[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 14 - 3/12/06 (14.00 UK)
Torino 1 - 0 Empoli
Comotto 88 (T)
Stadio Olimpico

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Gianluca Comotto's late strike started the Torino party, but Empoli can complain they had a 'phantom' goal disallowed.

This match was preceded by a celebration marking the Centenary of Torino's foundation on December 3, 1906. Over 800 heroes of Granata folklore, including Denis Law and Renato Zaccarelli, paraded around the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

Alberto Zaccheroni hoped to mark the occasion with their third consecutive victory in Serie A, but Empoli were on confident form after a seven-match unbeaten run and the League's most solid defence, having conceded just nine goals. Stefano Lucchini was suspended for the visitors.

Empoli had the first scoring opportunity after three minutes, as Moro rushed into the area and was closed down for a corner by Christian Abbiati. The home side fought back with Gabriele Cioffi's header skimming the woodwork.

Roberto Stellone was very unlucky for Toro, as he held off Raggi to turn and spin his low shot on to the base of the upright with Daniele Balli beaten.

Another Cioffi header and Gianluca Comotto shaved the post, but there was controversy at the 57th minute. Abbiati completely missed a corner kick and Marianini nodded towards an empty net. Simone Barone performed a goalline clearance, but replays suggest it definitely crossed the line entirely. Saudati was booked for dissent, but the goal was not given to Empoli.

Moments later Toro threatened with Balli rushing off his line to smother Elvis Abbruscato's cross for Stellone. Abbruscato also struck the side-netting.

Torino got to celebrate their Centenary after all as Gianluca Comotto scored a sensational goal in the final minutes. He cut in from the left and unleashed an unstoppable left-foot strike from the edge of the area inbetween the 'keeper and near post.

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Torino: Abbiati; Di Loreto, Cioffi, Franceschini, Comotto; Barone, De Ascentis, Balestri, Lazetic (Abbruscato 56); Rosina (Fiore 77), Stellone (Muzzi 84)

Empoli: Balli; Raggi (Marzoratti 63), Adani, Pratali, Ascoli (Tosto 46); Almiron, Moro; Busce', Vannucchi, Marianini (Matteini 86); Saudati

Ref: Celi

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...7/tor-emp.html