Torino 1-1 Piacenza

Torino extended their unbeaten run to six games, but could only manage yet another 1-1 draw, against a Piacenza team who played the last thirty minutes of the game with ten men.

In a first half of few chances, once again it was Torino's opponents who took the lead, ten minutes before half time, when Daniele Cacia crossed for Tomas Guzman who couldn't miss from just three yards out.Torino started the second half brightly, and after having one good penalty shout turned down, were given one soon afterwards after Carlo Gervasoni handled Rolando Bianchi's goal bound effort.

It was the captain who stepped up to take the spot kick, and although the keeper dived the right way, the penalty was successful, to give Bianchi his 18th goal of the campaign. Toro's hopes of going on to gain all three points were boosted when Piacenza were reduced to ten me, Daniele Cacia was given his marching orders after an of the ball incident where he appeared to elbow Francesco Pratali.

Torino had many chances in the last half an hour, with Valerio Di Cesare, Rolando Bianchi and Alessandro Pellicori all going close but Toro were unable to get find a winner, with opposition keeper Mario Cassano making a number of decent saves.

This result means that Torino have drawn their last three games 1-1, and in all three of the games they have conceded the first goal. Rolando Bianchi has also scored the equaliser on each occasion, and whilst it would perhaps be unfair to suggest that Torino are a one man team at the moment, other players will surely have to contribute if they are to be successful in the playoffs.

However, Torino's place in the playoffs is far from secure, as although they are currently in sixth position, they are just one point clear of Pescara. With just four games left, Torino's run in is not the easiest, and next week's game is perhaps, on paper, the toughest possible, away to league leaders Siena. However, as I'm sure we have all established by now, football is not played on paper.

Forza Torino

Torino V Piacenza Preview

Forget the Royal Wedding, the real event of the weekend takes place tomorrow when Torino take on Piacenza, knowing that a victory will boost their chances of participation in the end of season playoffs.

Torino currently sit in sixth position in the table, three points clear of their nearest rivals Padova, although the Granata will still believe they have a chance of overtaking Reggina is fifth place, as just one point separates the two sides. Their opponents on Saturday, Piacenza have their own motives for victory on Saturday, as they currently find themselves in a relegation battle, and whilst Torino will be doing their utmost to escape from Serie B, Piacenza will be content with just staying in the division.

Piacenza have not won a match since the 12th March, although they did achieve a creditable 2-2 draw in their last away game against high-flying Novara. Torino will be without Angelo Ogbonna and Guiseppe De Feudis who are both suspended, so Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessandro Budel may return to the starting line up.

Forza Torino