Torino V Reggina Player Ratings

As I was lucky enough to attend this game, I have decided to put my ratings for how each player performed below. You can also see the ratings that Italian sports newspapers La Gazzetta Dello Sport and Tuttosport gave the players in brackets as well.

Rubinho - 6 - (Gazzetta 6,Tuttosport 6)
Had little to do throughout the game in honesty, but did it well. Had no chance with the goal.

D'Ambrosio - 5 - (Gazzetta 5.5,Tuttosport 5.5)
Disappointing performance by the young right back, often gave the ball away and his crossing was poor.

Di Cesare - 6.5 - (Gazzetta 5.5,Tuttosport 6)
Decent display by the former Chelsea man, looked comfortable throughout the game.

Pratali - 6 - (Gazzetta 6,Tuttosport 6.5)
Given the tough task of replacing the injured Angelo Ogbonna, he gave a solid performance, although could perhaps have done better for the goal.

Zavagno - 6 - (Gazzetta 5,Tuttosport 5.5)
Solid display, but his crossing was not as impressive as it has been in previous games.

Gasbarroni - 6.5 - (Gazzetta 6,Tuttosport 6)
Started brightly on the left wing, cutting inside with his right foot that enabled him to display his sometimes excellent dribbling skills. However, he did fade as the game went on and was substituted.

De Feudis - 6.5 - (Gazzetta 6, Tuttosport 6)
Not spectacular by any means but did a competent job as a holding midfielder.

De Vezze - 7 - (Gazzetta 6.5, Tuttosport 6.5)
Good performance by the midfielder who was returning to the starting line up after injury, tried to support the strikers when he could.

Pagano - 6 - (Gazzetta 5, Tuttosport 5.5)
Unable to replicate his performance against Albinoleffe, as he struggled to get into the game, and was substituted. Although he did come come close to scoring with a header.

Antenucci - 5.5 - (Gazzetta 5, Tuttosport 5)
Disappointing performance by the front man, although to be fair, he never really had a clear cut goalscoring opportunity.

Bianchi - 7.5 - (Gazzetta 6.5, Tuttosport 6)
The captain had a slow start to the match, and his link up play with Antenucci could be improved. However, despite wasting a great chance on the hour mark, he seemed motivated by the miss and was very impressive in the last thirty minutes, and got the deserved equaliser late on.

Substitutes

Sgrigna - 6.5 - (Gazzetta 6.5, Tuttosport 6.5)
Looked bright in his return from injury, and got the vital assist for Bianchi's goal. Should play a major role in the run in at the end of the season.

Iunco - 5 - (Gazzetta 5.5, Tuttosport 6)
This was his first appearance since December after a long injury lay off and it was evident as the former Cittadella man looked rusty.

Cavanda - N/A

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.

January Mercato Preview

With Torino occupying 5th position in the Serie B table at the turn of the year, the January transfer window will be an opportunity to strengthen the squad in the hope of  maintaining a promotion push. As with all clubs, rumours of possible signings are rife at this time in the season, though with President Urbano Cairo promising at least four signings, Torino are sure to be one of the more active clubs in the division. 

Tuttosport have mentioned Filippo Carobbio and Algerian international Abdelkader Ghezzal as potential players to improve the midfield, as has the Argentinean Cristian Pellerano who is currently plying his trade with Independiente. It is becoming increasingly unlikely that Torino will be able to keep hold of the impressive defender Angelo Ogbonna, who is being linked with clubs both in Italy and England. 

Ogbonna, who can play both at centre back and left back, has been linked with Napoli and Genoa, as well as the Premier League trio of Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City. Whilst the loss of Ogbonna would undoubtedly be a blow, the rumoured price tag of 10 million euros would represent a fair price, for a player who cost the club nothing after coming through the clubs youth academy. However, the better news for Torino fans is the fact that captain Rolando Bianchi is expected to stay with the club, therefore snubbing a possible move to Serie A.