deal with, and that allowed substitute Roberto Inglese to score with only two minutes remaining.

Forza Toro

Parma v Torino Preview

Torino travel to Parma on Monday evening hoping to secure their second away victory of the season, in the same stadium as their first.

Toro have only beaten Atalanta on the road so far this campaign, who are temporarily playing games in Emilia-Romagna.

Nicolas Nkoulou could finally come back into the starting eleven, whilst Cristian Ansaldi and Diego Laxalt could also come into the team that beat AC Milan on Thursday.

The home side have won two of their five games this season, including a 1-0 home victory against Sassuolo in midweek. Parma also managed to pick up four points against the Granata last season, with the match at the Stadio Ennio Tardini ending goalless.

Prediction
Parma 0-1 Torino

Parma 0-0 Torino

Torino missed an opportunity in the race for European football as they could only manage a goalless draw away to Parma on Saturday afternoon.

The Granata name an unchanged starting eleven following Wednesday's impressive 2-1 victory over Sampdoria.

The first half was one of few chances, but Toro came closest to opening the scoring through Daniele Baselli, but his volley from outside the area went just wide of the post.

In the second half, Daniele Baselli once again had a good chance, but blazed over when he could have found Lorenzo De Silvestri in space.

Parma were presenting a threat on the counter attack, and full back Federico Dimarco forced a save out of Salvatore Sirigu.

Toro had a chance to claim all three points on their own chance on the counter attack through substitute Vittorio Parigini, but the youngster opted to go for goal rather than crossing for Simone Zaza who was better placed, and therefore had to settle for a point.

Parma v Torino Preview

Torino will travel to Parma on Saturday afternoon hoping to continue their recent good form in the chase for European places.

Lorenzo De Silvestri has been included in the squad, despite picking up an injury in Wednesday's victory against Sampdoria, therefore Walter Mazzarri may name an unchanged starting eleven.

The home side have lost their last three games, but did cause an upset by beating Toro 2-1 in Turin back in November.

Prediction
Parma 1-2 Torino

Torino 1-2 Parma

Torino's six game unbeaten record came to an end with a surprise 2-1 defeat against Parma on Saturday afternoon.

Toro made the worst possible start and were behind after only nine minutes, after a defensive mix up between Armando Izzo and Nicolas N'Koulou allowed Gervinho to score.

The Granata had a great chance to equalise, however Andrea Belotti put his close range effort over the bar. The away side then doubled their lead as Roberto Inglese finished a swift counter attack in fine style.

Torino reduced the deficit just before half time when Daniele Baselli fired home from outside the area, to give Toro hope of a comeback.

However, despite Walter Mazzarri throwing on Simone Zaza and Alex Berenguer in search of an equaliser, it was Parma who came closest to scoring again as Roberto Inglese hit the bar and the away side ultimately deserved victory against a below par Toro.

Forza Toro

Torino v Parma Preview

Torino face Parma on Saturday afternoon at the Stadio Grande Torino looking to extend their current six game unbeaten record.

Soualiho Meïté is suspended so Sasa Lukic or Roberto Soriano should deputise, otherwise Walter Mazzarri is likely to pick the same team who thrashed Sampdoria last weekend. 

Parma have made a good start to life back in Serie A following promotion in the summer, and are only three points behind the Granata. However, they have failed to win any of the last three games - including two defeats.

Prediction

Torino 2-1 Parma

Parma 0-2 Torino

Torino ended their run of back to back league defeats with a hard fought 2-0 victory against Parma on Sunday evening.

Despite, Thursday's tough Europa League clash there were not too many changes to the Toro starting eleven, although Cesare Bovo, Marco Benassi and Bruno Peres all came into the side.

Parma had the first chance of the match, and it fell to former Toro loanee Antonio Nocerino, but the midfielder blazed the ball over the bar.

Toro took the lead after twenty minutes when Maxi Lopez scored only his second league goal for the club after beating Alessandro Lucarelli to the ball before finishing from a tight angle.

Ishak Belfodil almost equalised immediately for the home side, but the Algerian headed over the bar from close range. The night then got even worse for Parma captain Lucarelli who was dismissed ten minutes before half time for dissent, after reacting badly to being booked for an elbow on Fabio Quagliarella.

Belfodil continued to be the home side's biggest threat, and they came so close to scoring an unlikely equaliser, but the former Inter man hit the post. Toro finally made their numerical advantage tell with fifteen minutes remaining when substitute Migjen Basha headed home Cristian Molinaro's excellent cross.

Fabio Quagliarella almost made the scoreline more flattering, but Toro's top scorer saw his effort tipped round the post by Alessandro Iacobucci.

Forza Toro!

Parma v Torino Preview

Torino will aim to rebound from their European disappointment when they visit crisis club Parma on Sunday evening,

Giampiero Ventura may choose to rest a number of the team who played, and came so close, to forcing the tie against Zenit into extra time. That may mean a first start for Alvaro Gonzalez, whilst Bruno Peres should almost certainly come back into the team.

Parma were officially declared bankrupt on Thursday, and with relegation a certainly, the only question left to be answered is whether they will start next season in Serie B, or start over again from Serie D.

Antonio Nocerino, who began the season on loan at Torino, could start for the home side who have not won since January.

Prediction
Parma 0-2 Torino

Torino 1-0 Parma

Torino secured their third win of the season after a narrow 1-0 victory over Parma at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday evening.

Omar El Kaddouri returned to the starting eleven having missed the last two games due to suspension, whilst former Parma striker Amauri joined Fabio Quagliarella upfront.

Toro made an excellent start and were ahead after only ten minutes when Bruno Peres' cross from the right found Matteo Darmian who controlled on his chest before volleying home from the edge of the area.

Fabio Quagliarella almost doubled Toro's lead in the second half, but his acrobatic bicycle went narrowly over the bar.

Afriyie Acquah, who scored in this fixture last season, could have equalised for the away side but on this occasion he was denied by Jean-Francois Gillet.

Substitute Massimo Coda thought he had earnt an important point for Parma, but his goal was disallowed for handball. At the other end, Quagliarella, and then Juan Sanchez Mino missed opportunites in quick succession to give Toro a bigger margin of victory.

Forza Toro!

Torino 1-1 Parma

Torino had the opportunity to secure sixth place and European football with a victory against Parma on Sunday afternoon, but could only take a point despite taking the lead.

Franco Brienza's sensational late strike for Atalanta to give them a victory against AC Milan meant this game was effectively a Europa League playoff, and once again Torino named an unchanged line up.

Ciro Immobile started the game nervously, but almost gave Toro the lead with an ambitious overhead kick from Alessio Cerci's cross, but it went over the bar. At the other end, Daniele Padelli had to be at his best to deny Marco Parolo from distance.

Three minutes before half time, Immobile forced Parma defender Gabriel Paletta into a mistake, as his poor back pass was collected by the former Genoa striker, and at the second attempt Torino's top scorer rolled the ball into the empty net.

Just after the hour mark, Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli was caught out by Immobile's pace and hauled the Italy international to the ground - and as he was the last man, he received a red card.

However, ten minutes later the away side had an excellent chance to equalise after midfielder Afriyie Acquah was brought down by Kamil Glik after an inspired run into the penalty area. Antonio Cassano's initial penalty was saved by Padelli, but winger Jonathan Biabiany was quickest to react to pull the gialloblu level.

Things got even worse for Torino two minutes later when top scorer Ciro Immobile received a second yellow card for an alleged dive in the Parma area. Biabiany then had a great chance to win it for the away side, but in all honesty, both sides seemed happy with the draw.

That result means that Europa League qualification is still in Torino's own hands, but they must beat Fiorentina on the final day in order to guarantee a sixth place finish.

Forza Toro!

Torino v Parma Preview

With just two games of the Serie A season to go, Torino and Parma meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, both with European aspirations.

Both clubs have exceeded expectations this campaign, and are currently the front runners for the final Europa League space, ahead of both Milan and Lazio.

Torino did have an injury scare over striker Alessio Cerci this week, but the former Fiorentina man is included in the squad for tomorrow's game. The Granata have won 6 of their last 8 games and are the form team in Serie A at the moment.

Opponents Parma had lost two games in a row before returning to winning ways with an victory against Sampdoria last weekend. The Crociati have not won away from home since an impressive 4-2 win at Milan in March, but they did beat Torino 3-1 in the reverse fixture this season.

Prediction
Torino 1-1 Parma

Parma 3-1 Torino

Torino started the New Year with a defeat as they were unable to record a fourth consecutive victory, despite taking a first half lead.

There were no surprises in the Torino line up, as they once again started in a 3-5-2 formation with the familiar duo Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci leading the line up front.

The Granata took the lead half way through the first half when Matteo Darmian's low cross was converted by the in form Immobile, who took his goal tally for the season up to nine.

And the former Genoa striker should have made that ten goals moments later, but he failed to finish off a swift counter attack by blasting the ball over the bar. Ten minutes before half time Parma equalised when former Juventus man Marco Marchionni volleyed home a cross from the right wing.

On the stroke of half time the home side took the lead when Alessandro Lucarelli's ambitious back heel volley from a poor corner somehow found its way past Daniele Padelli at his near post. Giampiero Ventura acted immediately at half time, as both Cerci and Immobile were replaced by Paulo Barreto and Riccardo Meggiorini - although it was later revealed that the latter was carrying an injury.

With twenty minutes remaining Parma put the result beyond doubt when constant Toro nemesis Amauri out muscled captain Kamil Glik before finding the bottom corner of Padelli's net. Migjen Basha had a late chance to reduce the deficit, but he missed the target from close range.

This was a disappointing defeat for Toro after taking the lead, but it was always going to be difficult to win four consecutive games in a league as evenly balanced (top 6 not included) as Serie A. Torino will now be looking to bounce back with a home game against Fiorentina on Sunday.

Forza Toro!

Parma 4-1 Torino

Despite leading the game with fifteen minutes remaining, Torino managed to capitulate in extraordinary fashion and fall to a 4-1 defeat against Parma on Sunday afternoon.

With in-form winger Alessio Cerci suspended, Giampiero Ventura decided to line up with a new 4-3-3 formation - as Valter Birsa and Mario Santana came into the starting eleven.

The home side should have taken the lead after fifteen minutes, when former Juventus striker Amauri glided past Kamil Glik before blasting his shot over the crossbar. Torino were also creating chances, and they had a great chance to take the lead from a quick counter attack, but Rolando Bianchi failed to control Valter Birsa's fine cross.

On the stroke of half time, Amauri had an excellent chance to give Parma the lead - but his acrobatic overhead kick was excellently saved by Jean Francois Gillet. From the resulting corner, Amauri had another chance to open the scoring, but this time his header was cleared off the line by Danilo D'Ambrosio.

Ten minutes after half time, Torino took the lead when a piece of intelligent skill from Valter Birsa allowed the Slovenian to go past two Parma defenders before crossing for Mario Santana who tapped into an empty net. As they did in their last away game against Cagliari, the Granata had chances to extend their lead on the counter attack, and Rolando Bianchi was guilty of missing an excellent chance - although to be fair, he was denied by an outstanding Antonio Mirante save.

And once again Torino were made to pay for that miss, as with fourteen minutes remaining Amauri finally got his name on the score sheet as he converted a left wing cross. Toro were somewhat unfortunate in the fact that the player marking Amauri was Angelo Ogbonna, who had suffered a thigh injury seconds before the goal, which may have effected his ability to deny the former Juve striker.

Just two minutes later Parma completed the turnaround, when a horrendous piece of defending by Salvatore Masiello presented the ball on a plate to Nicola Sansone, and the German-born striker curled the ball into the bottom corner from fifteen yards out. Torino's self-destruction continued as they conceded a third goal soon afterwards, when Amauri was allowed to run with the ball for thirty yards, before firing the ball past Gillet.

In injury time, Torino's humiliation was complete when Parma scored their fourth goal, as Nicola Sansone skipped past Kamil Glik's challenge before picking out an unmarked Amauri who completed his hat trick.

Whilst for 76 minutes this was an impressive away performance by Torino, the way in which they collapsed in the final fifteen minutes was extremely worrying. Despite being eight points clear of the drop zone, if the Granata fail to pick up any points in difficult home games against Lazio and Napoli, then they could once again become embroiled in a relegation battle.

Forza Torino

Parma V Torino Preview

Torino travel to fellow mid-table side Parma on Sunday afternoon, and the Granata will be looking to record their first away win since January.

Toro will be without the suspended Riccardo Meggiorini and Alessio Cerci, with Alen Stevanovic and Mario Santana perhaps the most likely candidates to replace the former Fiorentina winger. Angelo Ogbonna has also returned to the squad after his own suspension, and should replace Guillermo Rodriguez at the heart of the defence, despite the Uruguayan's impressive recent performances.

Despite an impressive start to the season, Parma have struggled in recent weeks - and have gone eight games without a win, with their last victory coming in early January against Palermo. In October, the reverse fixture was won by the Crociati, with Gianluca Sansone's harsh red card for simulation being the turning point.

Prediction
Parma 2-2 Torino

Torino 1-3 Parma

Torino's poor home form continued as they were defeated 3-1 by Parma on Sunday afternoon, although they were forced to play most of the second half with ten men after Gianluca Sansone's controversial red card.

Matteo Darmian and Kamil Glik returned to the Toro defence, although Giampiero Ventura surprised many by leaving both Rolando Bianchi and Alessio Cerci on the bench. Gianluca Sansone was given a rare start, whilst Riccardo Meggiorini was given the central striker role.

And those changes looked as though they may finally solve Torino's home goalscoring problems in the early stages, as the Granata created three great chances in the opening ten minutes. Firstly a great through ball by Alen Stevanovic put full back Matteo Darmian through on goal, but his left footed shot hit the side netting.

Two minutes later, an ambitious volley from Riccardo Meggiorini almost caught out Parma's second choice keeper Nicola Pavarini, but the veteran reacted well to deny the former Bari striker. Torino should have taken the lead via Gianluca Sansone, but he somehow headed Stevanovic's cross over the bar.

After surviving the initial Granata onslaught, Parma came back into the game and former Juventus striker Amauri somehow blazed over the bar after excellent play by Jonathan Biabiany.

Toro began the second half in similar fashion to which they started the first, and once again Gianluca Sansone came close to opening his account for the club, but he was denied by Pavarini. However, the match turned on the 53rd minute when Torino were reduced to ten men after the lively Sansone received a second yellow card for simulation.

Whilst Gabriel Paletta's challenge on the former Sassuolo striker was probably not worthy of a penalty, there was certainly contact between the two players.Therefore the decision to send Sansone off (who didn't even appeal for a spot kick) was an extremely harsh decision by referee Piero Giacomelli.

Torino's ten men held out for twenty minutes, but Parma finally got the breakthrough after substitute Nicola Sansone (no relation) fired a fierce left footed shot past Jean-Francois Gillet. And with Toro still recovering from that goal, Parma doubled their lead one minute later when Amauri headed home an inch-perfect cross from Marco Marchionni.

The away side still had time to score a third goal as some hesitant defending from the normally reliable Matteo Darmian allowed Biabiany to cross for Aleandro Rosi to tap home from close range. With the last kick of the game, Torino did get a consolation goal as substitutes Alessio Cerci and Migen Basha combined to allow the latter to volley home from six yards - Toro's first goal at the Stadio Olimpico for 388 minutes.

This result was certainly a disappointment as Torino's poor home form continues, but the match was undoubtedly changed by the referee's controversial decision to dismiss Gianluca Sansone with the score at 0-0. With two difficult away games on the horizon (against Lazio and Napoli) the Granata could find themselves in the relegation zone this time next week, almost unthinkable after their bright start.

Forza Torino

Torino V Parma Preview

Having gone over 300 minutes without scoring a goal in front of their own fans, Torino will be hoping to break that rather unwanted record against Parma on Sunday afternoon.

Angelo Ogbonna will once again miss this game through injury, so Guillermo Rodriguez and Valerio Di Cesare - the partnership that kept a clean sheet against Palermo could keep their places. Matteo Darmian is back from suspension, so he should come in at right back, and that could see Danilo D'Ambrosio move over to left back.

With Torino struggling to score goals, coach Giampiero Ventura may finally turn to Gianluca Sansone who has rarely been given an opportunity since signing from Sassuolo in the summer.

Opponents Parma have been unable to replicate their fantastic home form on the road this season, and have only picked up one point from their four away games. Former Juventus striker Amauri scored twice in their last game to see off Sampdoria, but their goalkeeper Antonio Mirante received his fourth booking of the season in that match, so he misses out through suspension.

The last time these two sides met in 2008 was an entertaining encounter, as Toro fought back from 4-1 down to draw 4-4, with Roberto Stellone scoring twice. Although a repeat of that scoreline tomorrow would be extremely unlikely, it would certainly rectify Torino's goalscoring problems.

Prediction
Torino 2-1 Parma

Alessandro Budel Signs

Torino made their first signing of the January transfer window on Friday, with the acquisition of experienced midfielder Alessandro Budel. Budel has already achieved promotion from Serie B with both Parma, and last season with Brescia, and will be hoping for similar success with Torino this season.

Budel will wear the number 8 shirt, and should be available for today's game against Varese.