Torino FC 2012/13 Awards

Now that the dust has settled on the 2012/2013 Serie A season, the time has come to recap the season from a Torino viewpoint, and what better way to do that than with a series of end of season awards. I'm sure there will be some disagreements regarding my choices, but feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments section below.

Player of the Season - Alessio Cerci

In past seasons the 'Player of the Season' award has been put to a public vote with the readers of the blog being able to have their say, but after this campaign that seemed to be a little futile, with Alessio Cerci being the only candidate to win the award. The winger arrived from Fiorentina in the summer with a reputation as being a talented but frustrating player, but after a number of outstanding performances in a Torino shirt, Cerci has been rewarded with international recognition and he is likely to be included in the Italy squad for this summer's Confederations Cup. His tally of eight goals and as many assists was essential in helping Toro avoid relegation, and he is now inevitably being linked with a move away from the club.

Game of the Season -  Fiorentina 4-3 Torino

The Granata had an unfortunate habit of being on the losing side in entertaining games this season, and that was probably best illustrated in an end of season game against the Viola in April. After going 3-0 down within thirty-three minutes, Torino showed some great character to score three excellent goals and looked likely to earn a deserved point. However, after throwing away a chance to win it themselves on the counter attack, they were made to pay moments later as Romulo scored a dramatic late winner to break Toro hearts. Other games that could have easily won this award were two more Toro defeats, Cagliari 4-3 Torino and Torino 3-5 Napoli, but in my opinion this game was probably the most dramatic of the three.

Shock Moment of the Season - Alessandro Rosina's penalty miss

Back in January, with Torino leading relegation rivals Siena 3-2 in the closing stages, the away side were awarded a controversial penalty in front of the Curva Maratona. Former Torino captain Alessandro Rosina stepped up to take the spot kick, and given his excellent penalty record that he enjoyed whilst he was with the Granata, I don't think anybody expected him to miss. But incredibly, Rosina put his penalty wide of the post, and Torino held on for what turned out to be a crucial victory.

Individual Performance of the Season - Riccardo Meggiorini V Inter

After his performance against Inter at the San Siro in January this season, the belief that Riccardo Meggiorini was only able to score against his former club was increasing amongst Toro fans. Meggio had gone into that game without a goal all season, but he scored two well taken goals to put the Granata on the verge of a historic victory - but like so often this season, they had to settle for a point instead.

Celebration of the Season - Rolando Bianchi v Roma

To be honest, this is just an excuse to ensure that Rolando Bianchi ends his final season Torino with some (albeit meaningless) silverware. Bianchi had a habit of passionately celebrating all of his 77 goals for the club, but even by his standards, his reaction to equalising against Roma was something special as he took off his shirt and raced around the pitch.

Miss of the Season - Jonathas v Juventus

This is arguably the most controversial choice considering he was undoubtedly being fouled at the time, but Jonathas had the chance to make himself a Torino legend in the 80th minute of the derby against Juventus with the scores level. However, he was unable to get a touch on Alessio Cerci's low cross, and as we know it proved to be decisive as Juve scored two late goals to get yet another victory over Torino.

My Personal Goal of the Season - Valter Birsa V Atalanta

I will be doing the traditional 'Goal of the Season' video compilation in the next few days, and this goal doesn't make the cut, but on a personal level I felt it needed to be mentioned. The reason for this is that Birsa's somewhat scruffy goal is actually the first 'winning goal' I have ever seen a Torino player score live, as I finally managed to end my seven year wait to see a Torino victory.

Bourne's Season Review Part Five : Wingers

Part Five : Wingers

Valter Birsa, 17 appearances, 2 goals, vote 6.5 

One of the few players Toro fans would have liked to have seen more of. Arriving from Genoa in the final days of the summer transfer window, the Slovenian took a while to overcome injuries before becoming a regular in the squad in the run up to Christmas. His arrival was something of a gamble. In his first year in Serie A with the Rossoblu, Birsa had failed to show the form that made him a consistent performer in Ligue 1 with Auxerre. The 26-year old is a different style of winger to Santana and Cerci, less mobile but with a crafted left foot and the most accurate crosser on the club’s books. Of the Toro widemen he most suited the aerial game of Rolando Bianchi. While not a classic Ventura player, Birsa provided a quality alternative to the club’s first choice wingers.

Verdict: Unlikely to be retained by Genoa, Toro should tie up Birsa’s services for next season.

Alessio Cerci, 35 appearances, 8 goals, vote 8

Angelo Ogbonna started the season as Toro’s marquee player, Alessio Cerci finished it. Far and away, the Granata’s most important and decisive player, Cerci’s contribution offered the side a rare slice of quality in the final third. His first few months of the season were relatively uninspiring before a goal against his former club Fiorentina galvanised the Roman and he never looked back. A further seven goals, countless assists and some virtuoso performances inspired Toro to a good run of form in the early months of 2013. His form didn’t drop in the final weeks when all around him seemed to lose energy and motivation. An international call up arrived in the spring as did the predictable interest from the top clubs. Toro must regret not buying out his entire contract from Fiorentina last summer. A bidding war is now set and the pessimist tells me Cairo won’t deliver the funds to secure Cerci’s signing. Much will depend on the player too. His relationship with Ventura is excellent, we’ve seen none of the bad behaviour and indiscipline that characterised his time in Florence and another full season as the main man at Toro – ahead of a World Cup year – could be an attractive proposal. The only negative side to his game were a number of invisible performances against the very top sides, a sign that Toro need more attacking options to take the pressure off their 26-year old winger who became easy to nullify.

Verdict: A combination of the player’s motivation and Cairo’s budget will determine whether Cerci stays. Will be very hard to replace.

Dolly Menga, 1 appearance, 0 goal, no vote

Belgian U-21 international signed from Lierse in January. Has apparently convinced Ventura with his impact in training and performances with the youth team. Would have been given more first-team space had the team secured survival earlier. As it stands, a five-minute substitute appearance in a kamikaze away game at Cagliari is his only first-team action.

Verdict: One for the future. The club will evaluate over the summer whether he provides back up in Serie A next year or moves out on loan.  Current stories suggest Cairo/Petrachi are making hard work out of completing his signing from Lierse.

Mario Santana, 27 appearances, 4 goals, vote 6.5

Former Argentine international with nearly a decade of Serie A football behind him, the 31-year old signed on loan from Napoli was another calculated gamble. Injuries have disrupted his career and rumours from pre-season training suggested his career in Granata may not decoll. They proved untrue. Santana quickly cemented himself as first choice on the left-flank with licence to cut in on his preferred right foot. On his day, direct, tricky and capable of carrying the game to the opposition, there were also too many anonymous performances. Injuries disrupted his season – missing six games – and he tended to look better playing on the break away from home. However, in the attacking third he was one of Toro’s most promising performers.

Verdict: His situation is similar to Matteo Brighi’s. Toro have to decide whether to turn a loan move for an early 30 something into a permanent deal. Santana probably deserves the opportunity to continue in Turin although the arrival of younger players is more probable.

Alen Stevanovic, 15 appearances, 2 goals, vote 5

A mainstay of Ventura’s promotion team where he was the Cerci-figure, a marauding, sometimes genius, often unpredictable outlet on the right flank. His form tailed off at the end of last season and his non-appearance at the club’s promotion party seemed to signal the end of his stay in Turin. During the summer, the club renewed their faith in the young Swiss-born Serbian international who featured in the first ten games of the season. After which just five appearances and none since early March. Goals in away games at Atalanta and Cagliari and a call-up to the Serbian national team offered brief but false dawns. On the field he displayed non of the occasional verve of his performances in Serie B, and long periods out of the team suggest a questionable application in training.

Verdict: Of undoubted potential but in danger of seeing his career slide. A loan move either to Serie B or abroad may be the most attractive outlet. The club may wonder whether it would have been better off retaining the interesting Nnamdi Oduamadi last summer.

Simone Verdi, 4 appearances, 0 goals, no vote

The 20-year old featured only occasionally in Toro’s promotion season and it was something of a surprise he wasn’t loaned out last summer. Featured sporadically before making a welcome loan move to Juve Stabia. Part-owned by Milan, it remains to be seen whether the former star of the Rossoneri Primavera team has shown the credentials to become a Serie A player.

Verdict: Like Menga may have pre-season to convince the club he doesn’t need a spell in Serie B.

Overall verdict: If Ventura moves to a 3-5-2, wide-men may find themselves surplus to requirements aside from providing tactical flexibility from the bench. If Cerci stays he may switch to play as a seconda punta. Of the others, the future is unclear as none are accustomed to play as wingbacks. 

Peter is the author of the outstanding Torino book 'Passion in the Piazza' which is available on Amazon, and you can follow him on Twitter here.

Four Nights in Turin

As regular readers of this blog will know, last weekend I embarked on a short weekend break to Turin, with the intention of trying to end my eight year wait to witness a Granata victory. However, as this trip was my first ever 'solo' holiday, it was also an opportunity to explore a city that could one day be my home.

Despite living in the centre of England - twenty minutes away from one of the biggest airports in the country - it is impossible to fly direct to Turin from Birmingham Airport, and therefore my day started extremely early in the morning as I had to fly first to Frankfurt, and then on to Turin.

In spite of my lack of sleep, I dropped my bags off at the excellent 'Hotel Diplomatic' (a hotel I can thoroughly recommend for anyone planning a visit) near to Porta Susa train station and went off in order to purchase my ticket for the match on Sunday.

In the evening, I met up for a couple of beers with Steve Rose, again someone who regular readers of the blog will recognise for his excellent 'Maratona and Elsewhere' column. Our conversation was an almost surreal experience, as two English men stood at a bar in the centre of Turin, but had numerous conversations about Torino - including whether Danilo D'Ambrosio's suspension could effect Alessio Cerci's effectiveness against Atalanta (I don't want to give any spoilers away at this early stage, but it didn't).

The locals also seemed to be bemused by this, and we were twice interrupted by two somewhat inebriated gentlemen who looked to be delighted to have the opportunity to speak English with genuine English people. After I was beginning to feel the effects of the two beers (I told myself this was due to the lack of food and sleep, because the alternative is that I am the biggest lightweight in the world) so I said my goodbyes to Steve, and that we would meet up again at the Maratona on Sunday afternoon.

On Friday morning I made another trip to the Stadio Olimpico in order to visit the Museo Dello Sport, that I believe was only opened in November. The entry price of €14 granted me entry to the museum - that had exhibits from all across the Italian sporting scene - and also allowed me to tour the stadium. I have been on a number of stadium tours before (most notably at the San Siro), but this tour was made to feel much more personal as it was just myself and the tour guide. 

Therefore whilst the tour was much shorter than others I have been on, it meant that only the essential areas of the stadium were covered (at the Eintracht Frankfurt stadium tour, we were forced into seeing the car parks of both the players and the officials for some strange reason). When walking round the stadium, the tour guide (I unfortunately never found out her name) mentioned that she had taken another English Torino fan around the Olimpico a few of weeks ago. As fate would have it, just before leaving the stadium I bumped into that fan - Christopher Peet, a retired Granata fan from Stafford who travelled over from England for every Torino home game.

Tour Guide, Christopher, and Myself.

In the evening I visited the Gigi Meroni monument on Corso Re Umberto, and whilst I had seen it from a distance on past visits to the city, this was the first chance I had an opportunity to see it up close and pay my respects. For those that don't know, Meroni was a skillful winger who was tragically killed in a road accident in 1967 by Attilio Romero, a man who later became Torino president in the year 2000. Meroni was only 24 years old.

On Saturday I made another visit to the Basilica of Superga, a location most famous for being where the plane carrying the illustrious 'Il Grande Torino' team crashed in 1949. Although I have visited Superga before, it really is a 'must-do' for any Torino fan in order to really comprehend the emotional impact of this tragedy.

 

Despite originally intending to visit the 'Mole Antonelliana' in the afternoon, the one hour queue meant that this was postponed until later in the evening. After entering a lift that resembles the one from the film 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' the city of Turin looks truly remarkable from 548 feet, and the first word that came out my mouth when I exited the lifted was 'wow', because the view is truly breathtaking - especially at night.

Sunday was a day of mixed emotions for me, because whilst I was excited about attending the Torino-Atalanta match, I was also a little sad that this would be my last full day in the city. I arrived at the stadium early in order to visit the merchandise stands, and after purchasing my Maratona scarf, and consuming a Salsiccia (I'm still not 100% percent certain what this is, but I believe it is some type of sausage) I entered the stadium about an hour before kick off.

Whilst I have twice attended Torino matches at the Stadio Olimpico, this was my debut in the Curva Maratona - and despite initially having reservations regarding the type of view I could expect, the atmosphere (and view) was even better than I had hoped. It also enabled my to join in with one of the most famous traditions at Italian stadia, where the announcer shouts out the first name of the each player in the starting line up, and in unison, the fans shout his surname. Whilst this has been attempted to be replicated in English stadiums, it doesn't really work - so therefore even before the match had started, it was great to partake in this tradition.

 The match itself wasn't a classic - and in all honesty this was probably a good thing - because at times it was difficult to simultaneously watch what the ultras at the front of the stand were doing (one of whom looked suspiciously like Vincenzo Iaquinta) and also keep an eye on what was happening on the pitch. Therefore had it have been an entertaining end-to-end encounter, it would have been even more impossible. Thanks to Steve's translations, I attempted to join in with the singing as much as possible, although to be honest, I usually just started singing any song that included the words 'Gobbi'  'Merda' and 'Vaffanculo', not only because I knew what they meant, but also because they were also quite fun to shout at the top of my voice.

On the pitch, Torino finally got a deserved breakthrough just before half time, as Alessio Cerci magnificently finished off a clinical counter attack. Despite continuing to dominate, fifteen minutes before full time, Atalanta equalised through German Denis' penalty. Although at the time I was convinced that Jean-Francois Gillet had not made contact with Marko Livaja, replays would later show that the Croatian striker had been touched, and that the referee had made the correct decision.

In the dying moments, when I had almost given up hope of ending my trip by witnessing a Torino victory - Matteo Darmian delivered a cross from the right hand side, Jonathas went for the ball and got absolutely nowhere near it, but it fell to fellow substitute Valter Birsa who calmly volleyed into the net. Like everyone else around me, I went ballistic, and started hugging people who two hours previously had been total strangers - but at that moment in time, it seemed to be the only way to react.

So finally I was able to see Torino actually win a match, and also end any lingering doubts that there may have been that I was actually jinxing my adopted team. I was also able to witness another tradition of the Italian game, as the players gathered together and saluted the fans who had supported them for the ninety minutes.

So there you have it, a rather long winded account of my four night trip to Turin, and one that I will certainly be repeating in the future. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who I encountered on my trip (there are far too many to name) and who helped make it such a memorable trip. 

Forza Vecchio Cuore Granata!

Torino 2-1 Atalanta

After eight long years of being a Torino supporter, I was finally able to witness a Granata victory in person, as Valter Birsa's late goal gave Toro a 2-1 victory over Atalanta.

Matteo Darmian came in for the suspended Danilo D'Ambrosio at right back, whilst Angelo Ogbonna returned after more than three months out through injury. Elsewhere, Alen Stevanovic was a shock inclusion on the left wing, and captain Rolando Bianchi was preferred to Riccardo Meggiorini up front.

In the opening stages, Paulo Barreto should have scored his first goal for the club after he combined well with Rolando Bianchi, but the Brazilian somehow blazed over the bar from only fifteen yards out. Torino continued their dominance throughout the first half, and goalkeeper Andrea Consigli had to react quickly to push Alessio Cerci's left footed strike over the bar.

Consigli continued to be the busier of the two goalkeepers, and he had to make further saves from Bianchi and once again from Cerci in order to keep the scores level. However, three minutes before half time, an excellent pass from Paulo Barreto put Alessio Cerci through on goal, and the former Fiorentina winger curled the ball exquisitely into the corner of the net.

After celebrating his 30th birthday on Friday, Rolando Bianchi looked to be desperate to get on to the score sheet against his former club, and he came very close to doubling Torino's lead - however his long range shot went narrowly wide of the post. Paulo Barreto had an even better chance to end his three year wait for a Serie A goal, but this time from only eight yards out his shot grazed the crossbar. 

With fifteen minutes remaining Torino were hit with the ultimate sucker punch, as Atalanta were awarded a penalty with probably their first attack of the second half. Angelo Ogbonna was uncharacteristically caught out of position, and that allowed substitute Marko Livaja get into the area before he was upended by Jean-Francois Gillet. Argentine striker German Denis stepped up to take the penalty, and although the Belgian keeper got a hand to it, Atalanta were undeservedly level.

With time running out, it looked as though my run without seeing a Torino victory would continue, however in the dying minutes, Toro got the winning goal that their performance had deserved. The usually cautious Matteo Darmian provided good width down the right-hand side, and his cross was side-footed into the net by substitute Valter Birsa. 

This victory puts Torino just one point away from Parma in tenth place, and whilst survival is not yet mathematically certain, it would take a mammoth collapse (even by Toro standards) for the Granata to be relegated from here. Whilst my four day trip to Turin was excellent, being able to finally witness a Toro victory whilst standing in the Curva Maratona was certainly the icing on the cake.

My Player Ratings (Gazzetta Ratings in Brackets)

Gillet 6 (5.5)

Darmian 6 (6.5)

Glik 7 (6.5)

Ogbonna 6 (5)

Masiello 6 (6)

Vives 6 (6.5)

Gazzi 7 (6.5)

CERCI 8 (8)

Stevanovic 5.5 (5)

Bianchi 6.5 (6.5)

Barreto 7 (6.5)

Subs

Birsa 7 (6.5)

Jonathas n/a

Meggiorini n/a

Genoa 1-1 Torino

Despite taking the lead for the second successive week, Torino had to settle for a point in the relegation six-pointer on Sunday afternoon.

The Granata started the game in an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 formation (something that I suggested a week ago on Twitter) with Alessio Cerci playing as a trequartista behind lone striker Rolando Bianchi. This allowed Valter Birsa to start a match in Serie A for the first time, whilst Giuseppe Vives and Danilo D'Ambrosio also came into the team.

Genoa had the first shot at goal in the opening five minutes, but Marco Boriello's low shot was easily saved by Jean-Francois Gillet. At the other end, Alessio Cerci was inches away from giving Toro the lead, but his long distance shot whistled just past the post. Toro's attempted 4-2-3-1 experiment lasted less than ten minutes, as Mario Santana picked up an injury, and was replaced by orthodox striker Alessandro Sgrigna.

Torino were lucky not to concede when Kamil Glik's attempted clearance was charged down by Ciro Immobile, and Borriello was put through on goal - but once again he was thwarted by Gillet, who was rebuilding his confidence after making two mistakes against Milan last weekend.

The Granata took the lead after twenty minutes, when Valter Birsa delivered a fine cross from the left wing that was headed in by Rolando Bianchi, although I'm still not sure whether the Toro captain knew too much about it, as he seemed to turn his head and let the ball bounce off of it at the last second. 

However Torino's lead only lasted ten minutes, as a Genoa corner was inadvertently flicked on by Alessandro Gazzi, and that touch diverted the ball into path of Andreas Granqvist who had the simple task of heading in from three yards out.

Both teams struggled to create clear cut chances at the beginning of the second half, but Torino should have taken the lead in the closing stages. A defence-splitting pass from Alessio Cerci put Sgrigna through on goal, but his shot crashed off the crossbar. Moments later Toro had another great chance to pick up three vital points, but Giuseppe Vives' header from another Cerci assist went narrowly wide of the post.

The match finished 1-1, and although another draw is not ideal - it was also essential that Toro didn't lose to a direct relegation rival, and therefore it should be looked upon as a point gained. However, next Saturday's match against Chievo (the last game before Serie A goes on a two week winter break) is now even more crucial, and anything but a victory is almost unthinkable.

Forza Torino

Torino V Inter Preview

Torino return to Serie A action after a two week break with a home game against Champions League hopefuls Inter on Sunday night.

The Granata come into the game in good form, after beating Pescara 3-0 a fortnight ago, whilst Inter lost 3-1 at home to Roma in their last outing. Torino may revert to a 4-3-3 formation that was so successful against the so called 'bigger' teams last season, and that could lead to Alessio Cerci starting his first game for the club. However, Toro will be without fellow new signing Valter Birsa who picked up an injury whilst on international duty with Slovenia in midweek and is expected to be out for three weeks.

Opponents Inter have had a mixed start to the season, with one victory and one defeat from their opening two fixtures. Andrea Stramaccioni's side is much-changed from last season, and they should line up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with play maker Wesley Sneijder just behind strikers Antonio Cassano and Diego Milito.

The history books certainly favour Inter, as Torino have not beaten the Nerazzurri since February 1994, when goals from Paulo Poggi and Sandro Cois gave the Granata a 2-0 victory.

Prediction
Torino 1-1 Inter

Torino add trio on deadline day

Torino had a busy afternoon on Friday evening as they added three players to their squad for the upcoming season.

The Granata's first acquisition was eighteen year old Marko Bakić, who has moved to Toro from FK Mogren in his native Montenegro. Bakić has signed a two year contract at the club, and despite his tender age, he has already been capped by the Montenegro national team.

Toro also secured the signing of experienced left back Alessandro Agostini from Serie A rivals Cagliari, who will compete with Salvatore Masiello and Pablo Caceres for that position. Incredibly, despite making nearly 400 league appearances in his career, Agostini has never scored a senior goal - hopefully he can rectify that at Torino.

And finally, Torino have also signed Slovenian winger Valter Birsa on loan from Genoa until the end of the season. Birsa impressed many at the 2010 World Cup, and has scored three goals in 55 appearances for Slovenia.