TORINO FC

[D-Kin]

Torino just hit the woodwork twice!

Only a couple of minutes left.

[D-Kin]

FT 0-0.

[skeeta]

Ancelloti has publicly stated that his primary objective at this point is to get 4th place in the league.

Somewhat unfortunately, they are only 10 points out of 4th, though there are another ten teams they would have to get by to reach it.

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 19 - 13/1/07 (19.30 UK)
Torino - Inter

Stadio Olimpico

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inter go in search of an historic twelfth consecutive win as they start 2007 with a trip to Torino’s Stadio Olimpico.

The Granata faithful returned to Serie A with elevated ambitions and, despite an early rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, find themselves just four points from the Champions League spots thanks to a superb pre-Christmas run.

Although Azzurri midfielder Simone Barone insists that his side’s first priority remains survival, there are signs that Toro may go even better. Torino’s New Year’s resolution must be to take their chances in front of goal. Despite Coach Alberto Zaccheroni’s attacking philosophy, his men have only scored seven times at home all season.

Inter start the New Year knowing that the Scudetto is theirs to throw away. The Nerazzurri began the season as clear favourites and have eased into a seven-point lead at the top after a devastating run of 11 straight wins. While it seems unthinkable that the Beneamata could be caught, stranger things have happened and Roberto Mancini knows that anything but the title would be a disaster. Having beaten Empoli in the Coppa Italia in their first game of the year, a win here would be a clear signal to the trailing pack that Mancio’s men have no intention of faltering.

The bookies won’t be expecting too much interest in Torino. The last time they beat Inter was February 1994 and Inter have won the last five meetings in Turin without conceding a goal.

Zaccheroni – who coached Inter as recently as 2004 – looks likely to drop Stefano Fiore to the bench after recent training ground disputes. Simone Barone is suspended after his controversial Week 18 dismissal in the 1-1 draw against Livorno. Defender Gianluca Comotto is also banned, leaving ex-Inter man Fabio Gallo to stand in. Diego De Ascentis has recovered from injury but fellow midfielder Andrea Ardito is still not certain to feature despite returning to training.

Inter’s injury problems continue into 2007 with Mancio still lacking defensive options. Fabio Grosso is unlikely to return for another week and Walter Samuel’s right thigh problem looks set to keep him out. Julio Cruz is a week short of fitness and the injury-plagued Alvaro Recoba has returned to his natural habitat of the treatment table after picking up a calf strain against Atalanta before Christmas. Adriano looks likely to start as a substitute despite his recent renaissance.

Man on fire: Julio Cesar (Inter) – The Brazilian ‘keeper is in the best form of his career. He conceded just one goal in five games before the winter break and has been authoritative at the heart of a miserly defence.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Torino (W D W L D) Inter (W W W W W )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Torino (probable): Abbiati; Di Loreto, Cioffi, Franceschini, Pancaro; Gallo, De Ascentis, Balestri; Rosina, Lazetic, Stellone

Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Burdisso, Materazzi, Maxwell; Vieira, Dacourt, Zanetti, Stankovic; Ibrahimovic, Crespo

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Barone believes that Torino can get a decent result from this game.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Forza_Roma]

For a player to make such comments are disrespectful to the team and should be fined for such comments. I really hope Torino has the game of their lives!

Ridiculous!

“I believe that they will win it easily, they are too strong and have so many champions in their squad. "

We know that we can do well, but it would be absurd to say that we can stop them. It is one of those matches that you feel you are not forced to win, so we can play more serenely.”

[D-Kin]

I think he's just trying to take the pressure of the players. He has a point, anything that they pick up from this game has to be seen as a bonus. Inter are the one's that are expected to win, they're the one's under pressure.

[D-Kin]

Inter have the chance to achieve a record breaking 12th consecutive league win.

SI.com - Inter aiming for Serie A record 12th straight win

[D-Kin]

Barone and Comotto are suspended for Torino while both Dacourt and Crespo are one booking away from a suspension for Inter.

F.C. Internazionale Milano - Official Website

[Forza_Roma]

Originally Posted by Joel

Inter have the chance to achieve a record breaking 12th consecutive league win.

SI.com - Inter aiming for Serie A record 12th straight win

All credit goes to Inter for the 11 straight wins and possible 12th. But i will take a card out of Juve's book and say...the only reason they may get 12...is b/c Juve are in B...That will be Roma fans excuse for this lol

[D-Kin]

Well it's certainly a factor, plus Inter's squad is much stronger than Roma's last season. Remember you won those 11 games without a recognised striker in the starting lineup.

[Forza_Roma]

That was a fantastic story not only for italian calcio, but for all sports in general. A team that showed heart and determination and over coming all adversity to break the record without the captain leading them. It was truely a beautiful sight to see the 11th win, especially ending with the derby. That's something that we haven't seen with Inter. They just outclass their opponent every game. But if they do in fact win against Torino, i doubt we will see such a celebration as Roma!

[D-Kin]

Yeah, everything they achieve this season will be tainted for obvious reasons.

[Jager]

Torino scare me, as they have Zac, and he will have his team up for us.

This is a tricky part of the schedule, we have to maintain our edge.

[kennethlindheim]

Not a easy game for Inter. Torino are good at home.