Fresh from their impressive 4-0 away victory at Ascoli, Torino will attempt to make it back to back victories as they face Grosseto at home on Friday evening.
A victory for Torino would mean, that for a few hours at least, they would occupy the final Playoff position in the Serie B table. If that were to happen, then it would send a message to the rest of the playoff contenders that the talk of Torino's demise throughout the last few weeks, was certainly premature. However, tomorrow's match will certainly be a difficult one against a fellow playoff rival, because a victory for Grosseto would mean that it would be them who would overtake Torino and take sixth place, evidence of just how close the division is at the moment.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Ascoli 0-4 Torino
Franco Lerda's return as Torino manager was a successful one as they enjoyed an emphatic 4-0 victory away at Ascoli, and gave their fans renewed hope of achieving a playoff birth. After a miserable one month period, in which Torino had lost four consecutive games, sacked two managers, and then rehired Franco Lerda, the man they had previously sacked, Torino's stylish return to winning ways was unexpected but long overdue.
Torino got off to an ideal start, with Rolando Bianchi ending his mini goal drought when he headed home after just seven minutes. On the stroke of half time, Torino doubled their lead, when Luciano Zavagno's fine cross found Bianchi whose bullet header gave the home goalkeeper no chance. Just sixty seconds into the second half, Torino got their third goal in fortunate circumstances after Alessandro Budel's free kick was diverted into his own net by Vasco Faísca.
However, the game was not over just yet, and Ascoli had an opportunity to gain a foothold in the match just one minute later when Claudio Rivalta's handball gave them a penalty. However, Luigi Giorgi saw his spot kick saved by Rubinho in the Torino goal, and when Mirco Antenucci added a fourth goal with a outstanding curling effort, the result was beyond doubt.
Whilst it would be wrong to ignore all the problems that led to Torino losing four consecutive games in the first place, this result will certainly give renewed hope that all may not be lost in this season. As things stand, Torino are just one point away from the final playoff position, and if the team can display the same degree of team spirit and quality that was shown in this match in their remaining fixtures, then there is no reason why they can't reach the playoffs.
Torino got off to an ideal start, with Rolando Bianchi ending his mini goal drought when he headed home after just seven minutes. On the stroke of half time, Torino doubled their lead, when Luciano Zavagno's fine cross found Bianchi whose bullet header gave the home goalkeeper no chance. Just sixty seconds into the second half, Torino got their third goal in fortunate circumstances after Alessandro Budel's free kick was diverted into his own net by Vasco Faísca.
However, the game was not over just yet, and Ascoli had an opportunity to gain a foothold in the match just one minute later when Claudio Rivalta's handball gave them a penalty. However, Luigi Giorgi saw his spot kick saved by Rubinho in the Torino goal, and when Mirco Antenucci added a fourth goal with a outstanding curling effort, the result was beyond doubt.
Whilst it would be wrong to ignore all the problems that led to Torino losing four consecutive games in the first place, this result will certainly give renewed hope that all may not be lost in this season. As things stand, Torino are just one point away from the final playoff position, and if the team can display the same degree of team spirit and quality that was shown in this match in their remaining fixtures, then there is no reason why they can't reach the playoffs.
Friday, 25 March 2011
Ascoli V Torino Preview
After Franco Lerda's shock return to the club, Torino will be eager to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat and attempt to reignite their slim promotion hopes with a victory.
Despite their disastrous recent form, incredibly Toro only find themselves four points away from the last playoff position. However, Ascoli should not be taken lightly, as they have won their last two matches, and if it wasn't for the fact they were deducted five points due to financial irregularities, then they would be level on points with Torino.
Whilst Torino will obviously be concerned by the fact they have lost four games in a row, another worry is the fact they have not scored a goal in their last three games. The fact that talisman Rolando Bianchi has not scored since he got winner against Portogruaro way back on the 26th February will also be a worry, and one which will hopefully be rectified on Saturday evening.
Despite their disastrous recent form, incredibly Toro only find themselves four points away from the last playoff position. However, Ascoli should not be taken lightly, as they have won their last two matches, and if it wasn't for the fact they were deducted five points due to financial irregularities, then they would be level on points with Torino.
Whilst Torino will obviously be concerned by the fact they have lost four games in a row, another worry is the fact they have not scored a goal in their last three games. The fact that talisman Rolando Bianchi has not scored since he got winner against Portogruaro way back on the 26th February will also be a worry, and one which will hopefully be rectified on Saturday evening.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Torino Legends 2-2 Juventus Legends
For the first time this season, the result was not important, but for the record Torino Legends and Juventus Legends shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The real winner of the night was the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis charity for which the match was held for, and the €223,000 which was raised emphasises the fact that it was a huge success. In front of a unusually large crowd, the first half consisting of thirty-five minutes saw Torino Over 45s take on their Juventus counterparts, with Torino scoring the only goal of the half, fifty-six year old Leo Júnior scoring one of the easiest goals of his career, from just five yards.
The second half saw the Over 35s take over, with World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane taking the field for Juventus, and Gianluigi Lentini, the man who was once the world's most expensive football player, playing for Torino. Toro extended their lead early into the second half courtesy of Lentini, who rolled back the years as he dribbled into the area unchallenged to score. Juventus got a goal back minutes later, when Zidane's cross found Pavel Nedved who scored with a neat back heel.
As often happens in charity games, the game finished level, and Juventus scored their equaliser with about ten minutes remaining via Sergio Porrini's diving header.
The real winner of the night was the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis charity for which the match was held for, and the €223,000 which was raised emphasises the fact that it was a huge success. In front of a unusually large crowd, the first half consisting of thirty-five minutes saw Torino Over 45s take on their Juventus counterparts, with Torino scoring the only goal of the half, fifty-six year old Leo Júnior scoring one of the easiest goals of his career, from just five yards.
The second half saw the Over 35s take over, with World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane taking the field for Juventus, and Gianluigi Lentini, the man who was once the world's most expensive football player, playing for Torino. Toro extended their lead early into the second half courtesy of Lentini, who rolled back the years as he dribbled into the area unchallenged to score. Juventus got a goal back minutes later, when Zidane's cross found Pavel Nedved who scored with a neat back heel.
As often happens in charity games, the game finished level, and Juventus scored their equaliser with about ten minutes remaining via Sergio Porrini's diving header.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Torino Legends V Juventus Legends Charity Match Preview
Whilst Torino and Juventus enjoy a fierce rivalry as the two football clubs of Turin, both teams are putting aside their differences and uniting on Wednesday evening for a worthy cause.
The charity match, that will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin was the idea of Michele Riva, a Torino fan who is suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and this event will hopefully raise both awareness and funds for ALS charities.
The complete squad lists of which players will be involved can be found below, and as both Torino and Juventus are enduring disappointing seasons, fans of both clubs will probably wish they could rely on these players for the rest of the league campaign.
JUVENTUS
Goalkeepers:
Antonio Chimenti, Michelangelo Rampulla, Stefano Tacconi
Defenders:
Antonio Cabrini, Massimo Carrera, Antonello Cuccureddu, Luigi De Agostini, Claudio Gentile, Mark Iuliano, Paolo Montero, Sergio Porrini, Massimo Storgato, Moreno Torricelli, Igor Tudor, Pietro Vierchowod
Midfielders:
Massimo Bonini, Franco Causio, Edgar Davids, Giuseppe Furino, Roberto Galia, Giancarlo Marocchi, Domenico Marocchino, Massimo Mauro, Pavel Nedved, Alessio Tacchinardi, Roberto Tavola, Beniamino Vignola, Zinedine Zidane
Attackers :
Corrado Grabbi, Michele Padovano, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Gianluca Vialli, Christian Vieri
Coach : Marcello Lippi.
Assistant Coach : Gianluca Pessotto
TORINO
Goalkeepers:
Luca Bucci, Luca Marchegiani
Defenders:
Enrico Annoni, Oscar Brevi, Fabio Galante, Roberto Maltagliati, Luca Mezzano, Roberto Mussi, Roberto Policano, Ezio Rossi, Claudio Sala, Andrea Sottil
Midfielders:
Antonino Asta, Diego De Ascentis, Daniele Fortunato, Diego Fuser, Luca Fusi, Leo Junior, Gianluigi Lentini, Rafael Martin Vazquez, Claudio Sclosa, Giorgio Venturin, Renato Zaccarelli
Attackers:
Benito Carbone, Marco Ferrante, Francesco Graziani, Roberto Muzzi, Paolino Pulici, Ruggiero Rizzitelli, Stefan Schwoch, Andrea Silenzi
Coach: Emiliano Mondonico
Assistant Coach : Antonio Comi
The charity match, that will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin was the idea of Michele Riva, a Torino fan who is suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and this event will hopefully raise both awareness and funds for ALS charities.
The complete squad lists of which players will be involved can be found below, and as both Torino and Juventus are enduring disappointing seasons, fans of both clubs will probably wish they could rely on these players for the rest of the league campaign.
JUVENTUS
Goalkeepers:
Antonio Chimenti, Michelangelo Rampulla, Stefano Tacconi
Defenders:
Antonio Cabrini, Massimo Carrera, Antonello Cuccureddu, Luigi De Agostini, Claudio Gentile, Mark Iuliano, Paolo Montero, Sergio Porrini, Massimo Storgato, Moreno Torricelli, Igor Tudor, Pietro Vierchowod
Midfielders:
Massimo Bonini, Franco Causio, Edgar Davids, Giuseppe Furino, Roberto Galia, Giancarlo Marocchi, Domenico Marocchino, Massimo Mauro, Pavel Nedved, Alessio Tacchinardi, Roberto Tavola, Beniamino Vignola, Zinedine Zidane
Attackers :
Corrado Grabbi, Michele Padovano, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Gianluca Vialli, Christian Vieri
Coach : Marcello Lippi.
Assistant Coach : Gianluca Pessotto
TORINO
Goalkeepers:
Luca Bucci, Luca Marchegiani
Defenders:
Enrico Annoni, Oscar Brevi, Fabio Galante, Roberto Maltagliati, Luca Mezzano, Roberto Mussi, Roberto Policano, Ezio Rossi, Claudio Sala, Andrea Sottil
Midfielders:
Antonino Asta, Diego De Ascentis, Daniele Fortunato, Diego Fuser, Luca Fusi, Leo Junior, Gianluigi Lentini, Rafael Martin Vazquez, Claudio Sclosa, Giorgio Venturin, Renato Zaccarelli
Attackers:
Benito Carbone, Marco Ferrante, Francesco Graziani, Roberto Muzzi, Paolino Pulici, Ruggiero Rizzitelli, Stefan Schwoch, Andrea Silenzi
Coach: Emiliano Mondonico
Assistant Coach : Antonio Comi
Sunday, 20 March 2011
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.
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.
Frosinone 1-0 Torino
Torino's poor run of form continued with a 1-0 defeat at Frosinone, their fourth defeat in a row, and a match that ultimately led to the departure of Giuseppe Papadopulo after just eleven days in charge.
Like so many times this season, Torino actually started the game quite brightly, and should have taken the lead in the opening ten minutes when Rolando Bianchi set up Mirco Antenucci, but the former Catania striker saw his shot go wide. However, once again they were made to pay for not taking their chances, as ten minutes into the second half, Frosinone took the lead. The goal was a scrappy one, as Torino failed to clear from a corner, and the ball fell to Dario Biasi whose left footed strike nestled perfectly into the bottom corner. Rolando Bianchi had two late chances to rescue a point for Toro, but both of his efforts failed to hit the target, as Torino's promotion dreams continue to fade away.
Like so many times this season, Torino actually started the game quite brightly, and should have taken the lead in the opening ten minutes when Rolando Bianchi set up Mirco Antenucci, but the former Catania striker saw his shot go wide. However, once again they were made to pay for not taking their chances, as ten minutes into the second half, Frosinone took the lead. The goal was a scrappy one, as Torino failed to clear from a corner, and the ball fell to Dario Biasi whose left footed strike nestled perfectly into the bottom corner. Rolando Bianchi had two late chances to rescue a point for Toro, but both of his efforts failed to hit the target, as Torino's promotion dreams continue to fade away.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)