Dreams Of Beating Juventus - Page 2 - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

Tanel · 20-12-06, 03:14 PM

Torino - Livorno

17th of September 2006
Stadio Olimpico, Turin
Italian Serie A 2006/2007 - Week 2

4'

Alessandro Rosina, 85'

Nikola Lazetic (Pen.)

Torino continued their winning start to the season by beating Livorno 2:0 from Alessandro Rosina and Nikola Lazetic goals, though Stefano Fiore had to quit the pitch injuried.

Alessandro Rosina returned to the line-up, but Matteo Melara got injuried in the middle of the week and goalkeepers Massimo Taibi and Andre Zuba were also out of action again for Torino in this important tie againist a team they were probably going to share lands with.

After finding the net just at the end of the game in the Empoli win Torino it didn't take much for Torino to break the deadlock this time though.

Simone Barone passed the ball to Alessandro Rosina in the 4th minute as Rosina managed to send the ball on it's way while being sandwiched by two Livorno players. Eventhough the ball flew straight at Italian international Marco Amelia, he somehow managed to let it through and allow Torino to grab an early lead.

Amelia blunder helps Rosina score

The pitch was dirty and this prevented Torino from grabing the lead nine minutes later as Nikola Lazetic sliped from a brilliant position and saw his strike fly over the goal after a brilliant set-up by the goalscorer.

Cristiano Lupatelli was then keeping Torino's great defensive record still going as he made a fantastic save on Livorno debutant Rehman Rezaei header.

Though ten minutes later he almost cost a goal with a wrongly timed run out as Livorno's Silvio Meibner shot flew just centimeters over the unguarded goal.

Soon after that Torino had to bring out Stefano Fiore with an injury and Gianluca Comotto made another sub-appearance.

The game was rather boring as Torino did have some problems with the defending, but there was some tension at the end of the half as first Meibner hit the bar after a corner-kick and Roberto Stellone should've really doubled Torino's lead in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper instead of shooting over.

Torino didn't make any subs at half-time and as they seemed to look better after the break espescially in the defence.

Elvis Abbruscato, who is yet to score in Serie A after Coppa Italia heroics, headed Lazetic's free-kick just over the goal.

In the 62nd minute there was a second goal in air for Torino as first Roberto Stellone free-kick was brilliantly saved from the top corner by Marco Amelia and from the following throw-in Abbruscato broke free of his marker only to see yet another one of his shots to fly over the goal.

Soon after that Tursk replaced goalscorer Rosina who looked really tired with Ivorian Cedric Konan who missed Serie A opener because of international duties.

Diego De Ascentis saw his diving header go centimeters wide and Amelia made another great save on Abbruscato before Masashi Oguro replaced Roberto Stellone in the attack twelve minutes from time.

And again the Japanese international gave Torino the decivness in front of the goal. This time he didn't score the late opener like againist Empoli, but schooled Marc Pfertzel and broke into the box to see the same guy thug his shirt.

Stefano Farina didn't waste any time with pointing at the spot and after the Livorno protests ended Nikola Lazetic brilliantly converted the chance given to him to score his first ever Torino goal.

Lazetic send the ball into the low corner

The final minutes gave some joy to the eye again as it was a brilliant match from Torino again, first Cedric Konan bringed absolutely stunning save out of Amelia and then Cristiano Lucarelli hit the post for Livorno.

Torino got another two-goal victory as they sit a top of the Serie A table for the moment with the best attacking and best defensive record also.

Torino: 28-Cristiano Lupatelli; 15-Ivan Franceschini, 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 25-Marco Di Loreto; 15-Diego De Ascentis; 7-Stefano Fiore (26' 3-Gianluca Comotto), 8-Simone Barone, 17-Nikola Lazetic

; 10-Alessandro Rosina

(63' 24-Cedric Konan); 19-Elvis Abbruscato, 11-Roberto Stellone (76' 12-Masashi Oguro)

Cautioned

: 55' Ivan Franceschini, 74' Roberto Stellone

Serie A Results

Fiorentina 1-0 Palermo
Cagliari 1-1 Messina
Ascoli 0-1 Sampdoria
Atalanta 1-0 Siena
Catania 1-1 Empoli
Reggina 1-1 Parma
Roma 0-1 Chievo Verona
Udinese 0-0 Inter
Milan 1-0 Lazio

Torino Position: 1st

m91 · 21-12-06, 03:03 PM

Great Results !! Your stories are also very nice to read :)

Tanel · 21-12-06, 08:17 PM

Tursk praises Torino
By Marco Varminati - Created on 18 Sept 2006

Tanel Tursk praised his Torino team after they beat Livorno at the weekend and top the Serie A after two games, but also warns that the season is just starting.

Nikola Lazetic converted a penalty

"So far everything is going positive for us. We faced two competitors for our place in the league and we convincinly overpowered them both times and also were decisive enough to record wins," told Tanel Tursk after the 2-0 Livorno victory.

"Rosina's early goal was a great boost for us and after that we couldn't look back. If there would've not been for Amelia we would've probably won even bigger than with two goals."

Tursk didn't want to get his hopes high though with the overall income of the season and said, "I told this last week already. We need to play more games to see where we belong in this competition. At the moment we have the best defence and attack which puts us on the first place, but that may change overnight."

When asked about Japanese talent Masashi Oguro the Estonian tactician told that he is a talented striker who has potential to be a huge player for Torino.

"He has been decisive in the two games he has played so far as substitute, but he needs to adapt in Italy more before he can take down the first team spot. At the moment this all promising for him though, but he has to keep his feet on the ground," he added.

Tanel · 22-12-06, 04:34 PM

Sampdoria - Torino

20th of September 2006
Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genova
Italian Serie A 2006/2007 - Week 3

45+1'

Salvatore Foti, 49'

Salvatore Foti - 85'

Simone Barone

Torino fought hard, but fell in Genova as Salvatore Foti's two goals were enough to hold Torino to a 1-2 defeat, but Simone Barone scored a stunner.

With Andre Zuba, Matteo Melara and Massimo Taibi still visiting Tanel Tursk may have had some doubts about goalkeeping and back-up defence, but he had been impressed with Cristiano Lupatelli and there was no doubt for him that he can do the job againist Sampdoria too.

The home-team was having some injury problems in attack as Emiliano Bonazzoli, Francesco Flachi and Fabio Bazzani were all forced to miss the match.

It was an ugly start to the match as the first half-opportunity came after fifteen minutes when Alessandro Rosina's long range effort was rather easily pushed away by Luca Castellazzi in Sampdoria goal.

Castellazzi had to stretch himself a little bit more six minutes later as he had to make a nice finger-tip save from a Stefano Fiore dangerous effort from twelve meters.

It wasn't going to get much interesting though. Sampdoria's Davide Franceschini bringed out a great save from Cristiano Lupatelli on the 38th minute.

The deadlock was broken a minute into the injury time in the first half though. Ricardo Oliveira long cross found Salvatore Foti and the youngster headed it in from nine meters after being left unmarked.

Young striker Foti opens to scoring

The Torino defenders and bench was protesting for an offside and Tanel Tursk almost got sent off with his antics beside the pitch, but the replays suggest that it was a brilliant decision by the referee as Foti was very slightly onside.

Masashi Oguro steped in as Elvis Abbruscato was having yet another disappointing Serie A performance as he was constantly failing to convert his pre-season form into league.

Teenage sensation Foti added an another goal soon after the break though to send Torino scratching their heads.

Oliveira was in action again before the goal as he got a pass in the box to see his shot saved by Lupatelli, but the follow-up fell to unmarked Salvatore Foti and Schiavi's careless defending had allowed the 19-year old to make it 2-0.

Two for Foti

Star of the show Foti almost hit the back of the net for the third time, but his shot went just wide of the top corner and soon after Torino manager Tanel Tursk introduced Gianluca Comotto and Cedric Konan.

It took a little time to make an effect on the Torino attack, but it was Konan who caused havoc in Sampdoria box by fooling Giuliu Falcone before shooting just centimeters past the post.

Soon after Ivan Franceschini effort flew just over the goal and Barone long range shot flew wide of the goal.

Torino was pressing hard now, but Castellazzi made an amazing save on Cedric Konan who had got one on one with him.

It was Simone Barone who finally scored for Torino. Ex-Palermo midfield ace got a pass from Diego De Ascentis and sent his shot form twenty five-thirty meters brilliantly into the top corner of the goal.

Barone scores a stunner

Though despite Tursk's constant engouragements which often caught the eye of 4th referee Torino couldn't make it as Sampdoria managed to organize their defence for the closing minutes.

It was Torino's first defeat in the season though with a little bit better finishing it should've been a draw for the visitors.

Torino: 28-Cristiano Lupatelli; 15-Ivan Franceschini, 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 25-Marco Di Loreto; 15-Diego De Ascentis; 7-Stefano Fiore, 8-Simone Barone

, 17-Nikola Lazetic; 10-Alessandro Rosina (67' 3-Gianluca Comotto); 19-Elvis Abbruscato (45' 12-Masashi Oguro), 11-Roberto Stellone (67' 24-Cedric Konan)

Cautioned : None

Serie A Results

Chievo 0-0 Milan
Empoli 5-0 Ascoli
Inter 5-1 Roma
Lazio 2-0 Catania
Livorno 0-0 Atalanta
Messina 0-1 Reggina
Palermo 2-0 Udinese
Parma 1-0 Fiorentina
Siena 1-0 Cagliari

Torino Position: 5th

m91 · 23-12-06, 03:26 PM

Hm shit happens ;).. Good luck with Torino.

Tanel · 23-12-06, 07:15 PM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tursk is disappointed - Thursday 21 September, 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Torino manager Tanel Tursk says he is disappointed with the Sampdoria loss and says they should've atleast draw the game.

Torino's goal was scored by Simone Barone whose 85th minute stunner came a little too late.

"We created a lot of chances, but thanks to Luca Castellazzi's great saves we didn't score them," he told after the match.

"We showed again that we are a good side and I don't think Cristiano Lupatelli should be accused of either of the goals. Those things just happen, you cannot make supersaves every day, but he did his job last night."

Tursk also said that Elvis Abbruscato's bad form is just a period and he'll get over it soon.

"That international break without any games did some bad to him after great Coppa Italia games. He'll be back soon. We just need to find the right rythm in midfield to give him a bit better balls and mostly headers which he hasn't gotten lately and this is his best ability."

Though Tursk may need Abbruscato to score already on Sunday as they have a tough trip to Rome as they face Lazio.

"This'll be the toughest game we've had so far this season. But we are ready for it and I see us coming out with a good result. I will definately go there planing to win," told Tursk.

Tanel · 23-12-06, 08:40 PM

Lazio - Torino

23rd of September 2006
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Italian Serie A 2006/2007 - Week 4

21'

Tomasso Rocchi, 35'

Edmilson Sanchez Cribari, 45+1'

Stefano Mauri, 84'

Simone Inzaghi - 29'

Stefano Fiore, 42'

Roberto Stellone

Saturday thriller at Stadio Olimpico between two sleeping giants ended with a Torino loss to Lazio as Stefano Fiore scored a hillarious goal for Il Granata in an otherwise even encounter.

Andre Zuba, Massimo Taibi and Matteo Melara were still out for the visitors, but Lazio had to play without Swiss sensation Valon Behrami as the bookies gave both teams rather even odds.

Torino had more dangerous start and Stefano Fiore tested Angelo Peruzzi with an soft effort from the edge of the area after few minutes.

Though it was Lazio who took the lead in the 21st minute after Goran Pandev made a brilliant run down the left wing to cross in for unmarked Tomasso Rocchi who netted it into empty near post.

The boring start didn't give any indications about the game turning out to be a thriller, but it soon looked like so as Stefano Fiore cross ridicilously rolled into the net as Angelo Peruzzi had made a huge blunder with his blunder as no-one was behind him either.

What a blunder by Peruzzi!

Though the situation didn't last long as Simone Barone left Emilson Sanchez Cribari unmarked to head in a Sylvinho free-kick from eight meters out.

Mauri then hit over after some spectacular footwork by Tomasso Rocchi.

Alessandro Rosina was in middle of everything as Torino found an equalizer. He first dribbled past a Lazio player and then managed to get Lazetic pass as he squeezed it through three Lazio players into unmarked Roberto Stellone who netted it into near post and it was 2-2!

Stellone scores his first of the season!

Lupatelli tipped the ball away from top corner and from the following throw-in Stefano Mauri recieved a Gaby Mudingayi cross as he sent it into top corner with a fantastic header, but there was strong suspicion of offside there.

Torino didn't make any changes at half-time and Stefano Fiore effort flew into the arms of Peruzzi this time and soon Stefano Mauri hit his header just over cross-bar.

Iacopo Balestri and Cedric Konan came in to rescue Torino soon after Mauri's miss.

Ivan Franceschini's marvelous long pass was vasted by out-of-form Elvis Abbruscato as he ran sideways instead of trying to face the goalkeeper and then his shoot went miles wide.

Alessandro Rosina pulled a nice save out of Peruzzi seven minutes from time and from the following attack Lazio put the game beyond.

It was another brilliant Goran Pandev run down the left wing and he crossed in to Simone Inzaghi. The substitute was allowed to turn around by disappointing Raffaele Schiavi and he sent his shot between Lupatelli and the post.

Inzaghi put the game beyond doubt

Barone then sent a powerful shot over for Torino and Cedric Konan's effort from tough angle went just centimeters past the Lazio post, but it ended with Torino's second loss.

Torino thuogh should've taken a better advantage of the chances given to them and despite the loss it was another good performance by the Turin outfit no doubt.

Torino: 28-Cristiano Lupatelli; 15-Ivan Franceschini, 25-Marco Di Loreto, 2-Raffaele Schiavi; 15-Diego De Ascentis; 7-Stefano Fiore

, 8-Simone Barone, 17-Nikola Lazetic (58' 22-Iacopo Balestri); 10-Alessandro Rosina; 19-Elvis Abbruscato, 11-Roberto Stellone

(58' 24-Cedric Konan)

Cautioned: None

Other Results

Livorno 2-1 Reggina
Chievo 2-0 Catania
Empoli 1-3 Atalanta
Messina 0-1 Udinese
Milan 2-0 Ascoli
Palermo 0-2 Inter
Parma 2-2 Roma
Sampdoria 1-0 Cagliari
Siena 1-1 Fiorentina

Torino Position: 5th

Tanel · 24-12-06, 09:53 AM

Tursk attacks Trefoloni

Rome, 24th of September 2006 - Tanel Tursk slamed the referee Matteo Trefoloni after Torino 2-4 loss to Lazio on Saturday evening.

Trefoloni under Torino attack

"I thought with Calciopoli that stuff was supposed to end, but we constantly get ugly whistles againist us. I never rated Trefoloni highly and he always seems to be favouring Lazio if he referees their games," Tursk accused the referee. "I don't think he is neutral for Lazio."

Torino fell behind a minute before half-time break, but there seemed to be an offside as Stefano Mauri struck the ball in with a perfect header.

"That goal was a tough hit for us. We had been more dangerous team in the first half and we should've atleast gone into the half-time break with a draw," he told.

Also Urbano Cairo slamed Trefoloni, "I think I have to send in a request to the AIA that they would stop putting Trefoloni whistle our games for some time."

"I know Trefoloni once had problems with our hmmm... dear neighbours Juventus. After that he didn't whistle Jubentus games for quite some time," Tursk added.

"Maybe something like that should be applied here too. Maybe we should give somebody a Maserati?" he asked sarcastically.

"Overall it was a very good Torino game and it was just a bad day for our defence. I tried some new tactical approaches, they didn't work as planed though," he finished his after-match interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

Tanel · 24-12-06, 11:49 AM

Torino aims for Milan upset

Torino manager says that the key of beating Milan is to get Elvis Abbruscato back at his best. The two teams will meet face to face this Saturday.

There is strong speculation surrounding Turinese outfit that Elvis Abbruscato may be benched after a shaky start to the season and the match againist Milan may be his last as a strarter unless he delivers good.

The striker scored five goals in the Coppa Italia and assisted two in Torino Serie A opener, but since then has failed to convert many chances in otherwise invisible matches by himself.

"I don't say anything about whether his place is in danger or not. It is always in danger and so it is for every other player. We've got four great strikers and some great reserves too. Elvis can afford to take some time to get his form back," told Tursk as Torino fans are worried about their star striker.

"Tomorrow's match againist Milan is very important for us. If we can win it then we can go very far with a good form. Despite the two losses in a row our start to the season has been pleasing and we're 5th at the moment which isn't bad," told Torino manager Tursk.

Andre Zuba, Matteo Melara and Massimo Taibi will spend the match out and veteran Alberto Fontana is sitting on the bench as 2nd goalkeeper for a thrid consecutive match.

"I don't think I'm worried. I'm sure Fontanta could do the job againist Milan if something would happen with Lupatelli during the game or before it," Tursk commented on the situation.

"I hope our fans give us a great support in the Olimpico stadium tomorrow and the more louder they are the better we'll play. I'm sure Toro fans not only will give us one extra player, but two," he asked for a great support from the fans.

29th of September 2006

Tanel · 25-12-06, 11:40 AM

Torino - Milan

30th of September 2006
Stadio Olimpico, Turin
Italian Serie A 2006/2007 - Week 5

87'

Elvis Abbruscato - 76'

Yohan Gourcoff, 80'

Marco Boriello, 90'

Marco Boriello

Marco Boriello brace gave Milan a valuable victory againist Torino, but it wasn't as easy as scoreline 3:1 would suggest as Torino went very close many times.

Torino made no changes again in their match squad as despite two consecutive losses Tursk still trusts his players to grab a win.

The game started with a dangerous Milan attack, but Alberto Gilardino's header was saved brilliantly by Cristiano Lupatelli and the situation was later ruled out by offside anyway.

Though after that it was all Torino. Nikola Lazetic was running riot in the left wing and his cross found Elvis Abbruscato whose header though flew just over the bar.

Torino was playing dirty games with the Milan players and soon Andrea Pirlo had to come off the pitch with an injury.

Simone Barone went close to heading in Nikola Lazetic brilliant free-kick and Ricardo Oliveira missed a golden opportunity by shooting wide from five meters.

Dozen minutes before the break Roberto Stellone should've gone face to face with Dida, but instead he sent Stefano Fiore's amazing long ball back into Elvis Abbruscato who lost the ball with fine tackle from Kakha Kaladze.

A bit before the break Stellone tried to flick the ball into the back post as he scholed Bonera on the wing, but the ball flew into path of Dida instead as both teams went into the half-time without any goals.

Torino was happy with team's display and no substitutions came from either side, but it took a brilliant save out of Lupatelli to save a Clarence Seedorf outcurling bomber from twenty meters. And he made another spectacular save after following corner on Bonera.

Lazetic again caused problems for Milan in the left-wing, but this time Stefano Fiore headed his cross just past the top corner as Torino fans were constantly cheering very loud.

Gianluca Comotto came in for injuried Stefano Fiore in the 62nd minute and Cedric Konan also replaced Roberto Stellone.

Ricardo Oliveira twice tried from long range before Milan finally broke through. Clarence Seedorf corner was brilliantly headed in by Yohan Gourcoff though you could put half of the blame on Lupatelli as he really could've saved that.

Gourcoff heads Milan infront

It took so long for the score to open, but just four minutes later another goal was scored as Seedorf again provided, this time for Marco Boriello. He crossed in for the young striker as Lupatelli made a ugly mistake while running out of goal and Boriell headed the ball into empty net without no problems.

Torino had fallen 0-2 behind after brilliant display, but they didn't give up yet and Nikola Lazetic was the man again to cause problems as he dribbled past three players before giving the ball to Diego De Ascentis whose miserable display continued as he shot into path of Dida from great position.

Elvis Abbruscato's future as Torino starter was beginning to fall into doubt, but he secured it for atleast another week by brilliantly converting a Diego De Ascentis long pass. He dribbled past Dida before sloting it into empty net.

Abbruscato gives Torino a late lifeline

With five minutes remaining Torino was hoping to snatch a draw, but it was Milan who was creating chances instead as Lupatelli performed an amazing save on Ricardo Oliveira.

Though from the following corner Milan broke through with a controversial goal. It seemed like Marco Boriello did a 'Maradona' as he used some help from his hand to converet a Clarence Seedorf corner-kick. It was hattrick of assists for the Dutchman.

The game got even more controversial as Tursk didn't want to agree with the decision and it was going into a big debate on the sidelines as the referee blew the whistle two minutes before than he was supposed to be to calm the situation down.

Torino lost their third consecutive game, but now it's easier games ahead for Il Granata as on Wednesday they face Catania away.

Torino: 28-Cristiano Lupatelli; 15-Ivan Franceschini, 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 25-Marco Di Loreto; 15-Diego De Ascentis; 7-Stefano Fiore (62' 3-Gianluca Comotto), 8-Simone Barone, 17-Nikola Lazetic; 10-Alessandro Rosina; 19-Elvis Abbruscato

, 11-Roberto Stellone (62. 24-Cedric Konan)

Cautioned: None

Serie A Results

Ascoli 1-2 Catania
Reggina 1-1 Sampdoria
Palermo 1-0 Chievo
Fiorentina 1-0 Livorno
Udinese 0-0 Siena
Inter 2-0 Parma
Cagliari 2-1 Empoli
Roma 1-1 Messina
Atalanta 0-0 Lazio

Torino Position: 10th

Tanel · 25-12-06, 01:31 PM

Tursk says Torino should've won!

Turin, 30th of September 2006 - Torino boss is angry at the referee again as his side record third straight league loss, but he was thrilled with Torino display.

Tursk blames Borriello for doing a 'Maradona'

Torino had a chance to get back to the game as they finally scored in the 87th minute through Elvis Abbruscato, but a questionable goal from Marco Borriello ruled out their chances.

"In his first goal I think he [Marco Borriello] fouled Torino defender in the challenge for the ball and it confused Lupatelli. And his second goal was by a help of his hand!" blamed the tactician.

"We should've made the game before half-time with couple of goals, but few headers went a little bit wide or over," he told in post-match interviews.

"I'm pleased with our display over the game and we were unlucky to conceede that goal just fifteen minutes from time."

"With a little bit of better finishing we would've scored quite a few goals as Nikola Lazetic was providing our players with many opportunities."

Torino side has been conceeding lots of headers this season and Tursk agrees that this is a problem for them.

"We seem to get overpowered in air, though we are great on ground. Sometimes we just mismark the players. The three-man defence line takes some taking use to time," Torino manager explained.

"I think Milan have got lots of problems. Ricardo Oliveira seems to have a wooden feet. His miss after half hour made me laugh," Tursk brought out negative signs for the Milan team.

Tursk has a brilliant chance to get back on track againist Catania on Wednesday evening though.

Tanel · 25-12-06, 02:38 PM

Manager's Corner

Torino current manager writes to us about the review on the latest developements in the club as we are five games into the new Serie A season.

Hello Toro Fans!

It's been a nice September for us. The tougher games didn't go too well, but in the end we showed good potential in all of our games and we were never worse than our opponents and only gave it away with less composure upfront.

In the opener we had some injuries biting us, but in the end we fought till the end and won 2:0, next game we got an early goal and it was easier after that.

Though Sampdoria game was an unlucky one for us as in the middle of the game we twice had trouble containing Salvatore Foti and we paid our price for it.

In the next games we got screwed over from the referees if I'm going to be honoust. All the 50-50 calls went in good for our opponents, not to talk about the Stefano Mauri goal in the 45th minute which was completely illegal.

We were better than Lazio and if we would've scored some goals in the first half of Milan games we would've probably hold them still for the second half, but we gave it away at the end.

All in all, this month proves that we just need couple of new lads to make this squad a Champions League competitor and I will definately sit down and talk about with Urbano Cairo who is really great support for me at the moment.

We are lacking something in the air and in defence we sometimes lose crucial headers and in attack we shoot them over or wide and with the chances we've had we certain should've scored, but we didn't hit one at the back of the net whole month.

I've talked about what's coming ahead with our season and I think we're going to aim at the UEFA Cup at the moment, though after the half-point we get a better review. Maybe we could give a fight for the Champions League even as we've looked rather good againist straight competitors for that place.

Thank you for your good support and hope next month will bring us only great victories. Will look foward to the Catania game on Wednesday!

Toro for Scudetto!

Tanel Tursk, 1st of October 2006

Tanel · 25-12-06, 09:13 PM

Catania - Torino

4th of October 2006
Angelo Massimino, Cibali, Catania
Italian Serie A 2006/2007 - Week 6

45+1'

Elvis Abbruscato, 68'

Elvis Abbruscato, 83'

Roberto Stellone

Torino flew to a crushing 3-0 victory over Catania as they are back on track thanks to a splendid display from Elvis Abbruscato.

Stefano Fiore, Andre Zuba, Massimo Taibi were out for the visitors, but Torino was hoping to get back on track after three consecutive losses and they were counting on the previous experience againist Catania from the cup as Elvis Abbruscato goal was enough to send the Turin outfit through.

Masashi Oguro was handed a surprise start over Roberto Stellone.

Match started with light Torino pressure, but soft Simone Barone shot from 25 meters flew over the Federico Vilar goal as it never really looked like troubling the Argentine.

After the first ten minutes a brilliant chance opened to Masashi Oguro, but he somehow managed to shoot the ball over from the penalty spot despite having no-one to bother him.

Catania was slowly starting to get a say in the midfield dogfight and they finally had a good chance, but Cristiano Lupatelli made an amazing double save of Gionatha Spinesi and Giorgio Corona in the 22nd minute.

Torino really should've taken the lead after the half-hour as Oguro set up Abbruscato for a brilliant chance from seven meters. The unmarked striker though didn't take the time to set the ball and sent it miles over the crossbar.

The game calmed down, but a goal finally arrived. Ivan Franceschini's brilliant tackle that holded Spinesi from getting a chance to have eye contact with Lupatelli started off a flying Torino counter attack.

Simone Barone who got the ball quickly sent a marvelous long pass to Nikola Lazetic on the left wing who then fooled Catania full-back Reghecampf before crossing in for Abbruscato in near post. He beated Lorenzo Stovini for the header that gave Vilar no chance and Torino got a dramatic lead.

Abbruscato opened his account

At the half-time Torino manager Tanel Tursk bringed in Stellone as Oguro didn't give performance he wanted from the Japanese.

Soon after Stellone missed a perfect chance as he was sent through on goal, but his shot flew softly into the path of Vilar.

Torino started off the second half with great pressure and Simone Barone long effort took some big effort from Vilar to keep it out.

Then soon after Elvis Abbruscato's long range curling bomb hit the sidenet.

Same guy soon had a chance to go score the second of the night for himself and Torino, but he sidenets the ball in a perfect one on one situation againist Vilar after Rosina perfectly gave him the ball.

Catania was getting back into the match, but Spinesi header didn't trouble Lupatelli.

The match was more or less decided minutes later though. Raffaele Schiavi's long ball was badly intercepted by Vilar and it fell into the path of Stellone who passed it to Abbruscato as the striker sent the ball into unguarded net with a cool low finish.

Abbruscato makes it 2-0

Stellone almost made it 3-0, but again he shot into the path of Vilar in a great opportunity as Cedric Konan and Giuseppe Pancaro - who made his Torino debut - came in for the final fifteen minute.

Torino got the final confirmation that they will win the match when Elvis Abbruscato made a brilliant run down the wing as he set up Roberto Stellone for a header which was on first attempt parried by Vilar, but Stellone's second shot flew into the goal to make it 3-0.

Elvis Abbruscato almost made a hattrick for himself, but his powerful free-kick flew over the bar as Torino rised into 6th in table with a great victory while Elvis Abbruscato was voted as Sky Italia man of the match.

Torino: 28-Cristiano Lupatelli; 15-Ivan Franceschini, 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 25-Marco Di Loreto; 15-Diego De Ascentis; 3-Gianluca Comotto, 8-Simone Barone, 17-Nikola Lazetic (77' 16-Giuseppe Pancaro); 10-Alessandro Rosina (77' Cedric Konan); 19-Elvis Abbruscato

, 12-Masashi Oguro (45' 11-Roberto Stellone

)

Cautioned : 11' Alessandro Rosina

Other Results

Chievo 3-0 Ascoli
Empoli 2-0 Reggina
Lazio 1-1 Cagliari
Livorno 1-0 Udinese
Messina 0-2 Inter
Milan 0-0 Atalanta
Parma 3-2 Palermo
Sampdoria 1-0 Fiorentina
Siena 1-2 Roma

Torino Position: 6th

Tanel · 26-12-06, 12:54 PM

Torino boss delighted with Catania crushing

Elvis Abbruscato brace gave Torino a vital victory in the Serie A as they crushed Catania 3-0 on Wednesday night.

"It's great that Elvis has finally found his form back and once we gave a ball to his head he immediately produced a goal. His second goal was nicely shot and he made most of the third goal with his skill," Tursk praised the highly-rated striker.

"It was a great team effort though and when counting out Abbruscato everyone was having a good performance and no-one really shone out of the bunch bad way. It was pleasing."

"I'm very happy with my two goals, but I want to score atleast fifteen in this years Serie A otherwise I'd be really disapppointed. I only have three at the moment, but I'm starting to get the goalscoring feeling back," said the happy man of the match.

"We've had much bad luck in the previous games so this had to change and we definately deserved to win," continued Tursk.

"Now we have a two week break and that is followed by four games which are very tricky though if we play at our best we can have a long run of victories for sure."

Torino's other opponents in October besides Catania are Atalanta, Ascoli, Cagliari and Chievo Verona who all have had some problems in this year's competition.

Tanel · 26-12-06, 03:44 PM

Torino - Ascoli

14th of October 2006
Stadio Olimpico, Turin
Italian Serie A 2006/2007 - Week 7

Torino recored their first draw of the season as they played scoreless againist struggling Ascoli. Stefano Fiore again picked up an injury.

Stefano Fiore returned from the injury break, but the goalkeeping duo of Andre Zuba and Massimo Taibi still hadn't recovered as Torino was looking for a win againist pointless Ascoli on the Sunday afternoon.

It was Ascoli though who got the better start and Sasa Bjelanovic header from Lukovic corner-kick flew miles wide of the Torino goal.

Fiore again had to step off with an injury for Torino after just ten minutes of play and he was replaced by Gianluca Comotto who shone in Torino's last encounter againist Catania.

Raffaele Schiavi who had two brilliant games for Italian U21 over the last week did just enough to pressurize Lukovic to head over after a Michele Fini free-kick and the roles were reverse when Fini also headed over soon after.

Torino couldn't create much opportunities againist the minnows and Cristiano Lupatelli had to make a first save of the evening when he catched Fini's soft and low free-kick without no big problems.

Cedric Konan came into spice things up after half-time and he earned the corner soon after coming in.

From the corner Marco Di Loreto got a dangerous header, but the goal was saved on line by Paulo Foglio.

Foglio saves the ball on line

Soon after Konan made the work before Diego De Ascentis deflected shot was parried by Gianluca Pagliuca from the lower far corner.

Torino seemed to get back into the match and Cedric Konan headed over a Diego De Ascentis free-kick, but after Masashi Oguro steped in for unseen Alessandro Rosina game went boring.

The only chance, and possibily the best one of the evening fell to Elvis Abbruscato though. His shot was brilliantly parried by Pagliuca who was the last man between Abbruscato and the goal.

Ascoli's defence led by Sky Italia's man of the match Mirko Cudini hold strong though and got a valuable first point of the season while Torino fans left home disappointed.

Torino: 28-Cristiano Lupatelli; 15-Ivan Franceschini, 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 25-Marco Di Loreto; 15-Diego De Ascentis; 7-Stefano Fiore (11' 3-Gianluca Comotto), 8-Simone Barone, 17-Nikola Lazetic; 10-Alessandro Rosina (65' 12-Masashi Oguro); 19-Elvis Abbruscato , 11-Roberto Stellone (45' 24-Cedric Konan)

Cautioned

: 18' Gianluca Comotto, 79' Simone Barone

Other Results

Udinese 0-0 Sampdoria
Fiorentina 0-0 Empoli
Cagliari 0-1 Milan
Atalanta 1-2 Catania
Inter 2-0 Siena
Palermo 1-0 Messina
Parma 0-2 Chievo Verona
Reggina 1-2 Lazio
Roma 2-1 Livorno

Torino Position: 6th

Tanel · 26-12-06, 05:58 PM

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tursk praises Ascoli - Monday 15 October, 2006
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Torino manager Tanel Tursk praised his counterpart Daniele Arrigoni for making a nice display againist his side as he drawed 0:0 with Ascoli.

Fiore injuried again

Though there was some more bad news for Torino as Stefano Fiore got another injury during the match and will miss important games againist Cagliari, Chievo and Atalanta.

"I think Arrigoni did a create job in organizing the Ascoli play the way they could neutralize our key players. We could've won that game with a little bit of luck, but Ascoli deserved that draw," Tursk praised the Bianconeri.

"Fiore's injury was a hit, but I don't know how it affected the overall result. I may try out some new positions for players."

"Rosina doesn't seem happy and free in the attacking midfielder position. I may try him out in wing againist Chievo."

Elvis Abbruscato missed a great chance at the end of the match, but Tursk didn't blame the striker for anything.

"Abbruscato did his job, but Pagliuca did more than his in that situation so there was no goal. I'm sure he'll make up for the situation sooner or later anyway."

Tursk may play with three strikers againist Chievo Verona next weekend which means Spaniard Roberto Cuevas may finally get on the bench of Torino.

Tanel · 27-12-06, 05:10 PM

Chievo Verona - Torino

22nd of October 2006
Marcantonio Bentegodi, Verona
Italian Serie A 2006/2007 - Week 8

49'

Simone Barone, 69'

Elvis Abbruscato, 88'