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.
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Friday, 6 May 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
IL GRANDE TORINO REMEMBERED
Today marks the 62nd anniversary of the Superga tragedy, an event that changed the history of Torino Football Club forever.
For those that don’t know, May 4th 1949 is a date that is etched in the memories of all Torino fans, and sadly it so for all the wrong reasons. It was on this day that the famous Il Grande Torino team perished in a airplane disaster when the team were returning from a friendly match in Lisbon. Il Grande Torino were a team truly befitting of their name, as they won an incredible five consecutive league titles and were undefeated at their home stadium Filadelfia in four of those seasons. Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of the team was the fact that in a friendly match between Italy and Hungary, Torino provided all ten outfield players for the Azzurri, a feat that will almost certainly never be repeated. Led by their captain Valentino Mazzola, Il Grande Torino dazzled their supporters with attacking football, at a time when the Italian people needed uplifting in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Sadly however, the story of Il Grande Torino has a tragic ending, but one that cemented the teams almost mythical status. Returning from a farewell match for Benfica player Francisco Ferreira in Lisbon, the plane carrying the players and officials crashed into the Basilica of Superga, situated on a hill near Turin. There were no survivors. In the aftermath of the tragedy, an estimated 500,000 people lined the streets of Turin to pay their respects for the players who had perished, with nobody quite being able to comprehend what had happened. Torino have never been able to replicate the success they achieved in the 1940s, and have only been able to win one Scudetto since, in 1976, and currently find themselves in the second tier of Italian football, a world away from the accomplishments of Il Grande Torino.
On my recent trip to Turin, I was lucky enough to visit the Torino museum in Grugliasco, a town on the outskirts of Turin. Whilst it is officially known as the ‘Museo Grande Torino’ the museum features exhibits from all aspects of Torino’s history. Whether that be memorabilia from the team’s run to the Uefa Cup Final in 1992 or a match worn shirt belonging to current captain Rolando Bianchi. However, it is the exhibits relating to Il Grande Torino that are most intriguing, and really enable the visitor to gain a real insight to how the tragedy affected not only the supporters of Torino, but the whole of Italy.
As a Torino fan, I may be biased, but after visiting the Museo Grande Torino, the other football museums that I have visited, those belonging to both AC Milan and Barcelona really do pale in comparison. Part of the reason for this is the fact that unlike at the two museums I have mentioned, where almost all of the artifacts are hidden behind glass cases, and the visitor is left to their own devices, at the Museo Grande Torino, that is not the case. Instead, I was given a tour around the museum by a guide (who thankfully spoke English, thanks again Amleto) and many of the exhibits can be touched and in some cases smelt. That brings me nicely to what was in my opinion the most remarkable exhibit in the museum, a medicine box that had been recovered from the wreckage of the plane after the Superga disaster. The incredible thing was, that whilst the impact of the crash had led to the death of 31 people, the contents of the box showed little damage, and remained pretty much intact. The box included a container of a liniment, that would of been used to treat muscle injuries, and despite being 62 years old, had still managed to retain its smell, that immediately engulfed the room and almost succeeded in transporting me back to the days of Il Grande Torino.
The museum also includes an area dedicated to former player Gigi Meroni, whose tale is once again one of immense sadness. Meroni’s style of play and playboy lifestyle led to comparisons with George Best, however in 1967, his life and career came to a premature end when he was hit by a car whilst crossing the road. He was only 24.
The history of Torino has certainly been an eventful one, but the legends of Il Grande Torino should never be forgotten, and thankfully, due to the existence of Museo Grande Torino, their achievements will continue to be acknowledged and therefore live on. Recently, every new Torino signing has embarked on a trip to the museum, and this is an appropriate step to ensure that each current player knows what it means to represent Torino.
Whilst the museum certainly is a fitting tribute to the players of Il Grande Torino, sadly despite many promises regarding its rebuilding, Filadelfia continues to be left in ruin. However, recently there has been talk of the old stadium finally being rebuilt, if only to be used as a training facility, and hopefully this will happen sooner rather than later.
Forza Torino
All pictures and videos are copyright of ‘Museo Grande Torino’, please if you have the opportunity, please visit the museum. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can find their official website here.
For those that don’t know, May 4th 1949 is a date that is etched in the memories of all Torino fans, and sadly it so for all the wrong reasons. It was on this day that the famous Il Grande Torino team perished in a airplane disaster when the team were returning from a friendly match in Lisbon. Il Grande Torino were a team truly befitting of their name, as they won an incredible five consecutive league titles and were undefeated at their home stadium Filadelfia in four of those seasons. Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of the team was the fact that in a friendly match between Italy and Hungary, Torino provided all ten outfield players for the Azzurri, a feat that will almost certainly never be repeated. Led by their captain Valentino Mazzola, Il Grande Torino dazzled their supporters with attacking football, at a time when the Italian people needed uplifting in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Sadly however, the story of Il Grande Torino has a tragic ending, but one that cemented the teams almost mythical status. Returning from a farewell match for Benfica player Francisco Ferreira in Lisbon, the plane carrying the players and officials crashed into the Basilica of Superga, situated on a hill near Turin. There were no survivors. In the aftermath of the tragedy, an estimated 500,000 people lined the streets of Turin to pay their respects for the players who had perished, with nobody quite being able to comprehend what had happened. Torino have never been able to replicate the success they achieved in the 1940s, and have only been able to win one Scudetto since, in 1976, and currently find themselves in the second tier of Italian football, a world away from the accomplishments of Il Grande Torino.
On my recent trip to Turin, I was lucky enough to visit the Torino museum in Grugliasco, a town on the outskirts of Turin. Whilst it is officially known as the ‘Museo Grande Torino’ the museum features exhibits from all aspects of Torino’s history. Whether that be memorabilia from the team’s run to the Uefa Cup Final in 1992 or a match worn shirt belonging to current captain Rolando Bianchi. However, it is the exhibits relating to Il Grande Torino that are most intriguing, and really enable the visitor to gain a real insight to how the tragedy affected not only the supporters of Torino, but the whole of Italy.
As a Torino fan, I may be biased, but after visiting the Museo Grande Torino, the other football museums that I have visited, those belonging to both AC Milan and Barcelona really do pale in comparison. Part of the reason for this is the fact that unlike at the two museums I have mentioned, where almost all of the artifacts are hidden behind glass cases, and the visitor is left to their own devices, at the Museo Grande Torino, that is not the case. Instead, I was given a tour around the museum by a guide (who thankfully spoke English, thanks again Amleto) and many of the exhibits can be touched and in some cases smelt. That brings me nicely to what was in my opinion the most remarkable exhibit in the museum, a medicine box that had been recovered from the wreckage of the plane after the Superga disaster. The incredible thing was, that whilst the impact of the crash had led to the death of 31 people, the contents of the box showed little damage, and remained pretty much intact. The box included a container of a liniment, that would of been used to treat muscle injuries, and despite being 62 years old, had still managed to retain its smell, that immediately engulfed the room and almost succeeded in transporting me back to the days of Il Grande Torino.
The museum also includes an area dedicated to former player Gigi Meroni, whose tale is once again one of immense sadness. Meroni’s style of play and playboy lifestyle led to comparisons with George Best, however in 1967, his life and career came to a premature end when he was hit by a car whilst crossing the road. He was only 24.
The history of Torino has certainly been an eventful one, but the legends of Il Grande Torino should never be forgotten, and thankfully, due to the existence of Museo Grande Torino, their achievements will continue to be acknowledged and therefore live on. Recently, every new Torino signing has embarked on a trip to the museum, and this is an appropriate step to ensure that each current player knows what it means to represent Torino.
Whilst the museum certainly is a fitting tribute to the players of Il Grande Torino, sadly despite many promises regarding its rebuilding, Filadelfia continues to be left in ruin. However, recently there has been talk of the old stadium finally being rebuilt, if only to be used as a training facility, and hopefully this will happen sooner rather than later.
Forza Torino
All pictures and videos are copyright of ‘Museo Grande Torino’, please if you have the opportunity, please visit the museum. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can find their official website here.
Video advertising the museum -
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| Outside the Museum. |
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| Trumpet belonging to Oreste Bolmida, known as 'The Trumpeter of Filadelfia'. |
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| Stands from the old stadium at Filadelfia. |
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| A suitcase belonging to Valentino Mazzola, recovered from the wreckage of the crash. |
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| Ticket stub from the last game played by Il Grande Torino - Against Benfica. |
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| Car that once belonged to Gigi Meroni. |
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| Winners medal from Torino's 1976 Scudetto Victory. |
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| Rolando Bianchi's captain's armband - translation - I am the captain of my soul. |
Here are a few pictures of what Filadelfia looks like today.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Torino 1-1 Piacenza
Torino extended their unbeaten run to six games, but could only manage yet another 1-1 draw, against a Piacenza team who played the last thirty minutes of the game with ten men.
In a first half of few chances, once again it was Torino's opponents who took the lead, ten minutes before half time, when Daniele Cacia crossed for Tomas Guzman who couldn't miss from just three yards out.Torino started the second half brightly, and after having one good penalty shout turned down, were given one soon afterwards after Carlo Gervasoni handled Rolando Bianchi's goal bound effort.
It was the captain who stepped up to take the spot kick, and although the keeper dived the right way, the penalty was successful, to give Bianchi his 18th goal of the campaign. Toro's hopes of going on to gain all three points were boosted when Piacenza were reduced to ten me, Daniele Cacia was given his marching orders after an of the ball incident where he appeared to elbow Francesco Pratali.
Torino had many chances in the last half an hour, with Valerio Di Cesare, Rolando Bianchi and Alessandro Pellicori all going close but Toro were unable to get find a winner, with opposition keeper Mario Cassano making a number of decent saves.
This result means that Torino have drawn their last three games 1-1, and in all three of the games they have conceded the first goal. Rolando Bianchi has also scored the equaliser on each occasion, and whilst it would perhaps be unfair to suggest that Torino are a one man team at the moment, other players will surely have to contribute if they are to be successful in the playoffs.
However, Torino's place in the playoffs is far from secure, as although they are currently in sixth position, they are just one point clear of Pescara. With just four games left, Torino's run in is not the easiest, and next week's game is perhaps, on paper, the toughest possible, away to league leaders Siena. However, as I'm sure we have all established by now, football is not played on paper.
Forza Torino
In a first half of few chances, once again it was Torino's opponents who took the lead, ten minutes before half time, when Daniele Cacia crossed for Tomas Guzman who couldn't miss from just three yards out.Torino started the second half brightly, and after having one good penalty shout turned down, were given one soon afterwards after Carlo Gervasoni handled Rolando Bianchi's goal bound effort.
It was the captain who stepped up to take the spot kick, and although the keeper dived the right way, the penalty was successful, to give Bianchi his 18th goal of the campaign. Toro's hopes of going on to gain all three points were boosted when Piacenza were reduced to ten me, Daniele Cacia was given his marching orders after an of the ball incident where he appeared to elbow Francesco Pratali.
Torino had many chances in the last half an hour, with Valerio Di Cesare, Rolando Bianchi and Alessandro Pellicori all going close but Toro were unable to get find a winner, with opposition keeper Mario Cassano making a number of decent saves.
This result means that Torino have drawn their last three games 1-1, and in all three of the games they have conceded the first goal. Rolando Bianchi has also scored the equaliser on each occasion, and whilst it would perhaps be unfair to suggest that Torino are a one man team at the moment, other players will surely have to contribute if they are to be successful in the playoffs.
However, Torino's place in the playoffs is far from secure, as although they are currently in sixth position, they are just one point clear of Pescara. With just four games left, Torino's run in is not the easiest, and next week's game is perhaps, on paper, the toughest possible, away to league leaders Siena. However, as I'm sure we have all established by now, football is not played on paper.
Forza Torino
Friday, 29 April 2011
Torino V Piacenza Preview
Forget the Royal Wedding, the real event of the weekend takes place tomorrow when Torino take on Piacenza, knowing that a victory will boost their chances of participation in the end of season playoffs.
Torino currently sit in sixth position in the table, three points clear of their nearest rivals Padova, although the Granata will still believe they have a chance of overtaking Reggina is fifth place, as just one point separates the two sides. Their opponents on Saturday, Piacenza have their own motives for victory on Saturday, as they currently find themselves in a relegation battle, and whilst Torino will be doing their utmost to escape from Serie B, Piacenza will be content with just staying in the division.
Piacenza have not won a match since the 12th March, although they did achieve a creditable 2-2 draw in their last away game against high-flying Novara. Torino will be without Angelo Ogbonna and Guiseppe De Feudis who are both suspended, so Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessandro Budel may return to the starting line up.
Forza Torino
Torino currently sit in sixth position in the table, three points clear of their nearest rivals Padova, although the Granata will still believe they have a chance of overtaking Reggina is fifth place, as just one point separates the two sides. Their opponents on Saturday, Piacenza have their own motives for victory on Saturday, as they currently find themselves in a relegation battle, and whilst Torino will be doing their utmost to escape from Serie B, Piacenza will be content with just staying in the division.
Piacenza have not won a match since the 12th March, although they did achieve a creditable 2-2 draw in their last away game against high-flying Novara. Torino will be without Angelo Ogbonna and Guiseppe De Feudis who are both suspended, so Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessandro Budel may return to the starting line up.
Forza Torino
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Modena 1-1 Torino
Torino were once again thankful for their captain Rolando Bianchi as for the second game in succession he scored a vital equaliser to keep their recent unbeaten streak going.
Despite starting well, Torino continued what may could be seen as a worrying trend by conceding the first goal, and like on Monday against Reggina, it was a goal that was easily avoidable. The goal came from an outstanding cross by Simone Gozzi that was met with an equally good header by Francesco Stanco, and whilst the goal was a good one, questions must be asked as to why the striker was allowed to meet the cross with such ease.
However, unlike on Monday, Torino did not have to wait long for their equaliser, as just seven minutes later they were level. Angelo Ogbonna, who was playing in an unfamiliar right back role, played an exquisite left footed floating cross that went over the head of the defender, to find Bianchi who had beaten the offside trap to volley home from just inside the area. Both sides had chances to win the game in the Second Half, with Torino's best chances falling to Mirco Antenucci who unfortunately could not find a finish.
Despite only managing draws in their last two fixtures, Torino find themselves in the final playoff position, three points clear of Padova in 7th. However, it is sure to be a nerve wracking end of the season as Torino attempt to secure a position in the playoffs, and their final game of the season is against, yes, you guessed it, Padova - in a game that could determine who gains the final position in the playoffs.
Despite starting well, Torino continued what may could be seen as a worrying trend by conceding the first goal, and like on Monday against Reggina, it was a goal that was easily avoidable. The goal came from an outstanding cross by Simone Gozzi that was met with an equally good header by Francesco Stanco, and whilst the goal was a good one, questions must be asked as to why the striker was allowed to meet the cross with such ease.
However, unlike on Monday, Torino did not have to wait long for their equaliser, as just seven minutes later they were level. Angelo Ogbonna, who was playing in an unfamiliar right back role, played an exquisite left footed floating cross that went over the head of the defender, to find Bianchi who had beaten the offside trap to volley home from just inside the area. Both sides had chances to win the game in the Second Half, with Torino's best chances falling to Mirco Antenucci who unfortunately could not find a finish.
Despite only managing draws in their last two fixtures, Torino find themselves in the final playoff position, three points clear of Padova in 7th. However, it is sure to be a nerve wracking end of the season as Torino attempt to secure a position in the playoffs, and their final game of the season is against, yes, you guessed it, Padova - in a game that could determine who gains the final position in the playoffs.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Modena V Torino Preview
Torino will be hoping it will be a very good Friday indeed when they face a tough game away to Modena this evening.
After extending their unbeaten run to four games on Monday, albeit by only managing to draw against Reggina, Torino will be looking for three points that would make their position in the playoffs look more secure.However, their opponents will certainly not be pushovers, as Modena still harbour their own ambitions to reach the end of season playoffs, and currently find themselves just five points behind Torino.
Torino will be hopeful that Angelo Ogbonna may return to the starting line up after injury, and Alessandro Sgrigna may get a start after impressing as a substitute against Reggina.
After extending their unbeaten run to four games on Monday, albeit by only managing to draw against Reggina, Torino will be looking for three points that would make their position in the playoffs look more secure.However, their opponents will certainly not be pushovers, as Modena still harbour their own ambitions to reach the end of season playoffs, and currently find themselves just five points behind Torino.
Torino will be hopeful that Angelo Ogbonna may return to the starting line up after injury, and Alessandro Sgrigna may get a start after impressing as a substitute against Reggina.
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