Bourne's Player Review 2014/15 : Defenders

Cesare Bovo 6.5/10
32, Central defender
21 appearances

Another injury-hit season for the first choice replacement for Glik-Maksimovic-Moretti. Lacks the pace - and to an extent the quality - of the first choice back line but is an experienced, reliable performer. Amazing one of his thunderbolt free-kicks have never hit the back of the net.

Future: Copy, paste from 2014-15

Matteo Darmian 8/10
25, Right/left-back
46 appearances (5 goals)

Toro did well to hang on to Darmian after his emergence on the international scene at the 2014 World Cup. Not so lucky in the summer of 2015 but the time had come, the price about right. Always consistent, defensively sound, the World Cup gave him confidence and he added a goal threat and greater verve to his attacking play in 2014-15. Italy’s finest right-back played most of the Serie A season at left-back given the arrival of Bruno Peres, but shone in his true position in the Europa League. The crucial goal in Bilbao his signature Granata moment (together with the equaliser in the triumphant derby). Shame to see part of the original Ventura squad leave, but we wish a true gentleman and servant buona fortuna.

Future: Manchester United

Kamil Glik 8.5/10
27, Central defender
44 appearances (8 goals)

2014-15 was the season when Glik moved from Granata cult-hero to internationally-revered centre-back. The healthy return of goals helped (mainly headers from well-worked corners) but do not speak alone. His leadership shone, his tackling is cleaner, better timed, distribution excellent. One of few foreign players to truly understand the Granata ethos and an true captain.

Future: Interest is high and Glik would naturally be suited to the money markets of England or Germany. The club may need to adjust its wage cap to keep captain Glik

Pontus Jansson 6.5/10
24, Central defender
16 appearances

The closest member of the squad to Glik in terms of physicality, the Swedish international largely impressed when called upon despite never gaining a consistent run in the side. Foreign defenders always need some time to adjust to Serie A but Jansson performed admirably, aside from a shaky performance away at Cesena.

Future: Definitely has a future at the club but will be looking to gain more playing time in 2015-16 perhaps with one eye on Glik’s future

Nikola Maksimovic 7.5/10
23, Central defender
37 appearances

The most skilful of the centre-backs, sometimes to his cost with over-elaboration in possession. However, many an attack was launched with a Maksimovic through ball. Quick on the ground, good anticipation, strong in the air, he has a future as a 15-20 million euro player. One of the next to leave but Toro will be keen on retaining his services (see Peres) for another year.

Future: The sharks are circulating. Will depend on club’s faith in gaining a higher price further down the line.

Salvatore Masiello no vote
33, Left-back
2 appearances

Out of contract last summer, this Ventura stalwart was surprisingly given a renewal mainly to act as cover during the uncertainty in the early months of the season (Europa League backlog, doubts over Bruno Peres transfer). He featured for just 115 minutes.

Future: After three and a half seasons and just 37 appearances, released

Cristian Molinaro 6.5/10
31, Left-back
38 appearances (1 goal)

Probably not the most inspired signing as the club once again papered over the cracks of the problem left-back position. Molinaro joined the ranks of mid-2000s Juventus players in the Toro ranks (Moretti, Nocerino, Amauri, Quagliarella). Served as the first alternative to Peres-Darmian and acted as first choice left-back in the Europa League campaign. A willing worker, with good pace, defensively sound what lets him down consistently is his final ball/decision making.

Future: The club have decided to extend their rapport with Molinaro who will again likely be a left-back reserve in 2015-16

Emiliano Moretti 8/10
34, Central defender
47 appearances (2 goals)

Another piece of Ventura magic, reinvigorating an experienced/skilful defender discarded by Genoa two years ago and turning him into Italy’s oldest debutant international. Moretti was outstanding throughout the season: brave, classy and a reassuring presence. His standout moment was the deserved, the injury time winner at the San Siro against Inter.

Future: Will be a focal point of the defence in 2015-16 but will be aware of the pressure put on by younger members of the squad

Bruno Peres 7/10
25, Right-back
34 appearances (3 goals)

Perhaps the vote is a little stingy considering he scored Toro’s first derby goal since 2002, and arguably one of the club’s greatest Serie A strikes. When Peres was hot, he was unstoppable. Ask Sampdoria when he inspired the 5-1 mauling and even suffered the wrath of Ventura for toying with the opposition. Pacy, direct, skilful, he improved markedly defensively in second half of the season. There were perhaps just too many pale performances, particularly away from home. Unlucky to miss out on the Europe League campaign.

Future: YouTube moments have inflated his price tag and caught the attention of the big six (notably Roma). Club may want to hang on to him for another season to monetise further but the sensation is he may leave if the price is right.

Gaston Silva 6/10
21, Central defender/left-back
9 appearances (1 goal)

The youngest of the Toro backline and already a full Uruguayan international (and part of their 2015 Copa America squad). Despite being eligible for the Europa League his appearances were fleeting. A double-edge sword. Early on the season looked nervous and clumsy but was not given the run of games to build confidence. Towards the end of the season was afforded more time and looked to have settled in Italy.

Future: All being well, the heir to Moretti as the left-sided centre back. 2015-16 likely to be a big break through season.

Season 2015-2016: Any arrivals will depend on sales. The dream is to keep Glik-Maksimovic-Moretti as first choice with Bovo-Jansson-Silva as alternatives. Any sale may hasten the responsibility put on the young Swede or Uruguayan. At full-back Davide Zappacosta and Danilo Avelar look like interesting additions and will probably begin as first choice depending on the future of Bruno Peres. Molinaro will act as cover.

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Bourne's Player Review 2014/15 : Midfielders

Antonio Nocerino 4.5/10
30, Midfielder
11 appearances

Like Sanchez Mino, looked to be the player to bring some extra quality and guile to midfield. Seems with Ventura the relationship was lukewarm from the start. Injuries didn't help but Nocerino has been in a steady decline since his standout 2011-12 season at Milan. On loan at West Ham before his arrival in Turin he barely made an impression. A player whose wife is a Granata fan may have wanted to make more of a statement but the highlights of his time in Turin were probably reserved for Instagram rather than the pitch.

Future: Didn't excel following January's loan to Parma. Now back at Milan. Expect him to be at a middle/lower ranking Serie A side in September

Ruben Perez 4.5/10
30, Midfielder
8 appearances

8 appearances, 97 minutes in Serie A and none memorable. Probably wasn't given a fair chance but along with Nocerino and Sanchez Mino formed a triangle of failed midfield signings. Barely unpacked his suitcase before he was sent back to Atletico and farmed out to Granada.

Future: Will only return to Italy on holiday

Migjen Basha 6/10
28, Midfielder
6 appearances (1 goal)

An injury plagued season for the Swiss-born Albanian international, one of four survivors from Ventura’s first season in charge of the club. Only returning to the squad in January, Basha had to wait until March to mark his return to first team action. A headed goal in the away win at Parma would provide his only real moment in the sun. Only 159 minutes of first team action.

Future: A loyal soldier and useful midfield enforcer over the past four seasons, his contract has not been renewed. A shame to see Basha go but his departure an inevitable consequence of the club reaching new levels.

Marco Benassi 6.5/10
20, Midfielder
36 appearances (3 goals)

After a decent breakthrough season on loan from Inter to Livorno, Toro acquired half share rights in the player last summer. It’s nice to see Toro putting faith in youth. Highs included some energetic midfield displays in the second half of the season, adding goals to his repertoire, lows included the error in possession which gave Juve a last minute derby winner and the two yellow cards away at Zenit which may have resulted in the team’s Europa League exit.

Future: A decent European U-21 Championship tournament has raised his stock and Toro have taken advantage of Inter’s negligence regarding young, Italian talent and signed him out right this summer. If Benassi grows from this year’s experiences, he could become a player.
Omar El Kaddouri 7/10
24, Midfielder
46 appearances (4 goals)

Aside from the penalty winner against RNK Split which secured Europa League group stage football, the first few months of El Kaddouri’s season were rather rancid – a missed penalty versus Verona, low on confidence and trickery, jeered by the crowd. Gradually he pulled his form together and on a given day was the only Toro midfielder capable of running with the ball, creating space and taking on an opponent. That given day is too infrequent and the tally of 4 goals is a poor return for a player with his natural ability. The vote may be a little high but his performance in the derby alone is worthy of extra recognition.

Future: After two seasons on loan from Napoli, the club and player need to decide whether to execute a permanent deal. The player’s entourage have given the indication he sees his future elsewhere, the club itself seem lukewarm vis-à-vis a significant financial commitment for a player who remains potential rather than the finished article.

Alexander Farnerud 6/10
31, Midfielder
27 appearances (1 goal)

Like Basha and Gonzalez, Farnerud’s season was blighted by injury. One which started with a return from a serious knee injury and finished with a return to the surgeon’s table with another knee issue. Understandably Farnerud never hit the heights of his first season. He remains the most dangerous Toro player from a dead ball but was inevitably playing catch up with fitness for most of the campaign

Future: Another long term injury has probably secured a third season in Turin when the club may have considered letting him go

Alessandro Gazzi 8/10
32, Midfielder
41 appearances (0 goals)

Gazzi’s third season in Turin proved to be his best. Although it probably should never have taken place. The club were set to offload him to Serie B side Spezia on the eve of the new season before injuries forced Ventura to play him in the season opener against Inter. A man-of-the-match performance ensured he stayed in Turin and marked the beginning of an excellent season. After being strangely discarded in his second season (only making 11 appearances after being a regular in 2012-13), Gazzi seized the opportunity acting as the midfield’s chief enforcer, most energetic presence, backline protector and adding an improved repertoire of passing to his game.

Future: Despite the flood of arrivals in midfield already this summer, Gazzi is set to stay for a forth season and extend his Serie A appearances for the club to over a hundred

Álvaro González 5/10
30, Midfielder
4 appearances (0 goals)

Looked a quality January signing, and a player to bring some extra guile and quality to the midfield. Sadly the Uruguayan picked up persistent injuries limiting his playing time to 133 minutes. His only start came in the ill-fated home defeat to Empoli. He didn’t disfigure but even by that stage it was clear Ventura was never going to give him the run of games needed. Could have offered a lot more.

Future: Sent back to Lazio

Juan Sánchez Miño 4.5/10
25, Midfielder
14 appearances (0 goals)

Widely acclaimed as the best summer signing of 2014, the arrival of Juan Sánchez Miño seemed to mark the beginning of a new approach to foreign signings. Arriving from Boca Juniors with a glowing reputation, we were expecting a cultured left sided player capable of adding more creativity and goals from midfield. Instead, he became Ventura’s new version of Sansone and Bellomo, talented signings who never settled and quickly discarded. He was given a chance but looked short on confidence, light weight and overawed. His Toro career effectively ended when he casually missed a penalty in the home defeat to Sassuolo. He never looked like scoring and was almost immediately loaned to Estudiantes de La Plata.

Future: A sad time in Turin for a player with so much potential and for whom such effort was made to bring in. Unlikely to be given a second chance. Perhaps the relatively low price tag Toro paid for a player of his reputation was a already a warning signal

Giuseppe Vives 6.5/10
34, Midfielder
35 appearances (1 goal)

A revelation at the ripe old age of 33 in the 2013-14 season transforming himself from a Serie B workhorse into an evergreen top-flight playmaker. I forecast Vives would struggle to hit anywhere near those heights this year. He started off sluggishly and seemed to prove me right but at the turn of the year found his rhythm and while not offering the same level of quality as his finest professional season took responsibility for the running of midfield. A late equaliser in Florence his crowning moment.

Future: A top half Serie A side should not be relying on Vives to run its midfield but as a popular dressing room character, positive influence on side and fundamental part of the club’s rise it is only right he has signed up for a fifth season. Probably one with much reduced playing time


2015-2016: The midfield has been a problem area ever since the club returned to Serie A. Or rather the lack of a dedicated playmaker has been. Playing with width and a counter-attacking style over the past two seasons has enabled the club to negate having a quality ball player. The time has come for a change and investment. The arrivals of Acquah and Obi and retention of Benassi point to an energetic, youthful midfield one now just missing a creative presence to bring greater game management and goals

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Bourne's Player Review 2014/15 : Strikers

Amauri 5/10
35,Striker

29 appearances (3 goals)

On the final day of the August transfer window, Toro were desperate to add some attacking thrust to what looked like the weakest part of the side, one devoid of Cerci & Immobile. When rumours circulated about a 35-year old, widely ridiculed, journeyman Amauri joining it seemed like a bad joke. On arrival much fuss was made over his waistline and ultimately opportunities to enforce his presence were limited to impact substitute appearances in Serie A and group stage starts in the Europa League. The arrival of Maxi Lopez in January reduced chances further. A willing worker Amauri did claw back some credit with the Maratona faithful. One league goal – the fifth in the rout against Samp – speaks volumes.

Future: Every chance that his long stint in Italy is over and a return to Brazil imminent

Paulo Barreto 4/10
29, Striker
6 appearances (1 goal)

273 minutes of which only three in Serie A all season, a full description is barely required. Barreto has proved a total flop. Apparently low on motivation, he virtually disappeared after the autumn. One pupil Ventura has not managed to reignite.

Future: To be released

Maxi Lopez 7.5/10
31, Striker
23 appearances (11 goals)

Like Amauri, seemed like another unimaginative and lazy acquisition. A last minute winner early into his Toro career at Cesena set the tone with Maxi becoming one of the signings of the season. Magnificent in the two legs against Bilbao (three goals), excellent in the air, he added much needed weight and a focal point to the attack, and without his presence the second half the season would have been much less fruitful. Always looked a few kilos too heavy and with a stronger pre-season behind him (he will need one based on the summer holiday pics published!), Ventura may squeeze even more out of a player whose career seemed on the wane.

Future: My personal opinion is that these first six months may be as good as it gets

Marcelo Larrondo 4/10
26, Striker
11 appearances (2 goals)

Part of the much-maligned, low budget South American strike force (with Barreto) which started the early rounds of the Europa League. Against relatively tame opposition from Sweden he perhaps found his level. A missed penalty on the opening day of the season at home to Inter (one of a series of mystery Granata penalty kickers) signalled the beginning of the end of his time at the club with a loan move to Tigre in Argentina activated in January. Slow, ponderous and rarely a threat in front of goal.

Future: Likely to return to base for the summer with the club having the onerous task of finding a new suitor

Josef Martinez 6/10
22, Forward
40 appearances (7 goals)

One of the more interesting summer signings, the Venezuelan youngster arrived with a glowing reputation in his homeland and an interesting YouTube compilation from his time with Swiss sides Thun and Young Boys. The only Toro player to score in all three competitions, he can be happy with the playing time afforded to him in his first Italian season and the confidence Ventura showed in him. Used frequently to tire opposition defences rather than as an impact substitute he played a vital role in freshening the attack during the busy Europa League weeks. Martinez is still very erratic, tactically immature and too often makes the wrong decision. This will be ironed out in time under a coach like Ventura. Only three goals in Serie A is a poor return for a player with such pace and trickery.

Future: Next season will determine just how good Martinez is, assuming without Europa League football he gets equal playing time

Fabio Quagliarella 8/10
32, Forward
46 appearances (17 goals)

A popular return to the club for a player formerly with the Toro primavera team and who enjoyed a formative season back in 2004-05 before the club went bankrupt. Most of the stellar moments of the season involved Quaglia’s footprint – the crucial last minute penalty against Copenhagen, the stunning hat-trick in the rout of Sampdoria, the historic winner in the derby, a crucial goal in Bilbao. His tally of 13 league goals equals his personal best in Serie A and but for injury in the final weeks of the season he would have broken that landmark. Resolved the club’s problem from the penalty spot, held the ball up magnificently, combined both classic centre-forward play and touches of a fantasista. Blighted only by his decision not celebrate goals against his many former clubs including the Gobbi.

Future: Likely to lead the attack again next season while hoping for a stronger supporting cast around him

2015-2016: Attack likely to be built around Quagliarella and a target man unless there is another Ventura tactical revolution. Target man may be Maxi Lopez but indicators point to a younger forward being drafted in as well. A quality striker is needed. Martinez is likely to offer something tactically different, perhaps more as an impact substitute and a back-up for Quagliarella.

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Bourne's Player Review 2014/15 : Goalkeepers

Once again, I invited Torino fan Peter Bourne to rate the performance of each member of the Torino squad, starting with the Goalkeepers.

Luca Castellazzi no rating
39, Goalkeeper
1 appearance (-1 goal conceded)

Initially signed for the club in the summer of 2005 before bankruptcy kicked in and he left without playing a game. Nearly ten years later, and as the oldest Serie A player in 2014-15, his contribution limited to a Coppa Italia substitute appearance in the defeat against Lazio.

Future: To be released

Jean-Francois Gillet 6.5/10
36, Goalkeeper
14 appearances (-14 goals conceded)

A Ventura favourite, Gillet returned to competitive football having sat out the 2013-14 season following a retroactive punishment related to the calcioscommesse scandal. When Ventura dropped Padelli after an error-ridden performance at Cagliari, it seemed an excuse to bring his starpupil back at the first opportunity. Instead it transpired to be a move designed to re-energise Padelli as after 14 matches between Serie A and Europe, Gillet was cast aside and surprisingly sold to Catania, a club recently embroiled in their own match-fixing saga.

Future: Sold to Catania in January 2015

Salvador Ichazo no rating
23, Goalkeeper
1 appearance (-0 goals conceded)

His surname in Italian is borderline comical. A star back in Uruguay with Danubio and the Uruguay U-20 team his arrival may be case of right player, wrong time. Not given a chance until the passeggiata season closer against Cesena. Club may already have enough keepers on the books.

Future: Future currently being decided but likely to be tied to what decision is made regarding the two Gomis brothers following their successful loans at Avellino (Alfred) and Trapani (Lys). 

Daniele Padelli 7/10
29, Goalkeeper
38 appearances (-42 goals conceded)

His YouTube moment of his season was very comedy mis-kick/own goal in the home defeat to Empoli. A calamity that essentially killed any chance of European football for 2015-16. I may be kind with the rating but typical with many Petrachi/Ventura signings, Padelli has improved markedly in his two years with the club. Now on the fringes of the Nazionale, a penalty save away at Fiorentina and impressive performance in the overdue derby win outweigh the ‘hands over your eyes moment’ every time he takes possession with his feet. Additionally, showed character when dropped for Ventura favourite Gillet earlier in the season.

Future: Highly likely to be the Toro #1 next season. More interesting will be the identity of his understudy

Forecast 2015-2016: Highly like to see Padelli as number 1 with one of the Gomis brothers or Ichazo pushing him close. No major changes in goal

For more from Peter you can follow him on Twitter here and his book about his experiences following Torino can still be purchased from Amazon here.

Forza Toro

Torino FC Awards 2014/15

It's that time of year for the annual Torino FCInglese awards ceremony.

Click on the following link and pick your winners for Player of the Season, Signing of the Season, Performance of the Season, Unsung Hero of the Season and Goal of the Season.

To help you pick your favourite goal of the season, all eight goals available to choose from can be viewed in the video below. Voting closes July 1st.

Forza Toro!

Torino 5-0 Cesena

Torino ended the Serie A season with an impressive 5-0 victory over the already relegated Cesena on Sunday evening.

Uruguayan goalkeeper Salvador Ichazo made his Toro debut, whilst Maxi Lopez was fit again to partner Josef Martinez upfront.

Toro took the lead after only ten minutes when Marco Benassi's deflected shot was parried into the path of Josef Martinez who headed home.

The Granata doubled their lead moments later when Martinez's header crashed off the crossbar, and enabled striker partner Maxi Lopez to tap in from close range.

Torino added a third goal before half time, as Marco Benassi scored another sensational goal against Cesena - this time a long range effort from fully 35 yards.

Four minutes into the second half, Emiliano Moretti scored his second goal of the season as he headed home from a corner.

With twenty minutes remaining, Maxi Lopez doubled his tally for the night, as he capitalised on a poor clearance by the Cesena defence to score.

This was the perfect way to end what has been a memorable season, as the Granata scored five goals for the third time this campaign.

And despite the poor start to the season, and the extra fatigue playing in the Europa League brought, Toro finished the season in 9th place on 54pts - only three points less than last season's tally.

Forza Toro

Torino v Cesena Preview

Torino will end what has been a memorable campaign for the Granata with a home match against already relegated Cesena on Sunday evening.

Cristian Molinaro misses out through suspension and Omar El Kaddouri misses out through injury so youngsters Kevin Bonifazi, Claudio Morra and Simone Rosso are all included in the squad.

Last weekend's defeat against AC Milan means that Toro will not be able to qualify for Europe, but the men in maroon could finish as high as 8th with a victory.

Cesena have already been relegated having only managed four victories this season since being promoted, but the reverse fixture was one of the major catalysts in Toro's resurgence in the second half of the season.

The Granata had thrown away a 2-0 goal lead against the Cavallucci Marini back in January, but a late Maxi Lopez goal gave Toro an important victory that started an unbeaten run of nine games.

Prediction
Torino 2-0 Cesena

AC Milan 3-0 Torino

Torino's hopes of qualifying for next season's Europa League are now mathematically impossible after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Milan on Sunday evening.

Injuries to regular strikers Fabio Quagliarella and Maxi Lopez meant a rare start for Amauri alongside Josef Martinez. Nikola Maksimovic's suspension meant that Matteo Darmian was also forced to play in the back three rather than his usual wing back role.

Milan took the lead against the run of play after a quarter of an hour when Cristian Zaccardo's pass found Stephen El Shaarawy who took a touch before volleying beyond Daniele Padelli.

On the stroke of half time, the home side were reduced to ten men when Zaccardo cynically tripped Cristian Molinaro who was through on goal following Amauri's excellent back heel.

However, the numerical advantage did not last long, as just twelve minutes into the second half Cristian Molinaro was dismissed for upending Marco Van Ginkel in the area. Giampaolo Pazzini stepped up to convert the spot kick, which was his 100th goal in Serie A.

Moments later, El Shaarawy scored his second goal of the game to put the game to bed after nice work by the impressive Van Ginkel.

This was a disappointing showing by an admittedly tired Torino side, who always knew that European qualification was against the odds - but that takes nothing away from what has been an excellent season.

Forza Toro

AC Milan v Torino Preview

Torino will make the short trip to Milan on Sunday evening knowing that a place in next season's Europa League could still be a possibility.

Genoa, who currently occupy the final Europa League place have been refused a European license for next season - so that means Toro, Sampdoria and Inter may still have a chance of qualifying.

The Granata have an injury crisis upfront as Maxi Lopez has now joined Fabio Quagliarella in the treatment room. Therefore, primavera strikers Claudio Morra and Simone Rosso have been called up to the first team squad and could make their debuts.

AC Milan have had a miserable season under the guidance of former player Pippo Inzaghi and the rossoneri currently sit in 11th place - unacceptable for a club of their stature.

Milan have lost four of their last five matches, but did record an impressive 2-1 victory over Roma in their last game at the San Siro.

Prediction
AC Milan 1-1 Torino

Torino 2-0 Chievo

Torino kept their slim hopes of European qualification alive with a 2-0 victory over Chievo on Sunday afternoon.

Giampiero Ventura gave rare starts to Pontus Jansson and Gaston Silva in defence, whilst Josef Martinez replaced the injured Fabio Quagliarella upfront.

Former Torino striker Riccardo Meggiorini almost opened the scoring for Chievo, but he blazed his shot over the bar from a difficult angle.

Josef Martinez twice came close to giving Toro the lead, but the Venezuelan was narrowly close from long range on both occasions.

An excellent through ball from Omar El Kaddouri put Martinez through on goal, but this time he was denied by Chievo keeper Francesco Bardi.

However, moments later, former Chievo striker Maxi Lopez gave Toro a deserved lead after he headed home following a goalmouth scramble.

Toro doubled their lead when a long clearance from substitute Kamil Glik put Maxi Lopez in a foot race against Bostjan Cesar, and the Argentine was able to keep his composure and score.

With two games remaining, the Granata are now five points away from 6th place and the final Europa League place - however, if Genoa are denied a Uefa license, then much like last season, Toro could qualify for Europe with a 7th placed finish.

Forza Toro

Torino v Chievo Preview

Torino will look to rebound from Monday's disappointing 5-1 defeat against Genoa when they face Chievo on Sunday afternoon.

Toro's hopes for European football took a huge blow in that game, but a victory against Chievo should help secure a top 10 finish.

The Granata are without the suspended Bruno Peres, whilst Fabio Quagliarella is injured so Primavera product Simone Rosso is included in the squad.

Chievo are safe from relegation and set for a mid-table finish and are currently on a six match unbeaten run.

Prediction
Torino 2-1 Chievo

Genoa 5-1 Torino

Torino saw their European dreams shattered on Monday evening as three late goals helped Genoa to an impressive 5-1 victory.

Cristian Molinaro was surprisingly preferred to Matteo Darmian at left wing back, whilst Maxi Lopez partnered Fabio Quagliarella upfront.

The Granata had a great chance at the start of the game when Molinaro cut the ball back for Quagliarella, but the former Sampdoria man blazed the ball over the bar.

Genoa then took the lead moments later, as great work from M'Baye Niang and Marco Borriello allowed Iago Falque to fire home and continue his recent goalscoring run.

It took until the hour mark for Torino to find an equaliser, but they did so in style thanks to Omar El Kaddouri's fantastic free kick. However, parity lasted less than ten minutes as the home side took the lead thanks to substitute Tino Costa's deflected free kick.

Giampiero Ventura brought on Alexander Farnerud and Amauri in attempt to find an equaliser that may have prolonged Toro's European quest, but Andrea Bertolacci's fine curling shot meant the points would stay in Genoa.

With Toro knowing the game was over, Genoa took advantage in injury time with Leonardo Pavoletti and the Tino Costa both scoring to make the final score somewhat flattering.

However, there was no denying that Genoa were the better side, and they will now go on to try and secure European football in the final three games of the season. For Toro, this was an embarrassing result and one that meant there would be no repeat of this season's European adventure.

But after a victory at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao, a 5-1 victory in Copenhagen and a derby victory over Juventus - I think all Toro fans would agree that this season has been a rather successful one.

Forza Toro

Genoa v Torino Preview

Torino will look to rebound from Wednesday's disappointing defeat against Empoli when they travel to face Europa League rivals Genoa on Monday evening.

Sampdoria's victory against Udinese on Sunday afternoon means that the Granata are currently six points away from 6th place, albeit with a game in hand. That means, that for Toro to have any chance of securing European football next season, nothing but a victory will suffice.

Bruno Peres and Maxi Lopez should both return to the Torino starting eleven after not starting last time out, whilst Marco Benassi should also replace Alvaro Gonzalez in midfield.

Genoa are two points above Toro, and are therefore also in the race for 6th place, despite being denied a license to compete in European football earlier this week, a decision that they have already appealed.

Prediction
Genoa 1-1 Torino

Torino 0-1 Empoli

Torino suffered a set back in their quest for European football after Daniele Padelli's comedy own goal succumbed them to a narrow defeat against Empoli.

Alvaro Gonzalez made his first start for Torino in midfield, whilst Cristian Molinaro was surprisingly preferred to Bruno Peres in defence.

After just three minutes, Toro made the worst possible start as Daniele Padelli somehow managed to mis-kick a tame back pass from Emiliano Moretti into his own net.

Toro struggled to recovered from that set back, but could have been level when Omar El Kaddouri found space in the area, but his effort was denied by Luigi Sepe.

Empoli almost doubled their lead on the half hour mark, but Riccardo Saponara's header rebounded off the crossbar.

Toro improved in the second half, but Kamil Glik was unable to add to his impressive goal tally as his hooked volley went over the bar.

Fabio Quagliarella almost earned a point for the Granata, but Toro's top scorer was twice denied by the impressive Sepe, as Toro's hopes of a second successive season of European football was dealt a blow.

Forza Toro

Torino V Empoli Preview

Torino can move into the Europa League places for the first time this season when they face Empoli at the Stadio Olimpio tomorrow afternoon.

This game was moved to the rather ridiculous kick off time off of 3pm local time on Wednesday afternoon due to Juventus' progression in the Champions League, and only a limited number of Toro fans will be able to attend the game due to crowd trouble at last months' Derby Della Mole.

Emiliano Moretti and Alessandro Gazzi are both back in the squad following suspension and should come straight back into the starting eleven - but Nikola Maksimovic and Maxi Lopez are both doubts.

Empoli are eleven points clear of the bottom three and last week's impressive 4-2 victory over Napoli has almost certainly guaranteed their Serie A status for next season. However, the Tuscan side have conceded at least two goals in their last five outings - which suggests their may be goals.

Forza Toro

Palermo 2-2 Torino

Maxi Lopez had a late goal controversially ruled out as Torino followed up their derby victory with a well-earned point at Palermo.

Giampiero Ventura made six changes from the side that started against Juventus, as Cesare Bovo, Gaston Silva, Cristian Molinaro, Alexander Farnerud, Giuseppe Vives and Josef Martinez all came into the side.

The Granata made a poor start and were behind after only ten minutes when Roberto Vitiello stabbed home from close range following a corner. However, Palermo held the lead only temporarily as Bruno Peres equalised for Toro two minutes later with a fine finish from ten yards out.

Former Toro stopper Stefano Sorrentino had to turn a Josef Martinez half volley over the bar as Toro began to get into the game. But on twenty-five minutes, the home side re-gained the lead when Luca Rigoni was somehow left unmarked in the area to volley home.

It could have been worse for Torino, as just before half time, Siniša Andelkovic's bullet header rattled off the bar.

Omar El Kaddouri and Maxi Lopez both came off the bench as Toro looked for an equaliser, and the two combined instantly as the former's floating cross was turned in by the Argentine striker.

Paulo Dybala somehow missed an excellent chance for the Rosanero but the highly rated striker turned his effort wide of the post.

In the dying minutes, Toro thought they had found a winning goal as once again El Kaddouri found Maxi Lopez, who headed home, but the former Catania striker was harshly penalised for a foul on the defender.

This was a decent result by a Granata side still recovering from their exploits in the derby, and are now only two points away from the final Europa League place.

Forza Toro

Palermo v Torino Preview

Torino will look to build on their Derby Della Mole heroics when they travel to Palermo on Wednesday evening.

That victory over Juventus puts the Granata just two points away from Fiorentina in the final Europa League spot, and hopes of a second successive season of European football are still alive.

Emilano Moretti and Alessandro Gazzi will both miss the trip due to suspension, whilst Josef Martinez could replace Maxi Lopez after an impressive cameo in the derby.

Palermo have won two of their last three fixtures, but suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Parma last time out.

Prediction
Palermo 1-1 Torino

Torino 2-1 Juventus

It finally happened.

After twenty years of misery, Torino finally got the better of their city rivals as goals from Matteo Darmian and Fabio Quagliarella gave them a 2-1 victory against Juventus.

Giampiero Ventura made no surprise selections ahead of the derby, with Nikola Maksimovic, Marco Benassi and Maxi Lopez all given starts.

Alessandro Matri had the first chance of the game for the visitors, but the striker blazed over the bar from Andrea Pirlo's exquisite pass.

With ten minutes until half time, it was Pirlo - Toro's tormenter from the reverse fixture - who gave Juventus the lead thanks to a sublime free kick from twenty yards out.

However, on the stroke of half time, Fabio Quagliarella beat Leonardo Bonucci to a ball in the channel and kept his composure to find Matteo Darmian - who despite a heavy first touch - finished past Gianluigi Buffon to equalise.

Andrea Pirlo almost scored another free kick in the early stages of the first half, but the former AC Milan man saw his effort hit the post with Daniele Padelli stranded.

And Toro took the lead on the hour mark when Omar El Kaddouri and Matteo Darmian combined, with the former providing a low cross for former Juve man Fabio Quagliarella to convert.

The Granata rode their luck in the closing stages, with the bianconeri twice hitting the woodwork and when Daniele Padelli somehow saved Stefano Sturaro's close range header, it seemed as though destiny was on Toro's side.

This was to be Torino's night, as the Granata held on to claim a famous victory and one that will not be forgotten for a long long time.....just don't make us wait twenty years for another derby victory.

Forza Toro. Grazie Ragazzi.

Torino v Juventus Preview

Twenty years after their last victory against city rivals Juventus go into tomorrow's Derby Della Mole against the bianconeri as clear underdogs.

But this is arguably the best Granata team within those twenty years, undoubtedly so in the decade that I have been a supporter.

Whilst this Toro squad does not have the individual talents of an Alessio Cerci or a Ciro Immobile as they did last season, they have the team spirit and grinta which has Toro fans dreaming of finally beating their hated rivals.

They came close in the reverse fixture at the Juventus Stadium back in November, after Bruno Peres' sensational equaliser, it was Torino who had the better chances to claim a historic victory. However, in the third minute of injury time, Andrea Pirlo struck from long range to break Granata hearts.

Despite that setback, it has been an excellent season to be a Toro fan. League victories at the San Siro and at home to Napoli combined with European successes in Copenhagen, Bilbao and at home to Zenit will live long in the memories of Torino supporters.

But a derby victory would top all of those successes.

The home side come into the game in reasonable form, unbeaten in their last five matches and they can welcome back the tricky Omar El Kaddouri to the squad.

Juve have had a busy week after making it through to the semi finals of the Champions League after a 1-0 aggregate victory over Monaco on Wednesday. Turin born midfielder Claudio Marchisio will miss the game through suspension, whilst Angelo Ogbonna who has yet to feature against his former side, should once again miss out.

Predicted Teams, courtesy of Gazzetta

Forza Toro

Sassuolo 1-1 Torino

It was a tale of two penalties on Sunday afternoon as Torino dropped valuable points in the race for a Europa League place.

With perhaps one eye on the derby next week, Giampiero Ventura left Bruno Peres, Alessandro Gazzi and Maxi Lopez on the bench, with Cristian Molinaro, Giuseppe Vives and Josef Martinez preferred.

Marco Benassi capitalised on a slip from Saphir Taider, but his long range effort was diverted wide by Andrea Consigli. Josef Martinez was looking dangerous upfront, and the Venezuelan first effort hit the side netting, and then moments later his curling strike also forced Consigli into action.

The former Young Boys striker was then guilty of missing Toro's best chance of the half, as he blazed over the bar despite striker partner Fabio Quagliarella being better placed.

On the stroke of half time, the hosts were controversially awarded a penalty when Antonio Floro Flores conned the refereed by running into Kamil Glik, and theatrically diving to the ground. Domenico Berardi converted the spot kick to give Sassuolo the lead.

On the hour mark, Toro were awarded a penalty of their own, and coincidentally it was the same two players involved, with Floro Flores catching Glik with a wild attempted clearance. Fabio Quagliarella stepped up, and sent Consigli the wrong way to equalise.

Minutes later, substitute Maxi Lopez was through on goal after an exquisite pass from Quagliarella, but Consigli denied the Argentine striker. In the dying seconds of the match, Andrea Consigli saved his best save til last as he turned a Fabio Quagliarella snap shot round the post.

Given their dominance, Toro will look at this as two points lost in their quest for the Europa League, but will have an opportunity to make amends next week - in the derby against Champions elect Juventus.

Forza Toro