Dreams Of Beating Juventus - Page 13 - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

Mercer · 06-08-07, 09:47 PM

Great story man. Well done on winning the title and your Sky Sports story was really exciting, I love the tension when the title goes down to the last game.

Looking forward to next season. :)

Tanel · 07-08-07, 05:53 PM

Awards Handed Out On Club Dinner

Elvis Abbruscato won the Torino's best player of the season award in club's private dinner-party held in Urbano Cairo's home.

The evening was mostly about the awards for players which were all voted by fans, but also included musical acts, small games and speeches from players and officials.

The most prestigious award went to Elvis Abbruscato - striker won best player of the season award alongside best Italian and best striker awards.

He didn't get the best goal award where he was dominated with four efforts as the win went to Torino's summer signing Silva for his true screamer against Atalanta. Brazilian received 40% of votes, while Nikola Lazetic was second with his cracker against Catania with 25% and Silva got the third place aswell with a shot in final match of the season against Messina, receiving 15% of votes.

Elvis Abbruscato's efforts against Lazio and Atalanta both received five percent alongside Nicolae Mitea's free-kick againist Catania.

Silva also won the best midfielder, foreign and young player of the season awards.

Best defender award went to Gabriel Tamas and Marcelo Grohe was goalkeeper of the year.

Tanel · 07-08-07, 06:31 PM

Torino Want Vucinic
By Unknown Author - Created on 27 Jun 2008

Fresh Italian champions are looking to freshen their squad with several more big name signings and they have their eye on Lecce star Mirko Vucinic for one scoop.

With European Championships almost over, teams are starting to look at possible transfer targets and with few days to go until market officially kicks off on 1st of July in Italy, negotiations are starting after country fell out of the competition in semi-finals.

Despite winning the Serie A, Torino is very unsure of success for next season and they plan on adding strong players to strengthen the first team in summer.

They've already struck a 3,4 million deal with Daniele Bonera and signed promising stars Lasse Qvist and Alexandre Bonnet, but look for several big name additions.

The Montenegro striker is set to be among several options for a new striker to partner Serie A top-scorer Elvis Abbruscato upfront as Tanel Tursk is disappointed with Roberto Stellone's effort despite scoring 17 goals last season with nearly goal every match.

Vucinic agent has confirmed that there have been small talks between Lecce and Torino, but there's nothing serious so far. "Torino is not the only side interested in him," he told.

Torino also has their eye on Victor Obinna, Elano, Rolando Bianchi, Francesco Tavano and Vincezo Iaquinta.

Strikers aren't the only concert for Tursk as he confirmed today in an interview that there will be lot of new players and the squad will get revamped for upcoming Champions League season.

"We continue to make our side younger, but also I plan on a small change of tactics next season. Due to various reasons we are looking for new winger, striker, goalkeeper and maybe another defender," he told, not giving any hints to names or the size of them.

Tanel · 07-08-07, 06:45 PM

Seven players leave Torino

Torino waves goodbye to seven players who left the club as of 1st of July and thanks for the time spent with Torino and wishes them all the best.

Veteran players Diego De Ascentis, Iacopo Balestri and Giuseppe Pancaro saw their contracts run out and not extended any further in summer. Three players had been significant part of the club over the years and all played several games to help Torino for the title this season, but club and players felt it's time to go apart with younger players more ambitious and fresh.

Striker Cacau returned to German Bundesliga after playing over 20 games with Torino in one season, scoring three goals. He signed for Frankfurt for sum of 1,7 million pounds.

Also Uzbek wing-back Vitaly Denisov departed after spending one and half year as Torino player. He signed for Granata in winter of 2007 and played several games during the following half of the season, but was then sent on loan to Treviso and now he continues his career in Lorient for half a million pounds as his price-tag.

Stefano Fiore moved on-loan to French side Rennes where he'll spend his time until his contract with Torino runs out to get more playing time. Former Italian international had also been significant part of Torino's past two seasons, playing nearly 50 league games.

Nicolae Mitea returned back to Ajax from his successful loan spell at Olimpico. Romanian winger scored a fabulous free-kick against Catania and was amongst those who received the champions medal.

Torino wishes them all the best for the remainder of their career and thanks them from great memories, goals, tackles, crosses, games and much more.

Tanel · 07-08-07, 07:33 PM

Tamas & Romania Lose Final

European Championship 2008 has ended with Holland beating Gabriel Tamas Romania in final 2:1 through Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben goals.

Three Torino players took part of the championship and besides Gabriel Tamas, also Alessandro Rosina and Antonio Di Natale were in there. Nicolae Mitea who returned to Ajax after a loan spell, also was part of Romania side that surprisingly reached finals.

Gabriel Tamas was constant starter for Romania in the tournament and even scored a goal in their semi-final victory over Turkey. They beat Italy in quarter-finals.

Alessandro Rosina made his Italian debut on the group-stage opening match already and capped it off with 6th minute goal. Torino captain continued to be part of Italy side and played in four games through-out the tournament while Antonio Di Natale came off from bench in three games.

"It's sad that we lost the close final, but even getting there is a dream for us. We've had an amazing tournament," told Tamas after the final.

Tanel · 07-08-07, 08:59 PM

No Delle Alpi For Torino

2nd of July, Turin - "Bastards," said Torino manager Tanel Tursk over the telephone when asked questions about another feud between Juventus and Torino develop, Juventus doesn't accept sharing stadium with Torino.

Torino have to continue on Stadio Olimpico which is going to be named Stadio Grande Torino as of this season

Torino had planned for two years how they'll life will change once they've moved to Delle Alpi with Juventus, but things didn't go as planned.

Torino announced this afternoon that they are remaining Stadio Olimpico as Stadio Grande Torino for next season and it'll be their home for many more years.

"Bastards, bastards they are. Apparently they got scared of us becoming too much of a force in Italy and beyond, so they couldn't share stadium with us, after we did so for two years," told Tanel Tursk.

"They knew how much we needed the move. We had full house every weekend at Olimpico and more room would've given us around five to ten million pounds extra per year, depending on how we'd do in Champions League. Can't stand competition. This act is cowardly. Apparently board of Juventus is still made of Luciano Moggi's," he angrily stated.

"Though we continue to serve our fans with best possible. We will try expand the stadium in near future and maybe in few years time, start building a new stadium. I don't feel that sorry for money, I feel sorry for supporters who don't fit to the stadium to see us crash Juventus in derby. Though I call upon all fans to make the away game like our home one aswell."

This comes just days after Juventus had snatched defensive sensation Edmar, Brazilian born Italian U21 international, from Torino after the deal seemed almost done.

Tanel · 07-08-07, 09:34 PM

Authors Note: I think I may post a little too many updates lately, but I want to get past pre-season as fast as possible with all transfers I've lined up. Can't wait to start new season.

Del Bosco Signs With Torino

Torino have signed a deal with 17-year old Argentine and former River Plate central defense talent Leandro Del Bosco, touted in his homeland as heir for Walter Samuel.

17-year old was spotted by Torino while playing for Argentine U20 side where he impressed Torino scout Foued Sandjak enough for him to see more of him and decide to recommend him to Torino manager Tanel Tursk.

Sandjak, who has brought many other young South-American stars to Torino youth-sides, including Silva, was impressed with youngsters defending and stated that he's player to look out for in few years time.

Described as successor for current Inter player Walter Samuel, he has definitely feeling the pressure on him to succeed in Europe at this tender age.

"I got convinced to sign at this age by manager Tanel Tursk himself. My parents didn't like me going to Europe, they told me I'm too young, but then he talked to them and convinced them that this is the right move and the environment for me is perfect," told Del Bosco.

"I'd like to be with Torino this season, but if manager feels like I should gain some experience in Italy, I wouldn't say no. In the end I trust my management and what they do," youngster told on press-conference.

Central defender joins Torino with 4-year contract until June 2012.

Tanel · 08-08-07, 08:51 AM

04/07/2008 14.50

Montolivo signs with Torino!

Torino broke clubs record transfer fee after announcing that they have signed Italian international Riccardo Montolivo for 8,8 million pounds!

Montolivo has been huge part of Fiorentina for past three years

Young attacking midfielder is said to be huge star of Italian football and is already becoming part of Italy's senior team after years with youth sides. He was one of 23 players that reached quarter-finals with Italy, including his new teammates Antonio Di Natale and Alessandro Rosina, who he probably has to fight for his position with.

Though Tursk is hoping for huge immediate impact to the first team from 23-year old who has 5 caps in national team and already stated his interest in interview a year ago with Gazzetta: "If he'd become available, I'd take him first chance possible."

Now he has received his chance and took full advantage of it, with experts saying Fiorentina let him off for pennies.

Montolivo himself is delighted at the move, but he will arrive a week later to the training camp. "Fiorentina is a club with great history and I was surrounded by great champions, but when offer came from Torino, it was tough to resist. I'm proud to become a part of this huge and successful project," told former Atalanta youth product.

He joins his former Atalanta teammate Simone Padoin and several former U21 side players. "It is very familiar and friendly environment in here. It's not going to be easy. We don't have as much quality and depth as Inter or Milan have, but we need to make up for it by determination and hard work. It's young squad in here who all have bright future," he told.

Tanel · 08-08-07, 02:55 PM

Two striking options for Torino

6th of July, Turin - After securing Italian international Riccardo Montolivo, Torino have tough choice to make between star Serie B strikers - Rolando Bianchi or Mirko Vucinic will join Granata.

Reggina looks to offload Bianchi after falling to debts

Two strikers are only one's Torino could afford at the moment with move to Delle Alpi canceled and both talents are held in high regard by manager Tanel Tursk.

Price-tags for players should be around four million pounds as both players played their share of football last season in Serie B where they obviously won't plan to continue in.

Vucinic is looking to get out of Lecce with Torino favourite for his signature alongside many other teams and Rolando Bianchi has the same worry.

Bianchi may very well be the favorite for Torino as former Atalanta talent would join Montolivo and Padoin from famous Atalanta youth side in Granata. The former under 21's international is also available for cut-price as Reggina is battling with debt.

Decision is set to be made within days after manager Tanel Tursk returns from his vacation.

Tanel · 08-08-07, 02:56 PM

Updated: Jun 7, 2008

BIANCHI BECOMES TORINO PLAYER

Torino continues to impress in the summer transfer window with signing Reggina's Rolando Bianchi for 4,4 millions. Striker wasn't one of the targets for striker position to Tanel Tursk, but didn't hesitate when he found out that option.

"I was looking at Giuseppe Rossi, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Helder Postiga, Victor Obinna and several other players for my striker position, but after I saw Reggina lose Serie B play-offs for promotion, I noticed Roland and thought how could've I forgotten such promising striker," he told about the 25-year old.

"Reggina had financial problems and they needed to sell him. Bianchi himself didn't want to continue there for another season. I took a little call and told Cairo to start negotiations with them and luckily we managed to get him before anyone else came in."

Former U21 international joined from debt-ridden Reggina with joy, relieved that he can finally play at the level he has always wanted.

"Every player has their dreams. My dream obviously is the same old boring I want to play in Champions League and World Cup. Being in Torino helps me to both hopefully and definitely the first. I see a very ambitious squad from the first training together with the team," stated former-Atalanta youth himself.

Striker promised his new club lots of goals and couldn't wait to partner up with Serie A's top scorer Elvis Abbruscato upfront.

Tanel · 08-08-07, 06:24 PM

Granata Return For Two

12th of July, Turin - Torino surprisingly announced today that right-back Gianluca Comotto and goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino have returned to the club.

Comotto joined team-mates for a training before meeting Celtic tomorrow

Comotto, who was just a year ago Torino's captain, returned to the club after not accepting to continue in the club last season. Torino was willing to pay upto five millions to Roma for his signature last season, but the player rejected their offer and ended up unwanted at Roma aswell. He then transfered to Chievo Verona when he found it tough aswell and now rejoined Torino for just over 300 000 pounds.

"I'm disappointed with my year. It was my own fault, now I want to regain Torino fans hearts. I see Andreolli has taken over my place fine and Rosina has taken the armband, I don't think I'm able to take any of those back. Not at the moment. I just want to be part of this club and offer everything I can and don't want to create any problems," told Comotto who has spent six years of his career in Torino.

29-year old Comotto is joined by another ex-player Stefano Sorrentino. Goalkeeper joined for sum of nearly 3 million pounds with Torino and is set to be Marcelo Grohe's back-up.

Sorrentino, also 29 years old, has previously spent six years in Olimpico and is delighted at return: "It's always great to go back to the team that really kick-started your career. It was delightful to hear that they want me to become part of this great team. I preferred this to being starter in a team playing in Champions League, so it tells quite a lot about how much I wanted to be here."

Sorrentino is filling in the shoes of Cristiano Lupatelli, who went on loan to Torino's feeder club De Graafschap, but Tursk wants a bit more from Italian who was called up for European Championship, but hasn't played for the Azzurri yet.

It's likely that major reason why Torino signed two were to give them two home-grown places in Champions League and not give those two young players who don't have quality to play.

Tanel · 10-08-07, 04:49 PM

Torino Add Sanchez But Make A Clear-Out

Torino has struck a loan deal with Udinese for services of Chilean international forward, 20-year old Alexis Sanchez. But starlets arrival is followed by big clear-out in Torino side as they send several players on loan, including Nikola Lazetic!

Pacey Chilean joined the team in one year loan after opting for Torino ahead of Messina and Cagliari and was already in Torino's transfer plans when looking for new winger, but they eventually picked more pure wing player in Riccardo Montolivo.

But Tanel Tursk decided to take the chance when he was available for loan and sent Udinese his offer which was accepted by player and club.

"It's a great move for me. It's tough fight for every place in this team and I would've received more playing time in Cagliari or Messina, but they are in Serie B and I don't want to be there. I prefer class players around me every day and a chance to be part of team in Champions League," told Sanchez.

His arrival follows the one of hot and promising midfielder of Atalanta, 17-year old talent Niccolo Conca opted for Torino ahead of Inter, Palermo and Chievo. Torino played nearly 400 000 pounds for the youngster.

Now Torino is said to be done with buying and also finished it's final offloading today. Veteran defender Marco Di Loreto moved to Catania in a deal worth 150 000 pounds. He was also paired with newly-promoted Genoa.

Torino also sent lot of players on loan, including Nikola Lazetic and Lionel Mathis who both were considerable part of Torino last season as they went to Empoli and Napoli respectively.

Torino will keep close eye on full-back Cecilio Velazquez as he plays his trade with Hellas Verona for next season in Serie B, while defender Marco Rossi, striker Claudio De Sousa and goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli moved to clubs Dutch feeder club off De Graafschap. Torino's another feeder, Portugese bwin league side Academia, received goalkeeper Andre Zuba and attacking midfielder Matias Sproat to their side on loan.

All those players besides Mathis and Lazetic have recall option in case Torino has injury crisis.

Paolo Marinelli - 29th of July 2008 19:42

Tanel · 10-08-07, 04:51 PM

Transfers Round-Up

With transfers all done according to manager Tanel Tursk, it's time to round up Torino's summer transfers, involving lots of big names.

Riccardo Montolivo, Daniele Bonera and Rolando Bianchi were the summers biggest new names, but also Gianluca Comotto's and Stefano Sorrentino's return brought smile to Torino fans faces.

Players In

Daniele Bonera (Permanent from Milan)
Lasse Qvist (Bosman)
Alexandre Bonnet (Bosman)
Oskitz (Bosman)
Ugo D'Avanzo (Permanent from River)
Leandro Del Bosco (Bosman)
Riccardo Montolivo (Permanent from Fiorentina)
Rolando Bianchi (Permanent from Atalanta)
Stefano Sorrentino (Permanent from AEK)
Gianluca Comotto (Permanent from Chievo)
Niccolo Conca (Permanent from Atalanta)
Alexis Sanchez (Loan from Udinese)

Players Out

Diego De Ascentis (Bosman)
Giuseppe Pancaro (Bosman)
Iacopo Balestri (Bosman)
Stefano Fiore (Loan to Rennes)
Cacau (Permanent to Frankfurt)
Marco Rossi (Loan to De Graafschap)
Cristiano Lupatelli (Loan to De Graafschap)
Claudio De Sousa (Loan to De Graafschap)
Cecilio Velazquez (Loan to Hellas Verona)
Nikola Lazetic (Loan to Empoli)
Lionel Mahis (Loan to Napoli)
Andre Zuba (Loan to Academia)
Matias Sproat (Loan to Academia)
Marco Di Loreto (Permanent to Catania)

Tanel · 11-08-07, 05:09 PM

Only Wins In Pre-Season For Torino

Torino completed their brilliant and short four-match pre-season in Olimpico againist Brazilian side Santos with an impressive 2:0 win and here's a look back at Torino's wins from pre-season with Tursk's words after the match.

Torino 2:0 Celtic (Alessandro Rosina, Antonio Di Natale)

"Impressive display. We've only been together for few days, but we looked like unity. I tried out the 4-4-2 formation we'll use this season and it seemed to work. Wingers, who are now much more attacking, did their job well and both scored as the scoreboard shows. New guys? Comotto is no new and Oskitz, Daniele Bonera, Del Bosco, Montolivo, Bianchi, Sorrentino, Qvist and Bonnet didn't play. They will be playing in our next game though."

Troyes 0:3 Torino (Elvis Abbruscato, own goal, Alexandre Bonnet)

"It was a good trip for us. I played new players and they all did good. No-one was too impressive beside Bonnet. Really surprised me with his display in wing. Will become vital rotation player for us with such displays for sure. And always nice to see Abbruscato score. We should've won by more, but it's pre-season and it's tough thing to ask your players to be sharp from minute one."

Torino 3:1 Inter (Alessandro Rosina, Riccardo Montolivo, Lasse Qvist)

"Amazing display. We really gave Inter absolutely no chance. Our wingers were fabulous, Silva was unstoppable in central midfield, his two brilliant shots, one againist bar and another followed by Cesar super-save, were absolutely class. This was most pleasing thing I could see in pre-season friendly, determined squad owning title rivals in style. New tactic works really great, Montolivo and Rosina are enjoying their life on wing. But Lasse Qvist will become the surprise package this season. Young lad poses so much pace that it's amazing how he leaves defenders breathing his dust. Bianchi had fine delicate assist to Montolivo's class goal, but I'm worried about his injury."

Torino 2:0 Santos (Lasse Qvist, Riccardo Montolivo)

"Fantastic display once more from our young side. Lasse Qvist is the next big thing! Great display for him once more, he has been one of the best in our pre-season and he'll surprise lot of people once the season starts. Montolivo continues to impress on the left aswell, another goal and he continues to create havoc. At the moment all players have been at great level in pre-season. I cannot wait to start the season, if it'd be up for me, I'd start it right now already. The players are ready for it."

Tanel · 11-08-07, 05:10 PM

Abbruscato receives pre-season injury

2nd of August, Turin - Elvis Abbruscato is out for a 3 weeks until month period of time, with a knock he received in a match against Santos and may therefore miss Torino's Sere A opener and Champions League debut.

Last year's top scorer is in fight with pre-season injury

Striker will definitely miss Supercup showdown with Inter as he deepened a knock on ankle received already from game with Troyes and now fingers are pointed at Tanel Tursk for playing him despite knowing his problem.

"I met with the club physio and it seemed to both of us like a normal one-day knock, that was going to be over after one night of sleep, but apparently it wasn't so. I told Tursk that nothing seemed to be wrong and he knew nothing," told Abbruscato himself.

"I'll be back when I'm ready. At the moment I hope I can start training again in couple of weeks time and then soon start touching the ball again aswell, but pre-season injuries are tough, because I hadn't reached my fitness and it's going to be tough to get back to good form in first games," he told.

He joins new-boys Rolando Bianchi and Alexandre Bonnet on the physio room, but they'll be back soon.

Tanel · 11-08-07, 05:11 PM

Torino Land Group Of Death

21st of August, Nyon - European Champions League group draw saw Torino land group with Barcelona, Sporting and Werder Bremen and they start off with the toughest match, away at Catalonia.

Quest for club footballs biggest prize starts once more

Champions League debutants are hoping to reach quarter-finals of the competition, but the tough draw certainly won't make their mission easy. Same story was for Sampdoria, who got slightly less stronger group of Real Madrid, HSV and West Ham.

Inter and Roma got off quite easily.

"It's not easy draw. Not at all. We face series of quality games and even for team like Barcelona it won't be easy. It's the toughest group for sure. I guess Champions League doesn't favor us. Last season they put us together with Manchester United, now this. But we'll fight, we're strong," told manager Tanel Tursk.

Group A

Benfica
Celtic
Manchester United
Spartak Moscow

Group B

Inter
FC Kobenhavn
Porto
Ajax

Group C

Steaua
Valencia
Dinamo Kiev
Lyon

Group D

West Ham
HSV
Real Madrid
Sampdoria

Group E

Werder Bremen
Sporting
Torino
Barcelona

Group F

Shakhtar
Marseille
Rijeka
Chelsea

Group G

Roma
Rangers
CSKA Moscow
Chelsea

Group H

Club Brugge
PSV
Sparta Prague
Villarreal

Tanel · 11-08-07, 05:12 PM

Authors Note: I only record highlights for CL and Serie A.

Torino - Inter

23rd of August 2008
Stadio Grande Torino, Turin
Italian Supercup

15'

Simone Padoin, 32'

Lasse Qvist, 42'

Gabriel Tamas, 64'

Alexis Sanchez - 35'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 47'

Oliver Dacourt, 49'

David Villa

Despite missing several players, Torino put in a super showdown with Inter and deserved the victory with fine piece of play, especially from young new boys Lasse Qvist and Alexis Sanchez.

Whole Italy had waited for this game for a long time as Inter had remained with the same squad, but Torino's impressive pre-season, led by new players Lasse Qvist, Daniele Bonera and Riccardo Montolivo's brilliant performances, had got Italy on their toes to see how good this Tanel Tursk side really is.

It wasn't the best match to get the idea of future Torino as midfield prodigy Silva, goalkeepers Marcelo Grohe and Markus Eskilsson were in Olympic Games in Beijing. There were problems on injury front aswell, Elvis Abbruscato and Cedric Konan injuried, while another central midfielder Simone Barone was suspended.

Qvist, Bonera and Montolivo were starting in the new 4-2-2-2 formation of Torino and so were some other players, including goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino, who returned to the club after moving to AEK in 2005 and striker Rolando Bianchi. Alexis Sanchez, Alexandre Bonnet and Gianluca Comotto were on bench for the fresh looking Granata side.

Gabriel Tamas had to start in midfield alongside Simone Padoin due to Barone and Silva both being out.

Ivan Cordoba got the unlikely first chance, as the Inter central defender had come forward for a throw-in, but he shot over after a clearance had fell to him on the edge of the area.

Ten minutes later Torino showed their pacey attack, Pisano winning the ball, Montolivo sending Qvist through on run as the Danish talent squared the ball to Rolando Bianchi alone in central position. Unluckily for Bianchi, Nicolas Burdisso got a leg to the pass and his shot was saved by Cesar who had better chance to close down the ball thanks to Burdisso.

Move continued immediately though, second ball falling to Qvist who held the defenders behind and played it to Simone Padoin on the edge of the area. Midfielder took the ball forward and blasted it at far top corner for his second ever Torino goal.

Padoin's Torino career continues to be on the rise

Unfortunately sad news came five minutes later, Bianchi hurt his ankle after a challenge from Walter Samuel and had to be stretched off. 20-year old Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, on loan from Udinese, was brought in.

Rosina's cross was cleared near post, but at other end Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a true sitter. Villa brilliantly gave him the ball behind defenders, but Swede couldn't capitalize, hitting the ball wide from just six meters.

Miss proved costly as Torino continued to show their new style of play with short and quick passes, interfered by some mazy runs down the wing and it brought huge opening on 32nd minute. Simone Padoin robbed the ball and squared it to Alexis Sanchez who went on a run down the right before crossing it low for Lasse Qvist who ran behind defenders and smashed hope at near post.

Inter got their first goal three minutes later though, Stefano Sorrentino's really misjudged the flight of Franck Ribery's cross and Ibrahimovic had to make an easy header in near post to put Inter back within a shout.

Torino regained their two goal lead on 42nd minute, Patrick Vieira's clearing header fell to Gabriel Tamas who sent early candidate for Torino's goal of the season curling powerfully into the top corner from 25 meters.

Torino almost grabbed amazing fourth before the break, Marco Pisano's free-kick found Sanchez for a header at near post, but he was denied a debut goal by brilliant save of Julio Cesar.

After the break Riccardo Montolivo curled a free-kick straight into the arms of Cesar and Inter was quick to capitalize. In following attack, Schiavi's clearance fell to Oliver Dacourt who hit a high ball towards the far post from same distance where Tamas scored from and the ball bounced in off the bar.

And it took two minutes for Inter to get on level, Dejan Stankovic spotted David Villa on counter-attack and sent the Spaniard through on a run as he took the ball past Marco Andreolli before finishing low into far corner.

Padoin powerfully headed Alessandro Rosina's free-kick past the net at the other end, but it seemed Inter found a new breathing after half-time and Villa again created problems. Bad defending allowed him to go on an easy run towards the goal and this time, Sorrentino came to the rescue with a brilliant low save.

It proved vital as after Gianluca Comotto and Antonio Di Natale replaced Andreolli and Montolivo, Pisano's long ball found Sanchez whose pace left behind all Inter defenders and he capped it off with a brilliant finish past Cesar to put Olimpico in love with the new-boy.

Ibrahimovic volley from long pass flew against Sorrentino and the Swede also wasted a good opportunity from Ribery's cross as he headed over.

Torino held possession, but couldn't create chances same way as first half until Simone Padoin's pass luckily found Sanchez in the area through a ricochet, but his shot was tipped wide.

Franck Ribery and Gabriel Tamas both had bad attempts from distance before Stankovic banged wide great Florent Malouda cross at near post.

Marco Pisano made a brave jump to prevent the ball from falling to Franck Ribery at far post and the Frenchman was again dangerou when he volleyed wide Villa's cross and ultimately wasted the last chance to put this game into extra-time.

Impressive displays from goalscorers Gabriel Tamas, Alexis Sanchez, Simone Padoin and Lasse Qvist were enough to give Torino the win, but there were concerns about new second choice goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino's abilities. But it was certainly impressive start for Torino who sent out a warning not only to Italy, but to Europe with this first half display.

Torino: 32-Stefano Sorrentino; 4-Marco Andreolli (62' 17-Gianluca Comotto), 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 22-Daniele Bonera, 6-Marco Pisano; 12-Simone Padoin, 5-Gabriel Tamas; 10-Alessandro Rosina, 16-Riccardo Montolivo (62' 13-Antonio Di Natale); 9-Rolando Bianchi (20' 21-Alexis Sanchez), 18-Lasse Qvist

Cautioned

: None

Tanel · 11-08-07, 05:12 PM

Tursk says Inter will be the main contenders

5th of September, Turin - With two days to go until Torino will start their season away to Udinese, their manager Tanel Tursk has stated that it's going to be another race between them and Inter.

Marco Materazzi challenging Roberto Stellone

Torino beat Inter in the season kick-off Supercup with impressive first half display despite being without several first teamers, but Tursk has insisted that Inter still is in the race and Torino is no wonder team yet.

"We're still getting used to our new tactic and we don't have players like Ribery, Malouda, Villa and Ibrahimovic in our attack. Those four are huge difference. We've got great players aswell in attack and everywhere on pitch, but we're still young and need to develop," told Tursk.

"Ultimately it'll be race between us and Inter, and just like last year, they'll be favorites. Though we are much better than when winning Scudetto last year, so if we'd do it again, it wouldn't be no surprise at all," he told in an interview with Torino's official site.

"Ofcourse there are teams like Sampdoria, Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina and Milan who can become great aswell, but they have all been very shaky in last seasons."

Though he also praised Torino's new boys: "I'm impressed with them. They've all been very good so far. Eager and ambitious. Players like Qvist, Sanchez and Bonnet have been a very pleasant surprise. I already knew what Montolivo, Sorrentino, Bianchi, Comotto and Bonera are capable of."

Tanel · 11-08-07, 05:13 PM

Authors Note: Udinese game got re-arranged because I had two bench players called up for African qualifiers. :D

Barcelona - Torino

10th of September 2008
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Champions League 2008/2009; Group E; Game 1

22'

Lionel Messi, 39'

Anderson, 45'

Ronaldinho - 90+2'

Rolando Bianchi

Match Highlights (4:21)

Torino failed to put the ball into the back of the net in a dominant display and paid the fine by conceding three themselves away to Barcelona.

After Torino's match with Udinese got rescheduled, big season got even bigger kick off in name of Barcelona away and Torino immediately had to face the amazing attacking quartet of Ronaldinho, Anderson, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o.

Though performance against Inter had been positive and Silva, Marcelo Grohe, Simone Barone and Markus Eskilsson had returned to the match squad. Cedric Konan, Elvis Abbruscato, Andrea Mei and Roberto Stellone though weren't as lucky and missed the rare opportunity to travel to Camp Nou. Lasse Qvist was handed another start in attack.

First chance of the match fell to Torino, Alessandro Rosina ran for Marco Andreolli pass, took on few players in the wing before crossing for Rolando Biancho who headed over the bar.

Thiago Motta, who reportedly almost joined Torino during the summer, tested Grohe with a long range free-kick which the Brazilian goalkeeper had to tip wide.

Barcelona grabbed the lead on 22nd minute with fantastic move, Samuel Eto'o brilliantly spotted Lionel Messi for a through ball and Argentine made no mistake of it, going past Marco Pisano and smashing the ball into far post.

Five minutes later Torino was very close to equalizing, Lasse Qvist got Riccardo Montolivo's throw-in and move was completed by third new player Bianchi who unfortunately headed millimeters over at near post.

Daniele Bonera saved Gabriel Tamas blushes when he made brilliant last ditch tackle on Samuel Eto'o as the Cameroon striker had easily exposed Tamas on edge of the area.

But Torino soon had to pick another ball out of their net, Eto'o continued to impress with his speed and went past Pisano, before crossing it for summer buy Anderson who headed the ball in from few meters after some really bad marking from Marco Andreolli.

Montolivo should've gotten Torino back within a shout, but he incredibly sent Alessandro Rosina's cross fly high above the bar from just few meters.

Miss proved costly, Ronaldinho left behind Andreolli for Xavi's long ball and broke into box before sending a lovely delicate effort to far post as he put his team 3:0 ahead. It was really catastrophic night for Torino's full-backs who were at fault of all goals.

Alexis Sanchez and Antonio Di Natale were brought in at half-time to try and save the match and they both added that extra dimension needed to Torino's attack.

Sanchez immediately picked up Andreolli's long ball and went on a run towards the goal, but angle was too tough as he had to shoot form almost byline and his effort flew high and wide.

Sanchez was really having a great night and brilliantly took the ball past Carles Puyol before hitting the ball wide one on one with goalkeeper. Only lack of composure was missing for it to become one of Champions League goal of the week candidates.

Gabriel Tamas curled his free-kick from edge of the area over and Tursk brought in Simone Padoin as his final substitution.

Rosina was enjoying his time at Camp Nou and made another trademark run in a counter-attack as he took the ball past Gianluca Zambrotta, before holding on until others joined him upfront, so he could then cross for Silva, whose powerful shot flew over the far top corner.

Ronaldinho ballooned fine Eto'o pass over from 15 meters, but Bianchi wasted even better opportunity at the other end. Antonio Di Natale found him free in edge of the six yard box with a brilliant ball, but the striker shot straight at Barcelona goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and Rosina's follow-up flew to side net.

Rosina continued to impress, after teaching Ronaldinho a lesson, he crossed in for Simone Barone who managed to head wide of the post after being left free at far post.

Torino eventually got the well deserved goal, but it was far too late. On 92nd minute, Bianchi got his debut goal with a header from Rosina's cross and this was the last action of the game.

Eventhough a loss, Torino fought brave at Camp Nou and could only blame their lack of composure upfront for not grabbing a victory or a draw in second half.

Torino: 1-Marcelo Grohe; 4-Marco Andreolli, 5-Gabriel Tamas, 22-Daniele Bonera, 6-Marco Pisano (62' 12-Simone Padoin); 7-Simone Barone, 8-Silva; 10-Alessandro Rosina, 16-Riccardo Montolivo (45' 13-Antonio Di Natale); 9-Rolando Bianchi, 18-Lasse Qvist (45' 21-Alexis Sanchez)

Cautioned : None

Other Result

Sporting 1:1 Werder Bremen

Torino Position: 4th

Visit Torino Channel FM at YouTube