Papadopulo Sacked, Lerda Reappointed

Incredibly, just eleven days since their last management change, Torino have once again sacked their manager, and replaced him with the man they had previously dismissed.

Giuseppe Papadopulo's tenure as coach of the seven time champions of Italy proved to be a short one, as defeats in both his two games in charge has led to his prompt dismissal. Torino president Urbano Cairo has reappointed Franco Lerda as coach, the same man who was sacked in order to appoint Papadopulo, as they attempt to find a solution to their terrible run of form, which has seen them lose four games in a row.

This incredible saga is sure to make Cairo even more unpopular with the majority of Torino fans, who see him as one of the main reasons why they are in Serie B. Therefore, the news that Cairo will vacate his position as president at the end of the season is sure to be welcomed. Despite their dreadful recent results, Toro still only find themselves four points away from 6th place, and although it would be unlikely, if Torino could recapture some of the form they enjoyed before Christmas under Lerda, they could make the playoffs.

Whatever happens from now until the end of the season, it promises not to be dull, with Torino, it never is.

Torino 1-2 Sassuolo

Torino's promotion hopes were dealt a huge blow after an embarrassing home defeat against relegation threatened Sassuolo. The defeat was disappointing for the home side, due to the fact Torino had taken the lead in the first half, with Rolando Bianchi (who else) converting a penalty after Angelo Rea was penalised for a handball in the area. However, Torino were unable to capitalise on the lead given to them by their captain, and Sassuolo equalised ten minutes into the second period, via Andrea De Falco's outstanding free kick. De Falco then scored what proved to be the winner mid way through the second half, after Sassuolo were awarded a penalty when Valerio Di Cesare was harshly adjudged to have fouled Andrea Catellani.

Whilst this defeat was undeniably a painful one for the fans to endure, the reality is that Torino are only out of the playoff positions on goal difference, and promotion, albeit via the playoffs is still possible. However, questions must be asked as to why Torino continue to underachieve despite having one of the best squads in the division. In Angelo Ogbonna and Rolando Bianchi, they have two players who have been the subject of interest from many Serie A teams, and the fact they have been able to retain these players should have acted as a catalyst for a promotion push. Instead the team seems to have gone backwards since the winter break, and have not won a league match since December 18th.

After the final whistle on Saturday, a lot of the fans anger was directed towards chairman Urbano Cairo, and perhaps a change in ownership would be one way to move the club forward. The future of coach Franco Lerda could also be questioned, though for a club who have had seven coaches in five years, stability is certainly something that has been lacking, and wouldn't be helped by another change in that department.

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.