Torino 3-2 Siena

Torino overcame a number of suspensions to key players to record an important victory against relegation rivals Siena, although they had a late scare when former Granata skipper Alessandro Rosina missed a last minute penalty.

With Matteo Darmian, Salvatore Masiello, Kamil Glik, Alessandro Gazzi and Giuseppe Vives suspended - changes were forced upon Giampiero Ventura, and he had to give Uruguayan full back Pablo Caceres his first start for the club.

Toro had a dream start and were ahead within five minutes when Alessio Cerci and Danilo D'Ambrosio combined well down the right wing, and the full back delivered a low cross for Matteo Brighi to score from ten yards out.

However, Siena equalised on the half hour mark when some poor defending from a corner allowed Brazilian Reginaldo to scuff the ball into the back of the net. But it took the Granata just six minutes to regain the lead, when yet another excellent cross from Valter Birsa found and unmarked Rolando Bianchi who headed in from six yards. 

The Tuscan side were pressing for another equaliser just before half time, and Jean Francois Gillet had to make an acrobatic save in order to tip Massimo Paci's header over the bar. In injury time, Siena were made to pay for their over eagerness when a long clearance from D'Ambrosio put Alessio Cerci through on goal, and the former Fiorentina winger ran the length of the pitch before keeping calm to round Gianluca Pegolo and score.

Siena dominated long spells of the second half, and Gillet had to make a great save in order to deny Alessandro Rosina. With fifteen minutes remaining, the away side were rewarded for their second half ambition, as a sublime pass by Reginaldo allowed substitute Michele Paolucci to side foot the ball past Jean Francois Gillet.

That goal gave the Bianconeri momentum, and in the 89th minute - they were given an excellent chance to equalise when Matteo Brighi was adjudged to have fouled Siena debutant Francesco Della Rocca in the area - the second controversial penalty awarded against Torino in as many weeks.

Predictably, it was former Toro captain Alessandro Rosina who stepped forward to take the last minute penalty - and having scored his last eleven Serie A spot kicks - his confidence was understandably high. However, Rosina surprisingly put his penalty wide of the post and that enabled Torino to somehow hold on for a crucial three points.

This victory puts Toro six points clear of the relegation zone, and the Granata seem to be on course to achieve their pre-season aim of avoiding relegation.

Forza Torino

Torino V Siena Preview

Despite needing a number of players to improve the team, Torino have been surprisingly quiet since the transfer window re-opened - so the Granata fans will have to rely on the current squad to secure a vital three points against bottom of the table Siena.

However, the Toro squad is somewhat depleted, as five members of the first team are suspended - including key defenders Matteo Darmian and Kamil Glik. With Angelo Ogbonna also out through injury, the Granata defence looks particularly vulnerable, and forgotten man Pablo Caceres may even make his first start for the club at left back.

Siena are currently bottom of the league, but had they not been deducted six points at the start of the season - they would have been out of the relegation zone, and that therefore makes the recent sacking of coach Serse Cosmi seem somewhat harsh. The Tuscan side have had a similar problem to Torino, in that their main striker - Emanuele Calaiò (who has now left to sign for Napoli) - has scored the majority of their goals (four), and that no other player has scored more than twice. This is also the case with Toro, although their main striker - Rolando Bianchi has scored six times this season.

Prediction
Torino 1-1 Siena

Siena 2-0 Torino

A second string Torino side crashed out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday evening after a 2-0 defeat against Siena.

With Giampiero Ventura fully concentrated on this weekend's Turin derby, the veteran coach made ten changes from the side that drew with Fiorentina - with only Matteo Darmian keeping his place in the team.

Although Torino were using this game as an opportunity to rest a number of their first choice squad, a number of players were eager to impress ahead of the derby. Young goalkeeper Lys Gomis made two good saves to deny Siena taking a first half lead, whilst at the other end, Alen Stevanovic twice had good opportunities to give Torino the lead.

One minute after half time, Siena took the lead as a cross from former Toro player Alessandro Rosina was inadvertantly deflected by Guillermo Rodriguez into the path of Brazilian striker Zé Eduardo who literally could not miss from two yards out. Without their normal star names, Torino struggled to create chances and with thirteen minutes remaining Siena put the result beyond doubt as Rosina once again turned provider to give Reginaldo the simple task of tapping in from six yards. 

In the closing stages Torino had two half-chances to get on the score sheet as Sergiu Suciu and then Valerio Di Cesare came close to scoring a consolation goal - but Toro couldn't find a breakthrough and were eliminated.

Siena V Torino Preview (Coppa Italia)

Ahead of Torino's biggest game of the season against Juventus on Saturday evening, Torino have an unwanted distraction to deal with beforehand - a Coppa Italia clash with Siena on Wednesday evening.

Giampiero Ventura has wisely decided to rest the majority of his first team squad for this match, although fringe players such as Sergiu Suciu, Simone Verdi and Valerio Di Cesare should get a much needed run out. Unfortunately talented youngsters Marko Bakic and Abou Diop have picked up injuries in training, so Torino fans will have to wait a bit longer to see them in action.

With Siena's primary focus being to avoid relegation, they may also choose to rest a number of first team players - so this game could be a bit more exciting than the 0-0 draw these two teams played out on the opening day of the season.

Prediction
Siena 2-1 Torino

Siena 0-0 Torino

Torino opened the new Serie A season with an uneventful goalless draw at Siena, a result that immediately cancels out the 1 point deduction given to the Granata before the campaign started.

Giampiero Ventura lined his team up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Giuseppe Vives joining new signings Matteo Brighi and Alessandro Gazzi in midfield. Captain Rolando Bianchi led the line up front, alongside familiar faces Alen Stevanovic and Riccardo Meggiorini.

Torino dominated possession in the early stages, and Riccardo Meggiorini had a half chance in the opening five minutes, but he dragged his shot wide of the post. With chances few and far between, the next opportunity arrived five minutes before half time, but Rolando Bianchi's low shot was tipped round the post by home keeper Gianluca Pegolo.

Torino's captain had another great chance at the beginning of the second half when Matteo Brighi's floated cross found him unmarked in the area, but Bianchi's header went well wide of the target. At the other end, Siena came agonisingly close to opening the scoring, but Gaetano D'Agostino's free kick rattled off the crossbar.

New acquisition Mario Santana made a positive impact after coming off the bench, and good work from him allowed Riccardo Meggiorini to get a shot at goal, but once again it was off target.

A draw was probably a fair result as although Torino dominated possession, they did not create enough clear cut-chances to deserve a victory. However, it was a reasonable start to their Serie A return, and they will certainly be looking for all three points at home to Pescara next week.

Forza Torino

Torino 4-2 Lecce

Torino progressed to the next round of the Coppa Italia after a convincing 4-2 victory over Lecce on Saturday evening.

The Granata lined up in a familiar 4-2-4 formation with Rolando Bianchi and Alessandro Sgrigna upfront, whilst new signings Alessandro Gazzi and Jean-François Gillet made debuts.

  

Torino made a perfect start to the game as they took the lead after just two minutes, with Alessandro Sgrigna scoring from the edge of the area after good work from captain Rolando Bianchi. And just twelve minutes later, the home side doubled their lead when Sgrigna's cross was diverted into his own net by unlucky Lecce defender Stefano Ferrario.

Despite being 2-0 down, Lecce did create chances and debutant Jean-François Gillet had to make a good save to deny striker Daniele Corvia. With just five minutes to go before half time, Lecce did get a goal back as Brazilian striker Jeda fired past Gillet from close range.

Subsitute Mario Santana, who was also making his debut, came close to restoring Torino's two goal lead but his header from Alen Stevanovic's cross hit the post. But Toro did not have long to wait for their third goal, as once again Stevanovic provided a cross from the right, but this time it was turned in by Rolando Bianchi - with the aid of a slight deflection.

Lecce reduced their arrears moments later when Kamil Glik conceded a penalty after fouling Corvia, and the striker converted the penalty himself to make it 3-2. However with fifteen minutes remaining, the result was put beyond any doubt when Rolando Bianchi scored his second goal of the match after converting substitute Riccardo Meggiorini's low cross. 

New signings Matteo Brighi and Mario Santana both had chances to increase the margin of the victory in the closing stages but the game ended 4-2. This match was a good test for Torino ahead of their first league game of the season against Siena next Sunday, and a similar result would be most welcome. 

Forza Toro

Serie A 2012/13 Fixtures Released

Torino will begin the Serie A 2012/13 season with an away fixture at Siena on the 25/26th August, and Giampiero Ventura will be hoping his side can get off to a good start in their return to the top flight.
 
The Granata's first home game will be against fellow newly-promoted side Pescara two weeks later, and therefore Toro will have an early opportunity to gain revenge on the team that beat them to the Serie B title last season.

The one fixture that will stand out above all others for Torino fans is the derby against Juventus, and the first 'Derby della Mole' will take place in Week 15 (December 2nd) at the Juventus Stadium. The return fixture at the Stadio Olimpico will take place at the end of April, and being so close to the end of the season, that derby could have even more importance attached to it.

Torino will end the campaign at home to Catania on May 19th, and should Toro need a result on the last day in order to avoid relegation, that fixture is certainly a preferable one.

You can find a full list of the Serie A 2012/13 fixtures here

Forza Torino

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.

Siena 2-2 Torino

Torino fought back from behind twice to gain a point against Siena, but continue their run of consecutive draws which now stretches to four matches.

It was league leaders Siena who started quickest, knowing that a point would be enough to secure their return to Serie A at the first attempt. They took the lead after just ten minutes, and it was a man who started his career at Torino, Emanuele Calaiò who scored the goal. Torino failed to deal with a short corner routine, that allowed Reginaldo to drive into the area unchallenged and deliver a cross to find Calaiò, who scored with a fantastic bicycle kick.

Despite that early setback, Toro were level less than fifteen minutes later, and finally it was someone other than Rolando Bianchi who found the net. Alessandro Sgrigna picked up the ball on the left hand side and unleashed a fierce low shot with his right foot from just outside the area to beat home goalkeeper Ferdinando Coppola and level the scores.

Torino would have taken the lead soon afterwards, if it wasn't for an unbelievable save from Coppola as he somehow kept out Rolando Bianchi's ferocious 35 yard free kick. Instead, it was Siena who would take a lead into the half time interval, and again, it was that man Calaiò with the goal, as his header from Roberto Vitiello's cross narrowly beat the dive of Rubinho.

After the break, Torino had opportunities to equalise with both Bianchi, and Mirco Antenucci coming close, and when Francesco Pratali was fouled by Simone Vergassola in the area, Torino had a great opportunity to level the scores. However, that opportunity was not taken when, Bianchi, who is usually so reliable from the penalty spot, put his effort wide of the post. Just three minutes later however, Torino were level, as the captain made amends when he fired in from just five yards after Biagio Pagano's low cross.

The game finished level and gave Siena the point they needed to secure promotion, and as other results went their way the point was a valuable one for Toro and kept them in the top six. The race for the playoffs is one of the closest in recent history with just two points separating six teams. As they currently occupy one of those playoff positions, Torino know their destiny is in their own hands, but a victory at home to next week to Triestina is vital, because if not, four teams are waiting behind them to capitalise.

Siena V Torino Preview

It would be a fitting tribute to the memory of Il Grande Torino if the current Toro team could be victorious, just three days after the 62nd anniversary of the Superga disaster, however, they could not ask for a more difficult game as they face league leaders Siena away.

Siena look to be certainties for a return to Serie A at the first attempt, something Torino were unable to do last season, as the Tuscan side only need one more point to be guaranteed a place at Italian football's top table next season. Whilst in normal circumstances, Torino would probably take a point against one of the division's elite teams, as the race for a place in the end of the season playoffs becomes more competitive, it looks as though they will require all three points in order to keep their place in the top six.

In fact, by the time Torino take to the field on Saturday, they could find themselves out of the playoff positions, as two of their rivals, Pescara and Livorno take part in the Friday evening game later today. A victory for Pescara would put them two points clear of Toro, whereas a victory for Livorno would put them level on points with the Turin side.

Torino have included Angelo Ogbonna and Giuseppe De Feudis in the squad for tomorrow's game as both players have now returned from suspension and are likely to reclaim their places in the starting line up.

Lerda Sacked, Papadopulo Appointed

After weeks of speculation, Torino chairman Urbano Cairo has finally decided to relieve Franco Lerda from his position of Torino manager.

Lerda, who was appointed at the start of the season, did not enjoy a particularly successful start to his career Torino career, as disappointing defeats in his first two league games against Varese and Cittadella did not give Toro the flying start they would have wanted. Whilst Torino's form did improve, especially in the months of November and December, they have underperformed since the winter break, and ultimately, a run of four defeats in the last six games meant Lerda's reign was becoming untenable.

Lerda has been replaced by Giuseppe Papadopulo, who is perhaps best known for his spell in charge of Siena, where he got the small side from Tuscany promoted to Serie A. Papadopulo has also had spells in charge of Lazio, Palermo, Bologna and Lecca, who he got promoted to Serie A in 2008.

The 63 year old will take charge of his first game on the Torino bench on Saturday, at home to Livorno.