Torino had a night to forget on Monday as they lost their unbeaten home record with an unexpected 4-1 defeat to Hellas Verona.
Toro made just the two changes from the side that beat Grosseto last weekend, as Valerio Di Cesare came in for the suspended Kamil Glik and Rolando Bianchi replaced Riccardo Meggiorini upfront.
The away side started brightly, almost as if they knew that a victory in this match was vital to keep their chances of automatic promotion alive. Therefore, it was not a surprise when Hellas took the lead on twenty-four minutes, when Panagiotis Tachtsidis' back heel took four Toro defenders out of the game and allowed Juanito Gomez to score from fifteen yards out.
Torino had a half chance to equalise immediately when Alessandro Parisi's cross found Rolando Bianchi, but his header was off target. Instead, it was Hellas who nearly scored a spectacular second goal when Matthias Lepiller's audacious 30 yard volley forced a good save from Francesco Benussi.
However, just eight minutes before half time, Hellas did double their lead when Tachtsidis' fine left footed cross was stabbed past the on rushing Benussi by Nicola Ferrari. Toro made one change at half time as Alessandro Sgrigna replaced Nnamdi Oduamadi, but that made little difference, and just eleven minutes after the break Hellas added a third when Lepiller's free kick was headed home by Gomez.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Hellas defender Domenico Maietta scored a spectacular fourth goal as he intercepted the ball in his own half before continuing his run, he then knocked the ball past substitute defender Francesco Pratali before finally lobbing Benussi from 30 yards. Whilst it was certainly a 'Goal of the Season' contender, questions could be asked why the Toro keeper was so far off his line.
Torino got a late consolation goal towards the end of the match, when Giuseppe Vives' wayward shot was diverted goal wards by substitute Sgrigna who finished well. However, there was to be no miraculous comeback and Toro lost by more than a one goal margin for the first time this season, and Hellas closed the gap between the teams to just two points.
Whilst this embarrassing defeat is undoubtedly a major blow to Torino's promotion hopes, the fact that it was such a surprise speaks volumes about Toro's consistent performances this season. Hopefully, the team will be able to forget this performance as quickly as possible, and remember that it is just one game. Toro will have a chance to make amends on Saturday when they face Juve Stabia, and that should tell us a lot more about the character of this Torino team.
Forza Torino
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Torino V Hellas Verona Preview
Toro will be without the suspended Kamil Glik, so Valerio Di Cesare should partner Angelo Ogbonna in defence. Rolando Bianchi will be confident of returning to the starting eleven after ending his goal drought last time out, and he is likely to replace fellow striker and Hellas fan Riccardo Meggiorini.
Hellas have surpassed all expectations since gaining promotion in the summer, and currently sit in fourth position and will be looking at this match as a great opportunity to close the gap on Toro. Much of Hellas' success has been built on their fantastic home form, and Toro's 3-1 victory at the Bentegodi in October is one of only two defeats they have suffered in Verona. However, Hellas Verona have not been as successful on the road and have not won away from home since beating Livorno in December.
Prediction
Torino 2-0 Hellas Verona
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Grosseto 0-3 Torino
Torino bounced back from a last Sunday's defeat at Brescia with a 3-0 win in Grosseto - their first win away from home since November.
Giampiero Ventura made just the one change from that game, with Nnamdi Oduamadi replacing Migjen Basha as Toro reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation.
It was a great start for the away side as after just twelve minutes they took the lead with their first chance of the match. Mirco Antenucci broke free down the right and rounded the keeper, and although his shot was cleared off the line, Nnamdi Oduamadi was on hand to score from three yards out.
Grosseto reacted well and almost had an equaliser when Francesco Benussi's punch fell to former Juventus midfielder Simone Esposito, whose stunning volley hit the stanchion behind the goal.
As the second half began, the home side continued to look for an equaliser, and another long range shot from Martin Petras forced Benussi into a fine save. Alessandro Parisi and Riccardo Meggiorini both had half chances for Toro, but Grosseto still looked the more likely to score.
However, in injury time, the moment all Torino fans had been waiting for arrived, as substitute Juan Surraco broke down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for fellow sub Rolando Bianchi to head home his first goal since October 15th.
Incredibly, the scoring did not finish there, as in the final minute of injury time, Giuseppe Vives' long pass found Mirco Antenucci in space, and the striker calmly lobbed the onrushing Grosseto keeper before continuing his run and side-footing into an empty net.
Although the performance at Brescia last weekend was arguably better despite losing, the most important thing was that Torino got the three points. In the process of victory, Toro also ended two long-running and unwelcome statistics (last away victory and Bianchi's last goal) as well as extending their lead at the top of the Serie B table to four points.
Forza Torino
Giampiero Ventura made just the one change from that game, with Nnamdi Oduamadi replacing Migjen Basha as Toro reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation.
It was a great start for the away side as after just twelve minutes they took the lead with their first chance of the match. Mirco Antenucci broke free down the right and rounded the keeper, and although his shot was cleared off the line, Nnamdi Oduamadi was on hand to score from three yards out.
Grosseto reacted well and almost had an equaliser when Francesco Benussi's punch fell to former Juventus midfielder Simone Esposito, whose stunning volley hit the stanchion behind the goal.
As the second half began, the home side continued to look for an equaliser, and another long range shot from Martin Petras forced Benussi into a fine save. Alessandro Parisi and Riccardo Meggiorini both had half chances for Toro, but Grosseto still looked the more likely to score.
However, in injury time, the moment all Torino fans had been waiting for arrived, as substitute Juan Surraco broke down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for fellow sub Rolando Bianchi to head home his first goal since October 15th.
Incredibly, the scoring did not finish there, as in the final minute of injury time, Giuseppe Vives' long pass found Mirco Antenucci in space, and the striker calmly lobbed the onrushing Grosseto keeper before continuing his run and side-footing into an empty net.
Although the performance at Brescia last weekend was arguably better despite losing, the most important thing was that Torino got the three points. In the process of victory, Toro also ended two long-running and unwelcome statistics (last away victory and Bianchi's last goal) as well as extending their lead at the top of the Serie B table to four points.
Forza Torino
Friday, 2 March 2012
Grosseto V Torino Preview
Valerio Di Cesare has recovered from injury and should therefore partner Angelo Ogbonna in central defence, who impressed whilst playing for Italy in midweek. Cristian Pasquato is still not available to make his debut following an eye injury, whilst Rolando Bianchi will once again be looking to end his goal drought.
Grosseto are currently in 12th position in the table, and whilst they may still be dreaming of sneaking into the playoffs, a mid-table finish is probably more likely. After a 2-0 victory at Ascoli in their last fixture two weeks ago, confidence will be high and therefore they should not be taken lightly.
Torino won the reverse fixture 1-0 in October after a late own goal by Angelo Iorio, and given Toro's recent struggles on the road (their last away win was November 1st) any type of victory would certainly be welcome in order to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Prediction
Grosseto 0-1 Torino
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Angelo Ogbonna set to make first Italy start
In the article that I wrote regarding Ogbonna's first call up in June, I referred to the fact that despite having obvious potential, he still had a few weaknesses in his game - primarily that his desire to play the ball out from the back could often lead to losing possession, and on occasion, picking up needless yellow cards.
However, this season I would genuinely find it difficult to criticise any part of Ogbonna's game, as he has been one of the main reasons that Torino are on track for a return to Serie A. Whilst I appreciate the fact he is playing at a lower level and against lesser quality forwards, his improvement in less than one season has been very noticeable and makes me believe he will continue to improve regardless of the opposition.
Luckily the statistics also support the view that this season has been by far Angelo's best in a Torino shirt, and it is not just my Granata-tinted glasses. At this stage of the 2010/11 season, Ogbonna had received six yellow cards - so far this campaign, he has received just one. Whilst this season's Torino team is much better than its predecessor and has had far less defending to do, this stat also suggests that he is timing his challenges much better.
As I aluded to previously, Torino have enjoyed a good season so far, and one of the reasons for that has been the defence. Ogbonna has been a part of the joint best defence in Serie B that has conceded just eighteen goals in 28 matches. Whilst Valerio Di Cesare and Kamil Glik have both impressed when called upon in central defence this season, it is Ogbonna who has shined. Thus highlighting that the added responsibility of being given the captain's armband in the absence of the out of form Rolando Bianchi doesn't seem to have had any detrimental effects.
Despite plying his trade in Serie B, Cesare Prandelli has noticed Ogbonna's talent, and if he continues to improve as quickly as he has done in the past nine months, he will probably earn himself to move to a team playing in the Champions League - despite recently signing a new contract.
If he is included in the Italy squad for Euro 2012, he could miss Torino's run in as the Serie B regular season does not finish until May 27th. However, lets hope that won't be a problem, and by the time Cesare Prandelli names his final 23 man squad, Angelo will have already done his part in helping Torino regain promotion to Serie A.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Torino's 'Cult Heroes' #1 : Rachid Arma
For a couple of weeks I've been wanting to add some more content to the blog, and one idea that I considered was that of player profiles. However, instead of focusing on the more distinguished players in Torino's history such as Mazzola, Meroni and Pulici, I've decided to focus on the lesser known and in some cases lesser talented players who managed to achieve something memorable in a Torino shirt.
So welcome to the first edition of Torino's 'Cult Heroes' and the first entry is perhaps best remembered for a goal that didn't actually count : Rachid Arma.
Moroccan striker Rachid Arma signed for Torino on 31st August 2009 as the club looked towards the lower leagues in order to gain an immediate promotion back to Serie A. Arma had scored fourteen goals for Lega Pro side Spal in the previous campaign and it was hoped that he could replicate that form at a higher level.
Arma made his debut for the club against Reggina in October as he came on to replace Rolando Bianchi, and the majority of Arma's twelve appearances came from the substitutes bench. Despite struggling mid-season, Torino somehow managed to regain form at the right time to finish fifth and qualify for the playoffs. After beating Sassuolo in the Semi Final, Torino would play Brescia over two legs, with the winner gaining promotion to Serie A.
It was in the first leg of the final at the Olimpico that Arma thought that he had scored a vital goal, only for it to be harshly disallowed by the referee. After coming on as an 82nd minute substitute with the game scoreless, Arma latched on to a long pass in the 93rd minute and volleyed the ball into the net. However, unfortunately for Torino, the referee disallowed the goal for what I assume was the he slightest tug of the defenders shirt.
Had that goal been given, it would have given Torino a narrow advantage (and the momentum) to take into the 2nd leg and that could have been enough to send Toro back to Serie A at the first attempt. Instead, the 0-0 scoreline meant that it was Brescia who were in the ascendancy, and thanks a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, it was Brescia who won promotion. Ironically, it was in fact Rachid Arma who scored Torino's late consolation goal in that game - his only goal for the club.
That match was Arma's last for the club, and after short spells at fellow Serie B teams Vicenza and Cittadella, Arma returned to Spal at the start of this season and has already scored 13 times. Unfortunately for Torino (and Rachid), that goal did not count, but I think his contribution to that dramatic playoff game makes him eligible to be a Torino 'Cult Hero'.
If you have any suggestions of any players who should appear in future editions of 'Cult Heroes' you can contact me via the comments section or on Twitter.
Forza Torino
So welcome to the first edition of Torino's 'Cult Heroes' and the first entry is perhaps best remembered for a goal that didn't actually count : Rachid Arma.
Arma made his debut for the club against Reggina in October as he came on to replace Rolando Bianchi, and the majority of Arma's twelve appearances came from the substitutes bench. Despite struggling mid-season, Torino somehow managed to regain form at the right time to finish fifth and qualify for the playoffs. After beating Sassuolo in the Semi Final, Torino would play Brescia over two legs, with the winner gaining promotion to Serie A.
It was in the first leg of the final at the Olimpico that Arma thought that he had scored a vital goal, only for it to be harshly disallowed by the referee. After coming on as an 82nd minute substitute with the game scoreless, Arma latched on to a long pass in the 93rd minute and volleyed the ball into the net. However, unfortunately for Torino, the referee disallowed the goal for what I assume was the he slightest tug of the defenders shirt.
Had that goal been given, it would have given Torino a narrow advantage (and the momentum) to take into the 2nd leg and that could have been enough to send Toro back to Serie A at the first attempt. Instead, the 0-0 scoreline meant that it was Brescia who were in the ascendancy, and thanks a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, it was Brescia who won promotion. Ironically, it was in fact Rachid Arma who scored Torino's late consolation goal in that game - his only goal for the club.
That match was Arma's last for the club, and after short spells at fellow Serie B teams Vicenza and Cittadella, Arma returned to Spal at the start of this season and has already scored 13 times. Unfortunately for Torino (and Rachid), that goal did not count, but I think his contribution to that dramatic playoff game makes him eligible to be a Torino 'Cult Hero'.
If you have any suggestions of any players who should appear in future editions of 'Cult Heroes' you can contact me via the comments section or on Twitter.
Forza Torino
Brescia 1-0 Torino
Torino lost their first game of 2012 as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against an in-form Brescia side on Sunday afternoon.
Giampiero Ventura brought in Giuseppe Vives to reinforce his midfield for this difficult looking away game, as Toro lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Riccardo Meggiorini was rewarded for his winning goal against Sampdoria as he replaced Rolando Bianchi upfront, whilst Matteo Darmian and Kamil Glik came into the defence.
The game started quietly with both teams reduced to long range half chances, Alessandro Parisi shot over the bar for Torino, whilst Jonathas shot wide for the home side. Riccardo Meggiorini, the hero from Monday night's game, almost scored his second goal for the club when he was played through by Vives' chipped pass, but his half volley went narrowly wide.
And it was Meggiorini who came close again moments later after he was put through by Mirco Antenucci's subtle pass, but the former Novara striker's shot went wide of the post again.
Torino continued to create opportunities at the start of the second half, and once again it was Meggiorini who had the chance - and this time he definitely should have scored. Full back Matteo Darmian's first time cross found the unmarked striker, but somehow his header failed to find the target from just six yards out.
And Torino were made to pay for that miss, as with 25 minutes remaining the home side took the lead in bizarre style. Captain Marco Zambelli did well down the right flank, and his low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Matteo Darmian.
However, that goal sparked the away side into life and they came so close to scoring an immediate equaliser. Brescia keeper Michele Arcari tried to claim a cross from the right, but his poor punch fell to Giuseppe Vives whose lob hit the post. Mirco Antenucci nearly scored on the follow up, but his shot was deflected over the bar.
Alessandro Sgrigna and Rolando Bianchi came off the bench as Torino went looking for an equaliser, and those two players nearly combined to get it. Sgrigna's scuffed shot was diverted goalwards by Bianchi, but the ball was magnificently cleared off the line by former West Ham defender Fabio Daprela. From the resulting corner, Kamil Glik came close to scoring his first goal in a Torino shirt, but his powerful header was spectacularly saved by Arcari.
Francesco Benussi produced a good save in the closing stages to prevent Brescia doubling their lead, but this defeat means that Torino have not won away from home since November. However, Torino certainly had their chances and deserved at least a point from the game. As Sassuolo could only draw on Saturday, Toro remain top of the league, but will be looking to improve their away from at the earliest opportunity - hopefully at Grosseto on Saturday.
Forza Torino
Giampiero Ventura brought in Giuseppe Vives to reinforce his midfield for this difficult looking away game, as Toro lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Riccardo Meggiorini was rewarded for his winning goal against Sampdoria as he replaced Rolando Bianchi upfront, whilst Matteo Darmian and Kamil Glik came into the defence.
The game started quietly with both teams reduced to long range half chances, Alessandro Parisi shot over the bar for Torino, whilst Jonathas shot wide for the home side. Riccardo Meggiorini, the hero from Monday night's game, almost scored his second goal for the club when he was played through by Vives' chipped pass, but his half volley went narrowly wide.
And it was Meggiorini who came close again moments later after he was put through by Mirco Antenucci's subtle pass, but the former Novara striker's shot went wide of the post again.
Torino continued to create opportunities at the start of the second half, and once again it was Meggiorini who had the chance - and this time he definitely should have scored. Full back Matteo Darmian's first time cross found the unmarked striker, but somehow his header failed to find the target from just six yards out.
And Torino were made to pay for that miss, as with 25 minutes remaining the home side took the lead in bizarre style. Captain Marco Zambelli did well down the right flank, and his low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Matteo Darmian.
However, that goal sparked the away side into life and they came so close to scoring an immediate equaliser. Brescia keeper Michele Arcari tried to claim a cross from the right, but his poor punch fell to Giuseppe Vives whose lob hit the post. Mirco Antenucci nearly scored on the follow up, but his shot was deflected over the bar.
Alessandro Sgrigna and Rolando Bianchi came off the bench as Torino went looking for an equaliser, and those two players nearly combined to get it. Sgrigna's scuffed shot was diverted goalwards by Bianchi, but the ball was magnificently cleared off the line by former West Ham defender Fabio Daprela. From the resulting corner, Kamil Glik came close to scoring his first goal in a Torino shirt, but his powerful header was spectacularly saved by Arcari.
Francesco Benussi produced a good save in the closing stages to prevent Brescia doubling their lead, but this defeat means that Torino have not won away from home since November. However, Torino certainly had their chances and deserved at least a point from the game. As Sassuolo could only draw on Saturday, Toro remain top of the league, but will be looking to improve their away from at the earliest opportunity - hopefully at Grosseto on Saturday.
Forza Torino
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