Torino 5-3 Pescara

Torino finally won their first game of the New Year after an eight goal thriller against Pescara on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata made a stunning start and were ahead after only two minutes when Iago Falque volleyed home his tenth goal of the season. Toro made it 2-0 moments later as Arlind Ajeti capped his home debut with a goal as the Albanian international found the net with the aid of a deflection.

With only fifteen minutes on the clock Andrea Belotti added a third after an excellent individual effort which culminated in scoring with a low shot from outside of the area.

Joe Hart made an outstanding save to deny Gianluca Caprari and ensure Toro made it to half time with their three goal lead in tact.

Adem Ljajic ended his goal drought early in the second half with a curling effort which Pescara keeper Albano Bizzarri would have been disappointed not to save.

Belotti added his second goal of the game on the hour mark as he headed home Falque's cross to put Toro 5-0 up.

When Arlind Ajeti put through his own net with twenty minutes remaining it seemed to just be a consolation, which in fairness, the away side had deserved. However, moments later, former Manchester City midfielder Ahmad Benali struck from close range to make it 5-2.

And there were a few Toro fans sitting uncomfortably when Benali beat his former team mate Joe Hart again as the Granata defence failed to clear their lines. Toro were able to hold on to claim all three points, but it really should have been a much more convincing margin of victory.

Forza Toro

Torino v Pescara Preview

Torino will look to win their first game of 2017 at the seventh attempt when they host bottom club Pescara on Sunday afternoon.

After an impressive start to the season, the Granata have struggled as of late with a number of absences in the defence and midfield not helping their cause. Luca Rossettini and Leandro Castan miss out once again, whilst Mirko Valdifiori and Daniele Baselli are both suspended.

This could mean a rare start for young Serbian midfielder Sasa Lukic, whilst Afriyie Acquah has returned to the squad following participation with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.

Pescara are rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table, and have only won one game all season - a match which was awarded to them after Sassuolo fielded an ineligible player.

Prediction
Torino 4-0 Pescara

Pescara 0-0 Torino

Torino had to play the last ten minutes with only nine men but still managed to hold on for a deserved point on a crazy night in Pescara.

Mattia Aramu made his Serie A debut for the Granata, whilst Davide Zappacosta, Emiliano Moretti Giuseppe Vives and Daniele Baselli all came into the starting eleven.

Joe Hart made a good save from Valerio Verre's long range shot after Daniele Baselli's careless pass presented the ball to the midfielder.

Josef Martinez had the best chance for Toro in the first half after good work from Lucas Boyé, but the Venezuelan could not find the target from a difficult angle. On the stroke of half time, Afriyie Acquah received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on the half way line.

Despite that setback, Toro were creating chances on the counter attack in the second half - but once again had Joe Hart to thank for his save from Ledian Memushaj. With ten minutes left, Toro had a second man sent off when Giuseppe Vives received a straight red card for his cynical trip on Alexandru Mitrita.

Incredibly, nine man Torino almost took the lead when substitute Andrea Belotti broke clear but his low effort rebounded off the post. It looked as though Toro's brave resistance would be broken in the dying minutes, but Cristiano Biraghi somehow missed a free header from close range and Toro held on for a point.

Pescara v Torino Preview

Torino will travel to newly promoted Pescara on Wednesday afternoon in search of their first away victory of the new campaign.

Cristian Molinaro suffered a long term injury in Sunday's draw with Empoli so he will be replaced by youngster Antonio Barreca, whilst Marco Benassi and Daniele Baselli will be pushing for starts in midfield.

Adem Ljajic will still miss the game through injury, but Andrea Belotti could make an appearance if he passes a pre-match fitness test.

Pescara currently have four points from their opening four fixtures, however three of those points were awarded to them after Sassuolo were found to have played an ineligible player. In their first two home games of the season, Pescara recorded a creditable 2-2 draw with Napoli and were only defeated by Inter in the dying seconds.

Prediction
Pescara 1-2 Torino

Torino v Pescara Preview

Torino will begin the 2015/2016 season with a Coppa Italia fixture against Serie B side Pescara on Sunday evening.

The Granata have made a number of new acquisitions during the summer, so Davide Zappacosta, Joel Obi, Afriyie Acquah and Danielle Baselli could all make their Toro debuts.

Defender Nikola Maksimovic, who has been linked with a move away to Napoli is also included in the squad.

Pescara have already played one competitive game this season. a 2-0 victory over Südtirol in the previous round of the competition, therefore, they may have the fitness advantage over Torino.

Prediction
Torino 2-0  Pescara

Pescara 0-2 Torino

Torino's fine start to the New Year continued as first half goals from Mario Santana and Alessio Cerci gave the Granata a comfortable victory over Pescara.

With a number of first team players returning from suspension, Toro made a number of changes from the team that beat Siena last weekend. Winger Mario Santana also returned from injury, whilst Paulo Barreto also made his debut for the club and partnered Riccardo Meggiorini upfront.

Just as they did seven days ago against Siena, Torino made an excellent start and were ahead within five minutes. Alessio Cerci was allowed to cross the ball from the right wing, and Mario Santana beat the offside trap to mark his return from injury with a goal - although the Argentinean was somewhat fortunate with the finish.

The Granata continued to dominate proceedings, and should have doubled their lead when stand in Captain Danilo D'Ambrosio got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Riccardo Meggiorini, but from only six yards out the former Bari striker was unable to hit the target.

Despite being the home team, Pescara were finding it difficult to create chances - although winger Vladimir Weiss was looking dangerous and his long range shot went wide of Gillet's goal. Torino did double their lead four minutes before half time as a one-two between Alessio Cerci and Riccardo Meggiorini (which included a sublime assist by the latter) put Cerci through on goal, and the former Fiorentina man finished calmly to score.

After nearly letting a two goal lead slip against Siena last week, Toro were rightfully nervous despite their two goal lead, and Pescara should have reduced the deficit early in the second half. A right wing corner was flicked on at the near post to find an unmarked Birkir Bjarnason, but he was somehow denied by the legs of Jean Francois Gillet, who continued his run of fine form.

Former Torino striker Elvis Abbruscato twice came close to giving Pescara a goal back, but he was first denied by the side netting, and then by Gillet. With ten minutes remaining, Slovakian winger Vladimir Weiss was sent off, after receiving two yellow cards - both of which were for simulation.

Toro should have extended their lead in the closing stages, as Riccardo Meggiorini almost capped an impressive performance with a goal, but his left footed shot hit the post. This victory moved Torino up to 11th place, and an incredible 9 points away from the relegation zone. Whilst it is important not to get complacent, Torino are certainly on track to avoid relegation - and perhaps even achieve their highest league finish in the Urbano Cairo era.

Forza Torino

Pescara v Torino Preview

After last week's dramatic victory against Siena, Torino will travel to Pescara in search of back-to-back victories in Serie A for the first time since May 2008.

Salvatore Masiello, Matteo Darmian, Kamil Glik, Giuseppe Vives and Alessandro Gazzi have all returned to the squad after being suspended last week, although captain and top scorer Rolando Bianchi misses out after picking up his fourth booking of the season against Siena.

New signing Paulo Vitor Barreto has been included in the squad for the first time, and despite Bianchi's absence - Giampiero Ventura is likely to start with Gianluca Sansone and Riccardo Meggiorini upfront, due to the Brazilian's lack of fitness.

Although they actually beat Torino to the Serie B title last season, Pescara were odds on favourites to go straight back down this season. However, after impressive victories against Catania and Fiorentina in recent weeks, the Delfini have clipped out of the bottom three and are only three points behind Toro.

Prediction
Pescara 1-2 Torino

Torino 3-0 Pescara

Torino secured their first victory in Serie A for three years after a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Pescara on Saturday evening. 

The Granata lined up in Giampiero Ventura's trademark 4-2-4 formation with Mario Santana and Alessandro Sgrigna coming in to make their first starts of the season. New signing Alessio Cerci, who was suspended for the opening game of the season at Siena, started on the bench.

The home side began the game brightly, and Kamil Glik's long ball from the back found Alessandro Sgrigna in space, but his shot from an acute angle was easily saved by Mattia Perin. The key moment of the match occurred just before the half hour mark, when Rolando Bianchi was brought down in the area by Pescara defender Christian Terlizzi.

Terlizzi was sent off for the foul, but Rolando Bianchi was unable to take the opportunity to give Toro the lead, as his penalty was brilliantly saved by Perin. That penalty was the first spot kick awarded to Torino in over a year, so Bianchi perhaps had an excuse for failing to convert it. However seven minutes later, Torino did take the lead when Alessandro Gazzi's lofted ball was expertly headed into Alessandro Sgrigna's path by Bianchi, and the 32 year old volleyed home to score his first ever Serie A goal. 

Sgrigna should have doubled his tally minutes into the second half, but this time he was denied by the legs of Mattia Perin, who was impressing in the Pescara goal. However, the former Vicenza striker was heavily involved in Torino's second goal, as he cut the ball back for Matteo Brighi to score his first goal for the club.

Ten men Pescara were struggling to cope with Torino's attacking movement, and three minutes later, captain Rolando Bianchi made amends for his missed penalty by heading home Salvatore Masiello's fine cross. Alessio Cerci came on for the last twenty minutes to make his debut for the club, but by that stage the game was already over as a contest, and Toro had secured an impressive first victory of the season.

Forza Toro

Pescara 2-0 Torino

Torino's hopes of achieving automatic promotion were dented after they were beaten 2-0 by an in-form Pescara on Saturday evening.

Torino made five changes from the team that were victorious against Padova, with Matteo Darmian, Valerio Di Cesare, Cristian Pasquato, Mirco Antenucci and Alessandro Sgrigna coming into the team.

However, in front of a sell out crowd at the Stadio Adriatico, Torino made the worst start possible and were behind after just ten minutes. Marco Verratti's accurate long pass found Lorenzo Insigne who was narrowly onside, and he rounded Francesco Benussi to give Pescara the lead.

Torino responded well and came close to an equaliser via Cristian Pasquato's free kick, but it was turned round the post by Riccardo Ragni. The on loan winger, making his first start for the club, came close once again moments later when he intercepted the ball in the final third, but his speculative volley went over the bar.

The home side were playing the type of football that is synonymous with their coach Zdeněk Zeman, and Ciro Immobile, Emmanuel Cascione and Matti Nielsen all came close to adding a second.

On the stroke of half time, just when it looked as though Torino would go in at the break just the one goal behind, Pescara did score their second goal. Simone Romagnoli's cross from the right was headed in by Ciro Immobile - his 27th goal of an incredible season.

Torino made one change at half time as Juan Surraco replaced Alen Stevanovic, but it was the home side who looked more likely to score the next goal, and Lorenzo Insigne should have doubled his individual tally after a mistake by Manuel Iori.

With ten minutes remaining, Torino had their best chance of the match through Alessandro Sgrigna, but his shot was well saved by Ragni, and although the ball then bounced off Marco Capuano, it hit the post and not the back of the net, an incident which summed up Torino's evening.

This defeat, against probably the best team in the division is certainly disappointing, but Torino will know that promotion is still in their own hands. If Torino can get seven points from their remaining three games, that will be enough to seal a return to Serie A, perhaps even as champions as current leaders Pescara have a difficult run in.

Forza Torino

Pescara V Torino Preview

Pescara and Torino will face off on Saturday evening in arguably the biggest game of the Serie B season, and the winning team will be well placed to secure a place in Serie A.

Toro will be without Giuseppe Vives and Alessandro Parisi who are both suspended, whilst Kamil Glik is injured so Valerio Di Cesare - a goalscorer on Monday, should deputise. The two other scorers in that match, Mirco Antenucci and Riccardo Meggiorini should also start after impressing against Padova.

Opponents Pescara have been the most entertaining team in Serie B this season, as coach Zdeněk Zeman has once again charmed the neutrals with his brand of ultra-attacking football. Pescara have scored an incredible 84 goals this season (32 more than Torino), and the impressive performances of Ciro Immobile, Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne have helped the team to 2nd position. However, as highlighted in the reverse fixture (Torino won 4-2), Pescara can be vulnerable at the back, and therefore the away side may fancy their chances of gaining a positive result.

Prediction
Pescara 3-2 Torino

Torino 4-2 Pescara

Torino recorded their most impressive victory of the season, as they thrashed Pescara 4-2 to maintain their four point lead at the top of Serie B.

Torino made three changes from the abandoned match against Padova, as the three players who were suspended for that match - Alessandro Parisi, Migjen Basha and Giuseppe Vives came into the starting eleven. The inclusion of Vives meant that Torino did not play their usual 4-4-2 formation, and instead lined up in a 4-3-3 in order to match up with their opponents.

In the opening stages, Torino had a very good case for a penalty turned down when Giuseppe Vives made a run into the area and the midfielder seemed to be upended by Damiano Zanon, but for some reason the referee did not point to the spot. It was then the visitors turn to feel aggrieved when Ciro Immobile had a goal disallowed for offside, but replays showed that the goal should have stood.

Thanks to the open attacking game that the visitors were playing, Torino were able to create numerous chances, with Rolando Bianchi, Alessandro Sgrigna and Alen Stevanovic all going close. Then seven minutes before the break, Torino took the lead when Manuel Iori's floated cross found Migjen Basha, whose deft touch diverted it into the net - his first goal for the club.

Minutes later, Torino should have doubled their lead when Alen Stevanovic got to the byline and crossed for Rolando Bianchi, but somehow, the Torino captain failed to make contact with the ball from two yards out, and instead he could only collide with the post.

It looked as though that miss could prove to be crucial for Torino, as just three minutes into the second half, Pescara were level. On loan Juventus striker Ciro Immobile ran past Kamil Glik with ease before opening out his body to curl the ball into the bottom corner.

However, Pescara were not on level terms for long, as just five minutes later Torino regained the lead in bizarre circumstances. A long ball by Danilo D'Ambrosio was intercepted by a diving header from the onrushing Pescara keeper Luca Anania, but the ball fell to Giuseppe Vives, and with the goalkeeper off his line, Vives kept his cool and side footed the ball into the empty net from 35 yards.

Ten minutes later, Torino extended their lead, this time Danilo D'Ambrosio found Alessandro Sgrigna, who broke the offside trap and was given time and space before calmly finishing past Anania. And the former Vicenza striker scored again to put the result beyond any doubt, when Migjen Basha's through ball exploited the high line of the Pescara defence one more, and Sgrigna rounded the keeper to claim his second goal of the match.

Toro will be disappointed that their concentration levels dropped in the closing stages, as in injury time, a careless back pass from D'Ambrosio was intercepted by Immobile, as he scored his eleventh goal of the season. However, Torino can be pleased with the performance as they convincingly beat one of their promotion rivals, although they were aided by some terrible defending by the visitors.


Forza Torino

Torino V Pescara Preview

After the controversy surrounding last weekend's abandoned match against Padova, Torino will be wanting to return to normality on Saturday afternoon when they face Pescara at home.

A decision has still not been made regarding the conclusion of the Padova match, and although tentative arrangements have been made to play the remaining fourteen minutes of that match on December 14th, although that may be postponed if Torino's appeal is successful, and we should know more on Monday.

It is a shame that last weekends abandonment could overshadow a fascinating encounter against third placed Pescara, who are coached by Zdeněk Zeman. The Czech tactician is one of the most recognisable figures in Italian football, and his teams are famed for their ultra attacking style. That has certainly been the case this season, as Pescara have already scored 38 goals this season (Torino have only scored 20), with 27 of those goals coming from strike trio Marco Sansovini, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne.

After being suspended last weekend, Giuseppe Vives, Migjen Basha and Alessandro Parisi will all return to the squad and all three could come into the starting eleven. Rolando Bianchi, who returned from his own suspension last weekend, will be looking to find his scoring boots once again, as il capitano has not scored since October 15th.

Forza Torino

Torino 3-1 Pescara

Torino ended their poor run of form with a 3-1 home victory over Pescara, but had to come from behind to do so.

Before the game started the biggest talking point centred on coach Franco Lerda's decision to leave captain and top goalscorer Rolando Bianchi on the bench, and when Souleymane Diamoutene headed home after 12 minutes, Torino fans feared the worst. However, the home side fought back gallantly, and equalised through Daniele De Vezze's header from Biagio Pagano's fine cross. Torino took the lead minutes into the second half, after Angelo Ogbonna's brilliant long pass found Mirco Antenucci who stabbed home, to score his first goal for the club. Rolando Bianchi came off the bench midway through the second half, and almost predictably, it was he who scored the third goal. The ex Manchester City striker had a simple tap in after a great cross from Dejan Lazarevic, who was a constant threat throughout the whole game.

Bianchi celebrated passionately by the Torino bench, perhaps illustrating that he was not happy with the coach's decision to start him on the bench, though ultimately that decision was vindicated. Torino had to survive a late onslaught from Pescara, when Gianluca Nicco hit the crossbar, and the away team were awarded a penalty following Claudio Rivalta's handball, but Rubinho produced a fine save from Marco Sansovini's penalty, to keep the score at 3-1.

This victory has moved Torino up to 7th position, and are only kept out of the playoff positions by goal difference, and the impressive nature of the performance, combined with the favourable result, should ensure Franco Lerda's position at the club is secure for the time being. It will be interesting to see whether Lerda will continue to keep Bianchi on the substitutes bench in future weeks, or whether he can find a way to fit both Antenucci and Bianchi in the same starting eleven.

Torino V Pescara Preview

Tuttosport have described Saturday's home fixture against Pescara as a 'Day of Judgement' and for once, it is difficult to disagree with the Turin based newspaper. Torino coach Franco Lerda heads into the game with question marks surrounding his future at the club after two consecutive defeats, and a third, would almost certainly signal the end of his tenure.

Whilst Torino desperately need a victory, the challenge to beat Pescara will be a difficult one. The team from Abruzzo currently lie one place above Torino in the Serie B table, and will believe that a victory over the seven times Scudetto winners, would enhance their own chances of reaching the playoffs.