[D-Kin]

Two days after commemorating the Superga tragedy, Gianni De Biasi has urged his men to embody the spirit of Il Grande Torino.

“The day we spent at Superga was a very emotional one for all of us. The spirit of the fans really came to us and I believe that can only help us in our quest.”

Perhaps the greatest Italian team in history was wiped out on May 4, 1949, when the plane carrying the squad crashed into the mountains surrounding Turin on its way back from Jose Ferreira’s farewell match in Lisbon.

The accident killed all 31 people aboard, including 18 players, club officials and journalists. The plane clipped the Basilica di Superga church on the mountain-top.

The current Torino team faces a crunch match with Ascoli this afternoon as both sides risk relegation.

“I know that the fans will help us and cheer until the final minute. It will be very important to have all our supporters by our side in such an important game,” continued Coach De Biasi.

“I ask my players to show heart, lungs, determination and courage. Ascoli won’t give up, so we’ve got to be 100 per cent focused.”

channel4.com - Football Italia