Dreams Of Beating Juventus - Page 9 - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

**Fedorico Roma Fan** · 26-06-07, 05:35 PM

Unlucky with a draw, good luck in 2nd leg

Tanel · 27-06-07, 09:45 PM

Real Zaragoza - Torino

15th of November 2007
La Romareda, Zaragoza
UEFA Cup 2007/2008; Group-Stage; Gameweek 3

2' 12' 62'

Ewerthon, 20'

Antonio Longas - 53' (Pen) 88'

Stefano Fiore

Torino took another European humilation as the second choice team lost to Real Zaragoza four goals to two. Eventhough Stefano Fiore was impressive.

Torino's last European encounter ended up with a pharse and it was no surprise when Tursk, banned himself from UEFA games for a year, picked a second-choice team to play againist Real Zaragoza in this away match. With a win or draw, Torino still had a good chance of progressing.

Match started off quickly as Ewerthon took advantage of a mistake of 17-year old Nigerian full-back Angelo Obinza Ogbonna and went on a 45 metre run until meeting with goalkeeper Andre Zuba and making a comfortable finish.

Though Cedric Konan twice could've equalized in space of one minute in identic circumstances as Cacau twice gave a pin-point cross for him near the post, but Konan once sent a looping header over the goalkeeper and the goal and the next time he hit it wide.

It soon shot in the foot as Ewerthon recieved a pass from Zapater to unleash a powerful curling shot from an innocent position into the Torino net and Zaragoza was 2:0 ahead after just twelve minutes.

Cacau had a shot from six metres saved after recieving a great pass from Giuseppe Pancaro and Ewerthon hit over from similiar position.

Though it was not soon after for Torino to get toured apart once more as Antonio Longas went on a dazzling run through half of Torino defence before sending a cool low finish past pathetic Zuba.

Longas tried from distance minutes later but it went over, just as Konan's attempt at the other end.

At half-time Yves Moukouri, Lionel Mathis and Iacopo Balestri all were introduced to Torino's formation to help and stop the embarassement.

It was some relief when Stefano Fiore was pulled down in the box and he sent the penalty into the back of the net himself, but it was soon back to three-goal difference.

Andre Zuba made another fat mistake when his interception of the ball fell to the feet of Ewerthon who was given a free shot at empty goal from 35 metres out and he didn't miss for his brilliant hat-trick.

It was obvious that traveling Tanel Tursk's face expressed the words, "You, clown, won't play in this shirt again."

Moukouri again was close to his first ever Torino goal as he hit a powerful header from Cacau cross, only to be denied by brilliant reaction of Zaragoza's goalkeeper.

Both teams had couple of efforts from the edge of the area, but Torino got one back eventually when Stefano Fiore brilliantly finished off a cross from Simone Camolese as he took the ball down before perfectly executing it into the far low corner of the goal from a very touch angle.

This saved Torino for embarassement only though as basically Torino lost the chance of progressing from the competition, eventhough manager Tanel Tursk barely wants to play in this remaining group game with Ajax.

Torino: 32-Andre Zuba; 16-Giuseppe Pancaro (45' 22-Iacopo Balestri), 3-Andrea Mei, 25-Marco Di Loreto, 18-Angelo Obinze Ogbonna; 15-Diego De Ascentis (45' 24-Lionel Mathis); 7-Stefano Fiore, 28-Silva, 14-Simone Camolese; 20-Cedric Konan, 9-Cacau (45' 21-Yves Moukouri)

Cautioned : 73' Silva, 78' Angelo Obinza Ogbonna

Other Result

Dortmund 1-1 Ajax

Torino Position: 4th

Tanel · 28-06-07, 07:13 PM

Torino - Empoli

25th of November 2007
Stadio Olimpico, Turin
Italian Serie A 2007/2008; Week 10

40'

Nikola Lazetic, 43'

Roberto Stellone

Match Higlights (2:54)

Torino got back on winning ways with the first team as they got a convincing home win with two late first half goals againist Empoli from Roberto Stellone and Nikola Lazetic.

Torino was without Simone Barone again for obvious reasons, while Tanel Tursk still had to watch Torino's matches from sidelines with a ban. Though Gabriel Tamas, Alessandro Rosina and Elvis Abbruscato all returned to give the good looks back to the Torino line-up.

Tursk including surprise picks of Iacopo Balestri and Stefano Fiore into the team, but it was logical considering the form of Giuseppe Pancaro and Antonio Di Natale this season.

Elvis Abbruscato started off nicely, but his volley from an Alessandro Rosina pass went over the goal as he had to hit it with one touch.

Sergio Almiron's free-kick was easily saved by Marcelo Grohe, but Luca Saudati went much closer to Torino goal when his powerful effort from the edge of the area flew just over the goal minute later.

Elvis Abbruscato almost got another one of his goals, but his header from Rosina's cross was brilliantly denied by Empoli's goalkeeper.

Following corner saw Rosina giving another cross which was headed over by Roberto Stellone as the presence of 23-year old midfielder really was effecting Torino's game quite a lot.

Silva had two shots blocked in front of the area, but in 40th minute Torino finally got the lead. Rosina's free-kick was headed under bar by Nikola Lazetic.

Nikola Lazetic ended a long goal-dry

Torino wanted to secure the match even more and they did when Iacopo Balestri's pass found Roberto Stellone in the box free of defenders and the striker didn't miss, sending a low finisin in between the post and goalkeeper.

Marcelo Grohe made a great stop on Luca Saudati's shot in one on one situation just minute later, but it was exciting end to the first half as Silva's great long pass sent through Stellone who was denied one on one.

At half-time Tursk, who was running between the stand and the dressing room constantly, made no subs.

Grohe had to make another one of his brilliant stops just minute into the half after Sergio Almiron had sent an accurate and powerful volley towards his goal.

While Saudati almost took advantage of a bad Rosina back-pass as he tried to beat Grohe who was slightly out of the goal, but his shot from nearly 30 metres flew over the goal.

Quickly after that Tursk contacted via mobile phone to bring in Andrea Mei and Antonio Di Natale. The later coming on for an unusual striker position, eventhough he used to play a wing support in Luciano Spalletti's 3-man attack in Udinese with David Di Michele and Vincenco Iaquinta.

He almost got a goal aswell, but his long run towards the Empoli goal ended up with his ball bouncing off defender and goalkeeper before sent safe.

Substitute Nicola Pozzi had a late effort saved, but it was an easy win for Torino, who now may take the first place in Serie A table next week as they meet with Juventus in the derby and the point difference is just two.

Torino: 1-Marcelo Grohe; 4-Marco Andreolli, 5-Gabriel Tamas, 2-Raffaele Schiavi (67' 3-Andrea Mei), 22-Iacopo Balestri; 7-Stefano Fiore, 28-Silva, 17-Nikola Lazetic; 10-Alessandro Rosina; 11-Roberto Stellone (67' 13-Antonio Di Natale), 19-Elvis Abbruscato

Cautioned

: None

Other Results

Inter 0-1 Fiorentina
Messina 1-1 Juventus
Palermo 0-0 Catania
Roma 3-0 Lazio
Parma 0-2 Milan
Chievo 1-0 Siena
Bologna 1-0 Atalanta
Ascoli 2-0 Sampdoria
Napoli 0-2 Udinese

Torino Position: 2nd

Visit Torino Channel FM at YouTube

**John10** · 29-06-07, 01:06 PM

keep it going my freind looking good

Tanel · 29-06-07, 04:49 PM

Mantova - Torino

28th of November 2007
Danilo Martelli, Mantova
Coppa Italia 2007/2008; 2nd Round; 2nd Leg

Mantova Through 5-3 On Aggregate
17'

Claudio Grauso, 61'

Valerio Di Cesare, 69' 85'

Alessandro Noselli - 33'

Claudio De Sousa, 83'

Yves Moukouri

Torino got a shock in the Coppa Italia second leg as they fell out of the cup with a loss to Mantova, despite Claudio De Sousa and Yves Moukouri grabbing the first ever goals for the club.

Torino went to this away game on 1:1 from home leg and it was going to be tough, espescially with Tanel Tursk opting to play his second choice players again with tie with Juventus on his mind.

Cristiano Lupatelli got his first game of the season, while Claudio De Sousa was handed a start alongisde team with Antonio Di Natale, Marco Rossi and Giuseppe Pancaro.

Alessandro Noselli got the first chance for home side, but his powerful shot was made under too big angle and Lupatelli punched it away.

Mantova grabed the lead in 17th minute though when Claudio Grauso's free-kick took a heavy deflection off the wall and Cristiano Lupatelli had no chance of getting back for the ball as he already moved to different direction.

Torino tried to get back into the match as Claudio De Sousa sideneted from a Cedric Konan cross. De Sousa was having a nice evening, but another shot by him was denied by the Mantova goalkeeper Mirko Bellodi. The situation continued with Lionel Mathis volleying over from the edge of the area.

Cedric Konan's cross created a havoc in the box minutes later, but none of the Torino players could get their feet to it, so the opportunity flew away.

Torino got the desired equalizer on the 33rd minute though, Claudio De Sousa calmly executed a brilliant 40 metre long ball by Primavera captain Angelo Obinza Ogbonna.

De Sousa scored his first ever Torino goal

Lupatelli made a nice save on Perrone at the other end as the striker tried his luck from near the penalty spot.

At half-time 16-year old Congo future hope Yves Moukouri was introduced while Lionel Mathis banged another powerful shot over.

Torino's wasteful play costed them a lot when Valerio Di Cesare sent in a brilliant free-kick from 20 metres with Lupatelli having no chance of saving it.

Noselli had been one of Mantova's best players over the two leg's and he got a nice shot from distance that flew over though.

Just minute later he got his wanted goal though. He was allowed a free-shot in the box and he perfectly sent the ball into top far corner of the goal. Torion was complaining of offside, but referee correctly awarded the goal.

Iacopo Balestri and Stefano Fiore were introduced for emergency rescue of the Coppa Italia campaign in the final 20 minutes.

It didn't give much effect, but Torino did get a goal back on 83rd minute. With young Yves Moukouri heading in his first ever Torino goal from a Giuseppe Pancaro free-kick.

Torino would've gone through with one goal, but that wasn't to happen as Noselli grabed another one minutes before the end.

Torino now surprisingly fell out of the Coppa Italia where last year they reached quarter-finals.

Torino: 26-Cristiano Lupatelli; 16-Giuseppe Pancaro, 23-Marco Rossi, 3-Andrea Mei, 18-Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (70' 22-Iacopo Balestri); 13-Antonio Di Natale, 24-Lionel Mathis (70' 7-Stefano Fiore), 28-Silva, 20-Cedric Konan; 44-Claudio De Sousa, 9-Cacau (45' 21-Yves Moukouri)

Cautioned : None

Tanel · 30-06-07, 01:52 PM

Derby To Dictate Torino's Season

1st of December, Turin - Turin is in the derby mood as the Serie A derby returns after many years out. And the importance of the game is huge with both team being in top of the league with two points apart.

Serie A table before the game

Tanel Tursk ban ended just on Saturday so he may return to the bench of Torino after a month out with FIFA ban. He is ready for the big one and stated it's the most important game of his Torino career so far.

"I can feel the excitement. I'm having shivers already talking about it at the moment. We want to win this one for sure. It's matter of pride. With this game, we'll see who is the Turin no. 1 for years to come," told Tursk.

"Not only is this an improtant derby, but it also will set our sights on future of this season. Win this and I publically announce us to be in race for the title. Otherwise we'll want to get a Champions League place."

Torino is rather fit, but only question is who'll replace Simone Barone with broken leg. So far Lionel Mathis and young prodigee Silva have shared the starts, but it's unclear who Tursk is to pick for this match.

"My decision will be made tomorrow after I see in the final training who is more determined," he told on press-conference.

Meanwhile Torino is on the verge of signing 19-year old Argentinan future hope Alejandro Ramirez from San Lorenzo.

**James M** · 30-06-07, 10:40 PM

is it ok if i post this great story on my forum?

i will just post a link to this thread so you dont need to keep updating them all the time

Tanel · 01-07-07, 05:52 PM

It's ok by me. :)

Tanel · 01-07-07, 05:53 PM

Torino - Juventus

2nd of December 2007
Stadio Olimpico, Turin
Italian Serie A 2007/2008; Week 11

37'

Elvis Abbruscato, 53'

Roberto Stellone - 17'

Alessandro Del Piero

Match Highlights

Elvis Abbruscato was inspirational in Torino's convincing 2:1 win over Juventus in front of a full Stadio Olimpico.

Turin was in huge derby mood with Juventus and Torino meeting while being at the top of the Serie A. Just two points was between two sides, with Juventus leading the table. It was sure that Turin had got both of their teams back to the top of Italy, but now it was a battle for the title of the best club in town.

Tursk stated before the game that this game was important for the season because the result of it set the objectives for the rest of the season. Win meant title hunt and loss a fight for Champions League place.

Tursk, who returned from his one month sideline ban, made it offical before the game that attacking midfielder Alessandro Rosina will become the offical captain of the club with Giuseppe Pancaro falling to bench role. Meanwhile Silva was picked to start as Simone Barone's replacement.

Torino got the first good opportunity just minutes into the game as Elvis Abbruscato's shot was saved by brilliant Gianluigi Buffon.

At the other end, hate-figure for Torino fans, former captain of the team, full-back Federico Balzaretti banged over from 25 metres.

It was Juventus who took the lead just as it seemed like the game had calmed down. Silva made a bad back-pass and Alessandro Del Piero had no trouble converting the ball without no marker and Marcelo Grohe out of the goal, eventhough he had to do so from tough angle.

Stefano Fiore banged wide with a straight powerful shot from the edge of the area.

It was through fireworks show from both teams between 27th to 30th minute though. First Silva noticed that Gianluigi Buffon was out of his goal and tried to send a long-range lob over him, but it also flew over the goal.

At the other end Torino defence didn't show themselves to be good at handling the stars of Juventus, as Marcelo Grohe made an amazing triple save on powerful Alessandro Del Piero, Ruben Oliveira and Mauro Camoranesi shots. And few seconds later, Del Piero headed wide a Camoranesi cross from right wing.

Juventus had another chance as their free-kick took a deflection to the head of Igor Tudor, but his shot was saved by brilliant Grohe.

But it was Torino who probably had the best chance of the fireworks after half hour. First Alessandro Rosina's corner was headed againist the bar by Elvis Abbruscato, Roberto Stellone's follow-up was brilliantly saved by Buffon and then Nikola Lazetic's third try in few seconds took heavy deflections of defenders and Buffon did brilliantly to bunch it over the bar.

After that the game calmed down for few minutes, but Torino did get their equalizer on 37th minute. Nikola Lazetic and Elvis Abbruscato combined for the first to get a shot from the edge of the area, which was going to be easy for Buffon to get, but Abbruscato decided to re-direct the shot with his head and it flew into the goal without Buffon having a chance of reaching it.

Abbruscato got a one on one with Buffon again, but his shot was saved and it came out that there had been offside earlier on.

At half-time Stefano Fiore came off for Antonio Di Natale. The show continued at the start of the half aswell. David Trezeguet hit it over from 20 metres with a central shot, but minutes later Torino got the lead.

Silva won the ball in midfield and gave it to Elvis Abbruscato, who brilliantly noticed a Roberto Stellone run to free zone.

Eventhough Stellone didn't show much of speed and the pass wasn't that perfect, the striker still got it and past Robert Kovać to send it past hopeless Buffon.

It was a great goal from Torino and Stellone

Juventus was having trouble with Torino's attacking players and they combined once more for Rosina having a shot blocked before blasting a powerful shot towards the near post, only to be denied by brilliant Buffon save.

Young Juve substitute Davide Chiumiento had a central shot curling over from edge of the area as Torino bringed in Lionel Mathis for Silva on 70th minute.

It was a short game for Mathis, getting injuried after just three minutes and coming off for Andrea Mei as Gabriel Tamas moved to midfield.

Tamas presence in midfield took the pace down for the game, but he did have a great free-kick was denied by Buffon and Chiumiento had the same fate with Grohe saving his try from 20 metres.

Final minutes were all Torino as Nikola Lazetic had a volley miles past the far post, before Rosina gave a great pass for an Abbruscato run, but Buffon closed down fine and blocked the shot.

Rosina gave similiar ball to Roberto Stellone just few seconds later, but Buffon grabbed it from the feet of the striker as Andrea Mei also felt the greatness of Juve goalkeeper when his shot from edge of the area was catched by the national team number one.

But despite that, Torino had won the derby and moved to the first place and it was all party for the Granata fans all over Italy.

Torino: 1-Marcelo Grohe; 4-Marco Andreolli, 5-Gabriel Tamas, 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 22-Iacopo Balestri; 7-Stefano Fiore (45' 13-Antonio Di Natale), 28-Silva (70' 24-Lionel Mathis) (74' 3-Andrea Mei), 17-Nikola Lazetic; 10-Alessandro Rosina; 11-Roberto Stellone, 19-Elvis Abbruscato

Cautioned : None

Other Results

Napoli 3-1 Bologna
Inter 2-0 Lazio
Parma 3-0 Atalanta
Roma 3-0 Milan
Ascoli 0-2 Fiorentina

Torino Position: 1st

Visit Torino Channel FM at YouTube

**John10** · 01-07-07, 08:05 PM

Keep it going mate, well done so far

Tanel · 02-07-07, 09:24 AM

Tursk: "I promise big things!"

Tanel Tursk was delighted after the derby victory from Roberto Stellone's and Elvis Abbruscato's goals and said to Sky Sports that he'll go for the title.

"I will promise you! We'll win the title. This game motivated us and made us see our strenghts. We were head above Gobbi," stated Tursk.

"But I also like to announce that we're investing into future and have got couple of young players lined-up from around the globe. Including the speculated Alejandro Ramirez. And we will look up for more. This is our way for future. Silva is already making the break-through to the first team and Grohe is one of the best goalkeepers in the league."

Many players and managers praised Torino striker Elvis Abbruscato after yet another inspirational show.

"Abbruscato is a great striker and I've always told that. Luckily there has been no problems for us to keep him as no-one has even asked us for him. We made sure he is to stay with us when he signed a 5-year old contract last spring."

Many Toro players, including newly crowned captain Alessandro Rosina were delighted aswell: "I'm honoured and deligthed to see that my work over here in last two and half years have been noticed. To become a captain and win my first ever game as one, which is a derby, makes me very happy. Though I'm not entirely happy with the way I played myself."

See Also:

Match Review

**VeggiSmurf** · 02-07-07, 11:23 AM

Gratz with your victory over Juve

**Fedorico Roma Fan** · 02-07-07, 02:22 PM

good victory against Juve, Keep it up

**James M** · 02-07-07, 09:53 PM

great victory against Juve

**John10** · 02-07-07, 11:58 PM

Well done against Juventus mate. Can't wait for the next installment to this great story.

KUTGW

Tanel · 03-07-07, 05:47 PM

Thank you all. :)

But no update today, because I'm still digesting what happened in the game vs. Fiorentina. As a spoiler, I may say, that if you thought that Juve game was interesting, then this was thrice as good. It was the game of the games. Goals, posts, saves, tackles at world class. I don't know how I'll fit it into the YouTube limit even. :D

Tanel · 04-07-07, 11:56 AM

Fiorentina - Torino

5th of December 2007
Artemio Franchi, Firenze
Italian Serie A 2007/2008; Week 12

47'

Massimiliano Gobbi, 60'

Luca Toni - 7'

Silva, 26'

Elvis Abbruscato

Match Highlights (6:06)

Torino threw away a 2:0 lead to draw Fiorentina in a fantastatic night of football in Florence as they had a goal disallowed and hit the woodwork twice.

The match between Torino and Fiorentina was set to be very interesting as two teams were seperated by two points only and were on hot streak. Torino lost Lionel Mathis in match againist Juventus, so with Simone Barone out aswell, Silva had a secure place in the line-up for quite long time.

Torino got an early lead when Dario Dainelli's clearance went as far as Silva whose shot took a deflection off Tomas Ujfalusi and Sebastien Frey, who was out of goal, couldn't do anything to stop the youngster from scoring his first ever Torino goal.

Silva (behind Fiorentina's no. 17) scored from edge of the area

Raffaele Schiavi got yellow-carded before Riccardo Montolivo's shot was punched over by Marcelo Grohe and Stefano Fiore made a fantastic block on Massimiliano Gobbi's header to block a header.

Torino got a two-nil lead when Silva combined brilliantly with Elvis Abbruscato to set the striker through on goal as last years top scorer didn't make a mistake with the opportunity and his ball rolled into the goal by a bounce from post.

Torino could've scored once more, but Fiore headed Nikola Lazetic's cross into the wrong side of the post and it chiped wide.

Elvis Abbruscato banged Marco Andreollis long ball past the goal before the end of the half which was largely dominated by Torino. Cedric Konan came in at half-time to replace injuried Roberto Stellone.

Fiorentina got back into it quickly after the break got over as Luca Toni managed to give a pass to Gobbi who was given a free way to the Torino penalty area as he finished off at near post.

Torino tried to get two-goal lead back immediatelly, but Schiavi's long ball was smothered againist Frey by Abbruscato and on second attempt he hit the sidenet.

Fiorentina got very close to equalizing, but Montolivo's header from Gobbi's cross rattled back off the cross-bar and Andreolli cleared.

Less than minute later Adrian Mutu brilliantly headed a Manuel Pasqual deep cross, but Grohe got his fingertips to it and it went over.

Marco Donadel tried a 35 metre free-kick and pulled a great save out of Marcelo Grohe as the home side was piling on the pressure.

Torino got a counter-attack quickly after the free-kick though as Cedric Konan's shot got deflected on the foot of Alessandro Rosina, but Frey got his hand to the shot and made the ball go wide of the near post.

Nikola Lazetic could've put Torino ahead just minutes later, but his shot from Abbruscato's deflected cross flew into the cross-bar.

Lazetic then gave a great cross to Cedric Konan who didn't have much time to take the shot and he shot it straight at Frey who put his hands together to parry it.

Liverani's shot was deflected besides the post by Luca Toni, but Grohe reacted with an amazing reflex save.

Schiavi made a very bad clearing header towards his own goal, but amazingly with Grohe out of the goal, Toni couldn't get it on target and he missed an empty net.

But he made up for it just minutes later when the show of football continued as Gobbi continued his fantastic display on right wing as his cross was headed in by big Italian striker at near post.

This didn't calm the game down just yet though. Five minutes later Torino thought they took back the lead when Abbruscato banged in a Konan weak shot at near post, but assistant referee was waving his flag for offside and Torino people were in shock. The replays suggested that if there was any offside it was Abbruscato's toe what was past the last defender.

Di Natale came on for Stefano Fiore in 66th minute as right after that, Grohe made a great save on powerful Riccardo Montolivo effort from outside the area.

Grohe made another save on Mutu and tipped his header over before Rosina twice missed from 25 metres with a free-kick and in-game shot.

Tamas almost costed Torino the game when he lost the ball to Toni outside of the area as Gobbi picked it up only to see his saved wide by Grohe.

In final minutes the show continued, Abbruscato shot wide from distance, but Montolivo saw his brilliant shot from similiar position saved from top corner by Grohe.

Then Toni's shot in one on one situation was slowed down enough by Grohe for Andreolli to clear it off the line. Konan sidenetted a header and Alexander Farnerud placed a soft chip into the hands of man of the match Grohe, but the scoreline remained the same.

By a far best match of the Serie A season will definately go down to history book's of both Torino and Fiorentina, while Torino remain on the first position with Juventus having a draw aswell. There definately remains a sour taste in mouths of Torino fans after having a legal goal disallowed and hitting the woodwork twice.

Torino: 1-Marcelo Grohe; 4-Marco Andreolli, 5-Gabriel Tamas, 2-Raffaele Schiavi, 22-Iacopo Balestri; 7-Stefano Fiore (66' 13-Antonio Di Natale), 28-Silva, 17-Nikola Lazetic; 10-Alessandro Rosina; 11-Roberto Stellone (45' 20-Cedric Konan), 19-Elvis Abbruscato

Cautioned

: 13' Raffaele Schiavi

Other Results

Empoli 0:1 Roma
Juventus 0:0 Parma
Lazio 1:1 Messina

Torino Position: 1st

Visit Torino Channel FM at YouTube

Tanel · 04-07-07, 05:14 PM

Torino - Ajax

13th of December 2007
Stadio Olimpico, Turin
UEFA Cup 2007/2008; Group Stage; Gameweek 5

46'

Masashi Oguro, 58'

Cacau - 5'

Jan Verthongen, 43'

Mauro Rosales

Torino got a surprise draw with Ajax in this final game of disappointing and eventful UEFA Cup trip with Cacau grabbing his first ever goal for Torino and Masahi Oguro scoring in his first game this season.

UEFA Cup had been a disaster for Torino and they went againi with second choice players to face Ajax at home as Masashi Oguro was picked to play for the first time this season.

The match got a predicted start as Mauro Rosales corner was headed in by midfielder Jan Verthongen close to the six-yard box.

Verthongen then tried to shoot from ground aswell with a strong low shot from the edge of the area, but it didn't beat the former Fiorentina and Roma goalie Cristiano Lupatelli.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar headed wide as Ajax continued to dominate and finally it paid off as Mauro Rosales was allowed to shoot a Gabri cross in without problems at far post.

Marco Rossi was surpringly bringed in as right-back for the second half and Iacopo Balestri came on for Stefano Fiore as Torino got an immediate goal at the start of the half.

Rossi's first touch as right-back ended up being a great cross which Masashi Oguro headed in at near post to open up the game.

And just twelve minutes later Torino got another one, Di Natale sent a long ball foward which Cacau collected before rounding past Ajax goalkeeper and sending a low ball to guardless net. It was his first ever goal in Torino shirt.

Di Natale himself tried to score an amazing bicycle kick from 20 metres out, but his shot went harmlessly wide of the Ajax goal.

Torino was having a great seocnd half, but Andrea Mei failed to convert a Di Natale pass after being left alone in box as he hit it wide of the far post from good position.

Lupatelli made a great save on strong lob of Stephen Appiah from outside the area as he tiped the precisely hit ball over the bar.

Cedric Konan sideneted an Angelo Obinze Ogbonna pass while De Ascentis put Torino ahead in final minute, but the goal was disallowed correctly for offside.

Torino finished the group as 4th, two points behind Zaragoza, but even winning this game would've probably not help as Torino had a -4 goal difference.

Torino: 32-Cristiano Lupatelli; 16-Giuseppe Pancaro (45' 23-Marco Rossi), 3-Andrea Mei, 25-Marco Di Loreto, 18-Angelo Obinze Ogbonna; 7-Stefano Fiore (45' 22-Iacopo Balestri), 15-Diego De Ascentis, 20-Cedric Konan; 13-Antonio Di Natale; 9-Cacau, 12-Masashi Oguro

Other Result

Zaragoza 1:1 Aalborg

Torino Position: 4th